3 Signs To Look for When Dealing with Addiction

Do you have a loved one struggling with an addiction problem? Perhaps you have no proof or you aren't sure, but you ...

Do you have a loved one struggling with an addiction problem? Perhaps you have no proof or you aren't sure, but you suspect they have an issue with drugs, alcohol, or both. You might be wondering how you can get help for them or what you can do to ease their problems. 

These suggestions can help you better assess your loved one and step in with help, if necessary. 

1. Watch Their Actions

Pay attention to how your family member or loved one acts. Are they doing things that are out of character for them or altogether strange or worrisome? Perhaps they are missing a lot of work when they would rarely call in before, or maybe they are taking even more drastic actions, such as drinking rubbing alcohol as a way to get a fix.

Some of these behaviors can have immediate consequences for your loved one's health. If you suspect there are problems, it is crucial to intervene as soon as possible. 

2. Look for Physical Signs of Substance Abuse

Using drugs and alcohol can cause signs to show on the body. There are a variety of warning signs to look out for, even if the individual has not been using it for a very long time. 

Some of these can include:

• Not getting enough sleep or sleeping all the time
• Bruises or marks on the body, especially the face
• Changes in appetite, energy, and how they react to others around them
• Body odor, strong breath odor, or other noticeable changes in smell

These are just a few of the signs, and this is by no means comprehensive. You can try talking to your loved one and asking them what is going on. Many individuals who are struggling with addiction won't be forthcoming with any problems they are experiencing. It is still worth it to let them know you see a change. 

3. Pay Attention To See if Their Life is Changing 

Find out if your loved one's behavior is noticeable to others. You can outright ask friends and family if they notice any of these differences, but it's also helpful to watch for other signs of change in your loved one's life. Leaving a job, being evicted from their home or having a house foreclosed on, and even losing custody of their children or selling all their belongings are signs that can point toward a serious substance problem. 

Research suggests that having some of these problems can encourage further substance abuse, too. Find out how you can help the person you care about by talking with an addictions counselor. The person you care about may even need to move away in order to stop old habits and break their social circle, especially if that circle enables them or assists with their addiction in any way. 

Helping a loved one with a substance abuse problem can present a lot of challenges. Knowing the signs to look for can be a useful first step in assisting them and helping them out of their current situation.