Identifying if your loved one has a drug or alcohol addiction can be emotional and trying. People with an addiction often experience behavioral or physical changes. Ask yourself the following questions to identify if your partner is experiencing addiction to drugs or alcohol.
Are There New Health Conditions?
Several addictive substances damage the human body. In addition to scars or cuts from injecting drugs, some people experience excessive itching or a running nose. Keep in mind many substances cause severe life-threatening conditions. If your loved one is diagnosed with a new ailment, ask their doctor, “Does drug use cause an enlarged heart, liver damage, or other conditions?”
Are There Frequent Mood Swings?
A change in mood can be an early sign of substance abuse disorder. Be aware that other mental health conditions can cause mood swings. Keep a record of your observations, and discuss them with your loved one’s doctor. They can provide a diagnosis and help your loved one with the physical symptoms of the behaviors.
Have They Experienced Anxiety Attacks?
Anxiety is heightened in people with substance abuse disorders. The effects of the drug can induce anxiety attacks. In addition, the pressure of concealing their addiction or decreased performance at work increases the likelihood of panic attacks. If your loved one was previously diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, make notes of increased symptoms.
Are There Comorbid Disorders?
Substance abuse disorder and other disorders often occur at the same time. These comorbid disorders can be a result of drug use, or the drug use can be a result of those disorders. Either way, a substance abuse treatment facility should provide a treatment plan sensitive to all conditions, such as:
- Eating disorders
- Personality disorders
- Anxiety disorder
- Psychosis
Is Our Relationship Stressful?
Drug use alters your loved one’s brain function. These changes affect how they interact with peers. Your loved one may withdraw and isolate themself from family or friends. An increase in disagreements or arguments may indicate that your loved one is experiencing higher stress. Alternatively, there may be an increase in atypical behaviors, such as:
- Meeting dangerous people
- Building friendships with people experiencing substance abuse disorder
- Losing focus during conversations
Has My Loved One Made Financial Changes?
Financial infidelity is a common side effect of substance abuse disorder. Your partner requires additional funds to purchase substances. Tied with the chemical changes within the brain, they often make poor financial decisions. In addition to increased bank withdrawals, alcohol purchases increase grocery spending. On the other hand, your partner may find ways to increase their cash income to purchase addictive substances.
Did You Find Paraphernalia?
Finding roach clips, hypodermic needles, or bongs indicates substance use. However, everyday household items are used to take some substances. Keep track of small spoons, straws, aluminum foil, or razors in your loved one’s possession. Signs of prescription drug abuse may be subtle. Look for missing medication from your cabinet. You may also find medication prescribed by different doctors and fulfilled at various pharmacies.
If you suspect your loved one of substance abuse, immediately seek guidance from a professional substance abuse treatment center. Even if your partner is not ready to commit to treatment, trained counselors at the center can help you come to terms with your partner’s addiction and its impact on your relationship.