Recognizing addiction in someone you care about can be challenging. The signs may develop gradually, and people struggling with substance use often become skilled at hiding their behavior. However, certain patterns and changes typically emerge as addiction progresses. Understanding these indicators can help you identify when professional help is needed.
Physical Signs of Addiction
The body often reveals substance use problems through observable changes.
Appearance changes:
- Sudden weight loss or gain
- Deterioration in personal hygiene or grooming
- Unusual skin problems, sores or bruises
- Bloodshot or glazed eyes
- Constricted or dilated pupils
- Frequent sniffling, runny nose or nosebleeds (with no cold symptoms)
- Track marks or injection sites (often hidden under clothing)
Health indicators:
- Frequent illness or health complaints
- Unusual sleep patterns (insomnia or excessive sleeping)
- Slurred speech or impaired coordination
- Tremors or shaking
- Chronic fatigue
- Unusual body odors
Pattern changes:
- Unexplained need for money or financial problems
- Missing prescription medications
- Empty alcohol bottles hidden in unusual places
- Drug paraphernalia (pipes, syringes, small baggies)
- Frequent use of breath mints, mouthwash or eye drops
These physical signs may vary depending on the substance being used, but any cluster of these changes warrants attention, especially when combined with behavioral changes.
Behavioral and Psychological Changes
Addiction significantly impacts behavior and mental state, often in ways that seem like personality changes.
Daily functioning:
- Failing to meet responsibilities at work, school or home
- Neglecting important activities once enjoyed
- Declining performance at work or school
- Unexplained absences or lateness
- Loss of motivation or energy
- Difficulty focusing or concentrating
Mood patterns:
- Sudden mood swings or irritability
- Angry outbursts or unusual aggressiveness
- Periods of unusual hyperactivity or agitation
- Depression or lethargy
- Paranoia or fearfulness without cause
- Defensiveness when substance use is mentioned
Concerning behaviors:
- Secretiveness or unexplained disappearances
- Lying about whereabouts or activities
- Risk-taking or dangerous behaviors while intoxicated
- Legal problems related to substance use
- Continued use despite negative consequences
Many of these behaviors represent dramatic shifts from the person’s normal patterns and values, which loved ones often describe as “not being themselves.”
Social and Relationship Indicators
Addiction typically causes significant changes in a person’s social connections and interactions.
Relationship patterns:
- Withdrawal from family activities
- Avoidance of social gatherings unless substances are available
- Intense conflicts or arguments with family members
- Defensive or aggressive responses to concerns about substance use
- Manipulation or lying to maintain addiction
- Broken promises and commitments
Social circle changes:
- Abandoning longtime friends for new acquaintances connected to substance use
- Secretive phone calls or messages
- Only associating with others who use substances
- References to people family members have never met
- Refusing to introduce new friends to family
Conversation patterns:
- Frequent discussion of activities where substances are present
- Joking excessively about substance use
- Becoming defensive when addiction is mentioned in any context
- Making excuses for others’ substance use problems
These social changes often leave loved ones feeling disconnected and confused about how to maintain the relationship.
Financial and Occupational Warning Signs
As addiction progresses, its impact on financial stability and work performance becomes increasingly apparent.
Financial indicators:
- Unexplained requests for money
- Missing money or valuables from the home
- Borrowing money from multiple sources
- Neglected bills or financial responsibilities
- Unusual activity on bank accounts or credit cards
- Selling possessions for unclear reasons
Work-related signs:
- Decreased productivity or quality of work
- Conflicts with coworkers or supervisors
- Frequent absences, especially after weekends or paydays
- Leaving work early or arriving late
- Loss of employment or frequent job changes
- Accidents or safety incidents at work
Financial stability often deteriorates rapidly as addiction progresses, sometimes leading to serious consequences like eviction, vehicle repossession or utility disconnection.
When Multiple Signs Appear Together
While individual signs might have alternative explanations, multiple indicators appearing together strongly suggest a substance use disorder requiring professional intervention, especially when the person:
- Cannot control their substance use despite wanting to
- Experiences withdrawal symptoms when not using
- Needs increasing amounts of the substance for the same effect
- Continues using despite clear negative consequences
- Spends significant time obtaining, using or recovering from substances
- Shows personality changes that resolve when intoxicated
How to Approach a Loved One
If you recognize these signs in someone you care about:
- Choose a private, calm moment for conversation when the person is not intoxicated
- Express specific concerns using “I” statements rather than accusations
- Listen without judgment and avoid criticizing or lecturing
- Offer support for seeking professional help
- Set clear boundaries about behaviors you will not accept
- Be prepared for denial, anger or minimization
- Consider involving an addiction professional in the conversation
How Swift River Can Help
At Swift River, we understand the challenges families face when approaching a loved one about addiction. Our team can help you:
- Navigate difficult conversations about treatment
- Understand insurance coverage and payment options
- Arrange transportation to treatment when needed
- Participate in family therapy sessions during treatment
- Learn how to support your loved one’s recovery journey
- Connect with support resources for yourself
If you recognize these warning signs in someone you care about, don’t wait for the situation to worsen. Call Swift River today at 413-570-9698 to speak with our compassionate admissions team about how we can help your loved one begin the journey to recovery.
