Addiction is different for everyone, so there is no easy way to tell if someone you care for is struggling with drug use. Just because a loved one is struggling with substance abuse does not mean the need to go to rehab, either. Simply talking to your loved one may help. There are both physical and emotional signs of addiction, so simply paying attention may cue you to your loved one’s need for help.
Physical Traits of Substance Abuse
- Their eyes often look irritated or red enlarged or restricted pupils.
- They always seeming tired. Your loved one may be sleeping all the time because of this, or just always seem tired even after just getting up.
- They have unusual odors on their breath or body. Possibly from lack of hygiene or from drug residue.
- Did they change their eating patterns? This may also result in rapid weight gain or weight loss.
- Do you notice slurred or impaired speech pattern or unusual lack of coordination?
Lifestyle Changes that may Signal Substance Abuse
- A sudden change in social group and hang out spots. New friends do not always mean drug use, obviously, but a completely new social set along with other signs may mean your loved one is using drugs more heavily than their old friends approved of.
- A sudden change in attitude or frequent mood swings. Is your loved one frequently anxious or paranoid? Do they occasionally become hyper and giddy for no reason. Remember, we all have mood swings. If your loved one is struggling with drug use, these would be wide mood swings.
- Did your loved one suddenly become secretive about where they are going or what they were doing?
- Are they not following through with responsibilities? Are they missing days at school or work for no reason? Poor performance at school or work can be a signal that something is wrong.