Do you suspect someone you care about is struggling with addiction but you’re not sure why? The signs of addiction can be hard to spot, especially if the person is trying to hide it.
You might feel like something’s off, but you can’t quite explain it. Maybe their mood has changed. Maybe they’ve pulled away. Addiction affects millions of Americans every year. It doesn’t matter your age, gender, race or income. It can impact anyone.
If you think someone you love may be struggling, you don’t have to wait for things to worsen. In this blog, you’ll learn the early signs of addiction and how you can offer support.
What is addiction?
“Addiction is a chronic relapsing medical disorder,” said Maria Manriquez, MD, an addiction specialist with Banner - University Medicine. “It affects how a person thinks, feels and behaves.”
There are two main types:
- Substance use disorder: Like alcohol, tobacco/nicotine, prescription drugs or illegal drugs
- Non-substance use addiction or behavioral addiction: Like gambling, having sex, pornography, shopping or even social media use
Both types can hurt someone’s mental and physical health, relationships and future goals.
Some people think addiction is a lack of self-control or willpower, but addiction can develop in anyone. It’s not a choice or weakness. It’s a medical condition that requires help.
How can I tell if someone I know has an addiction?
Addiction looks different depending on the person and the substance or behavior involved. But there are some common signs to watch for. You might notice changes in how the person acts, feels or takes care of themselves.
Warning signs of an addiction may include:
1. Changes in behavior
- They pull away from family and friends.
- They lose interest in hobbies or activities they used to enjoy.
- They miss work, school or other responsibilities.
- They become secretive or lie about where they’ve been.
- They spend more time alone or isolate themselves.
- They take big risks without thinking, like driving under the influence.
2. Mood and mental health shifts
- They seem more anxious, depressed or angry than usual.
- Their moods swing quickly from calm to upset.
- They act paranoid or fearful for no clear reason.
- They seem spaced out or not present.
- They stop caring about how they look or feel.
3. Physical and health changes
- They often look tired or sick.
- You notice weight loss or gain.
- Their eyes may look red (bloodshot) or glassy.
- They get frequent nosebleeds, coughs or infections.
- They have shakes, tremors or slurred speech.
- They have withdrawal symptoms like sweating, body aches or upset stomach.
4. Money or legal troubles
- They borrow or steal money.
- They can’t explain where their money is going.
- They get into legal trouble, like DUIs or theft.
5. Denial of a problem
- They often refuse to admit or do not think that they have a problem. They downplay their use.
Who is most at risk for addiction?
Some people are more at risk for addiction than others. These risk factors don’t guarantee someone will struggle but they can raise the chances.
“Addiction is more likely if someone has a family history of it, struggles with mental health conditions like depression or anxiety, has lived with trauma or show high-risk behaviors like using drugs that weren’t prescribed to them,” Dr. Manriquez said.
Other risk factors include peer pressure, early use of substances and lack of a strong support system.
What can I do if I suspect someone has an addiction?
If you think someone you care about might be struggling with an addiction, you might feel helpless and unsure of what to do. Here are some steps you can take to offer support.
- Learn about the addiction: Understand the substance or behavior they’re struggling with. Knowledge helps you respond calmly and from an informed point of view.
- Have an honest conversation: Approach them gently and discuss your concerns when they’re not under the influence or upset.
- “Use ‘I’ statements and express why you are concerned,” Dr. Manriquez said. “Avoid directly calling them out, like ‘you’re an alcoholic.’” Instead, you might say: “I’ve noticed that you’ve been different lately, and I’m really worried about you. Can we talk about what’s going on?”
- Encourage them to get help: Suggest seeing a health care provider, therapist or addiction counselor. Offer to help them find care or go with them if they’re open to it. There are many ways to treat substance use disorder and behavioral addiction. Treatment may include medical detox, therapy, medication, inpatient or outpatient programs or long-term recovery support.
- Set healthy boundaries: You can offer support, but you can’t fix the problem for them. Protect your own well-being, too. Boundaries might include:
- Refusing to give them money if you think it’s being used for substances
- Not covering for their behavior at work or with others
- Taking a step back from the relationship if the addiction is causing harm to you or others
- Take care of yourself: Supporting someone with an addiction is hard. Lean on friends, family or support groups for help. You can find support, answers and resources through groups like Al-Anon, a program that can help you learn acceptance and how to care for yourself. Or speak with a behavioral health specialist who specializes in addiction.
Your support still matters even if the person isn’t ready to accept help. Knowing someone cares can be the first step toward change.
How can I support someone in recovery?
If someone you care about starts their recovery journey, your support can make a difference. Some ways to help include:
- Encourage healthy habits: Help them stick to positive routines, like eating right, exercising or staying active in therapy.
- Offer emotional support: Be there to listen and offer comfort without judgment.
- Celebrate milestones: Acknowledge the progress they’ve made, whether it’s staying sober for a week, a month or longer.
Learn more ways to support someone on their recovery journey.
Takeaway
Addiction can be hard to spot but recognizing the signs early can help you support someone you care about before things get worse. If you see signs in someone you love, support them and encourage them to get help.
Addiction doesn’t have to control their life and with the right help, recovery is possible. If you’re looking for help in fighting addiction, reach out to your health care provider, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) at 800-662-4357 or call Banner Behavioral Health for more information and resources at 602-254-4357.
