Something is off with your loved one, but you aren’t sure exactly what is causing the problem. If you have not received training in detecting the signs of addiction, it could be difficult to identify the red flags going up all around someone you love. But most people who have crossed the line from recreational drinking or drug use into substance abuse show clear signs of a problem–if only one knows where to look.
Drug Use Versus Substance Abuse
You may be concerned that someone you care about is using alcohol or other substances. You may have already seen signs that they are drinking or getting high:
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- Mood and personality changes – the person seems depressed, irritable, hostile, angry, unfocused, dishonest, and/or unmotivated.
- Behavior changes – the person’s relationships with loved ones have suddenly changed, their schedule suddenly changes, they have new “friends” who they drink or use drugs with, they have developed financial or legal problems, their hand-eye coordination seems poor.
- Physical changes – the person is unusually tired or hyper, has slurred or rapid speech, nose bleeds or runny nose, sores in or around the mouth, sudden weight change, and/or unexplained seizures or vomiting.
How to Spot a Problem
Drug use and addiction are not the same thing. Some people are able to drink or use drugs recreationally without ever forming a dependence on any substance. The Partnership to End Addiction has several steps that friends and family can take to determine if a loved one has reached a problematic level in their substance use:
- Read about the signs and symptoms of substance use.
- Spend a few days or weeks monitoring your loved one’s concerning behaviors.
- Talk to family members and friends to determine how they see the situation.
In addition, The National Institute on Drug Abuse lists several signs that friends and family can watch for if they are concerned that a loved one has developed a dependence on alcohol or other substances. These include:
- Taking the drug in larger amounts or for longer than intended
- Cravings for the substance
- Desiring, but not having the ability, to cut back or stop using the drug
- Spending a lot of time getting and using the substance
- Struggling to manage life obligations like school, work, and family
- Continued use despite clear indication that the drug is making their life worse
- Needing more of the substance to get the same effect as before
Getting Help
These signs alone are not enough to prove that a person is addicted to a substance. But it’s not necessary for you to know for certain whether someone is addicted before you start the process of getting help. If you see the signs above, it is probably time to take action.
Depending on the severity of the symptoms you notice, you might want to talk to the person or designate someone else to have this conversation–someone your loved one respects and trusts.
If you don’t feel like your friend or family member would be open to discussing their substance use with you or another loved one, consider who they might be most willing to trust:
- Substance use professional
- Mental health counselor
- Physician
- EAP Program through their job
- Clergy
What Information Should I Share?
Once you have determined what professionals you might to contact for support, be ready to describe your loved one’s substance use by having details such as:
- Substance(s) being used
- How much and how often the person is using
- How long they have been using
- Consequences they are experiencing
- How your loved one has reacted to any attempts to discuss their substance use so far
Things to Avoid
If you are concerned that someone you know is abusing substances, it is important to know that some actions you could take are likely to cause more harm than good. Avoid the following mistakes loved ones tend to make when addressing addiction concerns:
- Don’t try to have the conversation while either of you are under the influence.
- Don’t confront the person alone if they are known to be aggressive when upset.
- Don’t hesitate to call the police if things escalate.
- Don’t wait for the person to hit rock bottom.
- Don’t come from a place or anger or judgment.
- Don’t make empty threats.
If you still aren’t sure if now is the right time to get help for your loved one, please don’t hesitate to contact our substance abuse treatment program. We can help you to determine the right course of action for your specific situation.
