patient listening to therapist explain signs of addiction
By Published On: 04/06/2020Categories: Addiction, Alcohol Addiction Treatment, Blog, Substance Abuse TreatmentComments Off on Signs of Addiction You Need to Look Out ForTags: , ,

Drug and alcohol addiction negatively affects people all over the globe. But it can still be hard to see the signs of addiction in the people you love. There are many red flags for drug and alcohol addiction that include physical signs as well as psychological and behavioral changes.

Luckily, it is easy to educate yourself on the common signs of addiction. If you notice any of the signs below in someone special, it is possible that they are struggling with addiction.

Physical Signs of Addiction

For many, coming to the realization that someone they care about is suffering from addiction can be quite a shock. Often, this realization raises questions such as, ‘How could I not have realized this sooner?’ or ‘How could this happen to someone I love?’ But don’t blame yourself. Sometimes the physical signs happen very slowly and are difficult to identify. And individuals suffering from addiction can hide physical signs that include:

  • Irregular sleeping patterns
  • Husky voice
  • Poor hygiene habits
  • Tremors
  • Impaired physical coordination

Changes in Your Appearance

An addiction problem usually brings about change in your physical appearance. One of the reasons for this is that addiction tends to either suppress or increase your appetite. So it is quite normal for an addict to undergo either rapid weight gain or weight loss.

Also, complacency tends to set in with people with an addiction problem. As a result, the way they take care of themselves or the clothes they wear may show a remarkable change. It is not uncommon for even the most meticulously dressed or with exceptional hygiene to suddenly wear clothes directly from their laundry basket or begin to show signs of questionable hygiene practices.

Mood Swings

Everyone experiences mood swings to some degree. But when someone you care about changes their demeanor from being generally calm to abruptly becoming out of control, it commonly is a sign of addiction. Drastic mood swings are signs you should be on the lookout for as they could also indicate mental health issues.

Isolation

A common behavior for people suffering from addiction is to isolate themselves emotionally, mentally, or socially. As a result, addicts may not spend much time with family, friends, children, or partner. One major reason behind this behavior is to avoid questions concerning where their money goes or explanations about their weight loss or weight gain.

If you find someone becoming defensive or secretive, this is another sign you should take seriously. Withdrawing in order to feed their addiction is common behavior for someone struggling with addiction. They feel the need to keep their addiction a secret, and this encourages them to mislead people about their daily life and activities.

Avoiding Responsibilities

When someone is battling addiction, they may fail to handle their daily responsibilities. Things to look out for include going to work or school, caring for their pets or their children, or taking care of their home. Other common red flags include missing deadlines and forgetting obligations or events such as meetings.

Odd Sleeping Schedule

Taking any form of drug or alcohol takes its toll on your regular sleeping schedule. Someone suffering from addiction may feature erratic sleeping habits, such as staying up very late or oversleeping. Often people partaking in the use of chemicals will stay awake for long periods of time to maintain their high. And the aftereffect is that they may sleep for an extended period of time when they eventually crash.

Financial Difficulty

All types of addiction are expensive habits. So someone suffering from addiction may have to borrow money from family or friends or even sell off prized possessions, to afford their addiction. It is important to recognize this sign as early as possible before the vicious cycle destroys their financial wellbeing.

Always Be Vigilant for the Signs of Addiction

The signs of addiction are not the same for everyone. They generally depend on what type of substance the person is dealing with and various characteristics of the individual. But addiction leads to a wide range of negative outcomes, including failed relationships, problems with performance at school or work, financial difficulties, and health problems. If you or someone you know exhibit the signs above, contact Georgia Addiction Treatment Center at [Direct] for help today!

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