Making sure that a loved one gets help for drug or alcohol addiction is an important part of recovery, but how can you tell if they have a problem in the first place? While you might suspect that something is wrong, keep in mind that those with an addiction usually try to hide any signs of it. Knowing what to look for can help you determine whether or not your loved one has an addiction, so you can assist them with finding a 12-step recovery program or other addiction recovery treatment.
Signs of Drug Addiction
Drug addiction can produce a wide range of symptoms, depending on the type of drug being used. In general, those who use drugs regularly might show the following physical symptoms:
- Poor hygiene
- Unexplained weight changes
- Bloodshot eyes
- Pupils that are dilated or contracted
- Poor coordination
- Shaking or tremors
- Slurred speech
Drug addiction might also result in noticeable changes in your loved one’s behavior, such as:
- Sudden financial difficulties
- Poor performance on the job or at school
- Trouble with the law
- Unpredictable mood swings
- Personality changes
- Paranoia or anxiety
- Loss of motivation
- Hyperactivity at times
Certain types of illegal drugs can cause specific symptoms. For example, those who use heroin might have needle marks, while those who use cocaine might have a dry mouth or nasal problems. Those who use LSD or PCP might experience hallucinations and become aggressive, while Xanax and other depressants can cause people to act clumsy or have trouble concentrating.
Signs of Alcohol Addiction
Drinking alcohol on a regular basis can cause significant changes in your loved one’s physical appearance and behavior. Some of the symptoms to watch for include:
- Sudden mood swings
- Shaky hands
- Reddish or flushed face
- Lack of interest in spending time with others
- Memory loss
- Showing up late for work, appointments and social events
- Financial difficulties
You might also find other signs of addiction, such as hidden bottles of alcohol stashed around your loved one’s home. If your loved one drinks in front of others, pay attention to how and when that happens. Those with an alcohol addiction might drink early in the morning, drink at specific times each day, focus on drinking at social events and chug the first few drinks.
If your loved one exhibits any symptoms of drug or alcohol use, your next step is to work on getting them into addiction recovery, such as a 12-step recovery program. Once they start the recovery process, they’ll be on their way to living a healthy life and leaving their addiction behind.