Ten Signs Your Loved one is Struggling With Addiction

Many people struggling with addiction can maintain successful careers, relationships, and other responsibilities, appearing outwardly unaffected. However, over time, their dependence on substances will inevitably impact their health, finances, and mental well-being. At this point family and close friends may start to question whether their loved one has a problem with drug or alcohol misuse.

Often people with addiction are in denial, believe they have their alcohol or drug consumption under control, and believe they can quit alcohol or drugs at any time. Some may go to great lengths to conceal their substance use, aware of the problem but uncertain about how to address it.

If you are reading this, it is likely that you are concerned about a loved one who may have an issue with alcohol or drugs. Perhaps you have confronted them, and they have assured you there is no problem. In such cases, it may be necessary to look deeper. Here are some signs to watch for if you suspect a loved one is struggling with addiction.

1. They show changes in appearance

You may have noticed that your loved one has let their usual standards of hygiene decline. Perhaps they no longer smell fresh and clean, or their clothes and hair are unkempt. Men might neglect shaving as frequently as they typically would. These are all indicators that addiction is affecting their everyday lives.

There are specific physical signs on the body associated with certain substances.

Physical signs of alcoholism

Alcohol abuse can cause bloating, and redness in the face due to swollen capillaries.
Trembling hands or a persistent shake can be a sign of alcohol withdrawal.
Over time, chronic alcohol misuse can result in jaundice, where the skin and eyes take on a yellowish tint due to liver damage.
Excessive use of cocaine or amphetamines can damage the lining of the nostrils, leading to the deterioration and collapse of the septum. This damage is difficult to conceal, though they may attribute it to a severe cold or a skin condition.

Physical signs of drug misuse

Frequent nosebleeds and a persistent runny nose can also be indicative of prolonged cocaine use.
Bruises on the body can be indicative of heroin or other opioid injections. If they begin undressing in private or seem unwilling to expose any part of their body (such as wearing long sleeves in summer), they might be attempting to hide something.
Furthermore, significant weight loss and track marks—visible puncture wounds on the skin—are also common physical signs of opioid misuse.
If you observe these symptoms, it is crucial to consider the possibility of substance misuse and seek appropriate help.

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2. There are changes in their behaviour

Addiction is a chronic spiral of bingeing, withdrawing, and craving more and this plays havoc with emotions and behaviour. If you feel your loved one is depressed and agitated, they are probably undergoing withdrawal, and if they become irritable, angry and even aggressive, it could be because they are experiencing cravings.

You might notice that your loved one seems withdrawn from things that would have previously made them happy – such as seeing family or friends, going on holiday or playing sports. Instead they want to spend their time alone, or with new acquaintances. They might be regularly absent from family events and if they do turn up, may embarrass you as they are no longer in control of their behaviour.

Being high or drunk means they’re more likely to indulge in risky behaviour such as having unsafe sex, which puts them – and others – at risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases, as well as unwanted pregnancy. If they’re having sex with strangers there’s a high chance they might ruin their own relationship too.

3. They are neglecting their responsibilities

Addiction can make a person unreliable at work or school, negatively impacting their performance and productivity. If a loved one is often late, absent for various reasons, has missed promotions, received warnings, been demoted, or even lost their job, it could be a sign of addiction. Similarly, missing classes, skipping school, or failing courses can indicate substance misuse problems in students. Parents struggling with addiction may neglect their parental responsibilities, failing to provide adequate care and attention to their children.

Losing a job or failing academically due to addiction is serious—it can lead to financial ruin, homelessness, and family breakdown. If you are concerned about a loved one, it is essential that they receive help as soon as possible.

4. They are misusing prescription drugs

It can be difficult to understand that you can become addicted to medication that you’re taking under doctor’s orders. But all drugs have the potential to be harmful, even if you can buy them over the counter, and some can lead to addiction within weeks.

Opioids – such as codeine or morphine – which are prescribed as strong painkillers, and benzodiazepines – such as Valium – which help anxiety, depression and insomnia are commonly prescribed, and highly addictive drugs. For this reason, they are often only prescribed for a short time.

Here are the signs that a loved one is misusing or misusing prescription and over-the-counter drugs:

They take medicine before their next dose is due,
They increase their dose to feel the same effect,
They run out of medications quicker than they should,
They continue asking their doctor for more medication once their prescription has ended,
They visit different doctors to ask for more medication,
They ask family and friends if they have any spare medications,
They seek out medications from pharmacies when travelling abroad,
They start buying the medications illicitly online,
They start trying other drugs if they can’t source their medication.

There stigma attached to a prescription drug addiction which is why your loved one may hide it from you and others. They may be too embarrassed to ask for help and may need your intervention and offer of support. Castle Craig is experienced in dealing with prescription drug addiction and treatment is discreet.

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5. They begin to have accidents

Substance misuse can lead to impulsive behavior, causing your loved one to engage in risky activities. If they frequently return with unexplained cuts and bruises or if their explanations seem implausible, it could be a sign of alcohol or drug misuse.

According to a recent study involving 12,857 participants, people who misuse substances are:

Five times more likely to sustain injuries in general,
Nearly 15 times more likely to be injured if driving under the influence,
25% more likely to sustain injuries inflicted by another person by 25%.

Ignoring these signs can have serious, even fatal, consequences. It is crucial to express your concern and offer support, even if they try to persuade you that it is harmless fun.

6. They are in denial

Denial is a common feature of addiction. The person you love may downplay the amount of drugs or drink they’ve had, how long they’ve been misusing substances, how much it is costing and the impact it is having on them, and others. They may overestimate their abilities to control their addiction, believing they can stop ‘any time’, but they choose not to.

Denial means they’re keeping secrets from you and this means they’re telling lies. Whether they’re lying about their whereabouts, how much money they’re spending or the causes of a recent injury or illness, these lies become harder to maintain and this can cause problems.

Sometimes it takes a disaster for them to face the facts – maybe their partner leaves them, they lose their job or they have an accident. In other cases, nothing will stop them from feeding their addiction – the only thing to save them is professional help. They might not be able to make that call themselves and need your help.

Significant shifts in social behavior can be a key indicator of substance misuse. This might include forming new friendships with individuals who use substances, distancing oneself from long-time friends and family, or engaging in frequent, excessive partying centered around substance use.

Behavioral Shifts and Addiction

Excessive partying and the frequent use of substances to sustain social activities can be a sign of addiction. Occasional all-night events may be a part of some social scenes, but when these behaviors become a lifestyle, it indicates a potential problem. The reliance on substances for energy and enjoyment during social activities can lead to dependency.

This dependency is marked by an inability to participate in social activities without substances and needing increasingly larger amounts to achieve the same effect. The aftermath of substance use often brings unpleasant side effects such as depression and paranoia, which tend to worsen over time.

If your loved one is constantly out partying and relies on substances to maintain their energy and social engagement, they may be struggling with addiction. Although they may dismiss concerns by claiming they are simply having fun, these behaviors often mask a serious issue that requires attention and intervention.

8. Financial problems

Addiction exerts control over an individual, compelling them to prioritise obtaining their substance of choice over financial stability. Spending beyond your means to support this habit is a clear indication that the addiction has taken control. If your loved one is going into debt, borrowing money, or failing to keep up with essential bills such as mortgages or rent to sustain their addiction, you need to talk to them openly and supportively about the problem.

Financial difficulties can lead to ruin, not only for the person with the addiction but also for those around them – their partner, children or employees. The strain of debt can exacerbate the addiction and, in severe cases, lead to feelings of hopelessness and suicidal thoughts. Debt is cited as a relevant factor in 11% of male suicides.

The only effective way to address this situation is through expert treatment and support. Recognising the signs of financial instability due to substance misuse and intervening early can prevent further decline and help your loved one regain control of their life.

9. They have obsessive thoughts and compulsive actions

If your loved one is addicted to alcohol or drugs, sourcing these substances will begin to dominate their life. Constantly talking about how to obtain drugs or alcohol, putting themselves in dangerous situations to acquire them, and planning their time around using substances are clear indicators of a compulsive problem.

Despite dismissing your concerns, this behaviour signifies a serious issue often accompanied by denial. Recogniding these signs and understanding that addiction is a powerful neurobiological disease is crucial in helping them seek the necessary treatment and support.

10. Their sleep is disrupted

Alcohol and drugs disrupt sleep, causing difficulties in falling asleep, maintaining sleep, and altering sleep stages. These disturbances impact day-time function, increasing daytime sleepiness and impairing alertness. These effects occur both during active substance use and after discontinuation.

If your loved one frequently goes to bed late, struggles with insomnia, and appears tired during the day, it could indicate that substance use is disrupting their routine. Poor sleep affects health, work performance, and overall happiness, signaling that addiction is taking its toll. Insomnia, the most common sleep disorder linked to addiction, is crucial in diagnosing and treating these disorders.

An addiction treatment programme that addresses sleep hygiene is crucial. Effective sleep management can significantly enhance recovery outcomes by improving overall health, reducing relapse risk, and supporting better mental and emotional well-being. Integrating sleep hygiene into addiction treatment ensures a more comprehensive approach to healing and long-term sobriety.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Risk Factors of Addiction?

The risks of addiction include a family history of addiction, mental health issues, exposure to traumatic events, peer pressure and starting at a young age.

What Are the Signs of Addiction?

Change in appearance and behaviour, secrecy, injuries and accidents, debt and poor health.

What Is the Treatment for Addiction?

Detox, safe management of withdrawal symptoms and therapy.

Ten Signs Your Loved one is Struggling With Addiction

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