Behavioral signs of drug addiction

10/19/2022

Behavioral signs of drug addiction

When someone in your life is struggling with addiction, you want to do everything you can to help them receive the care and support they need on their road to recovery. However, you can only do so when you’re aware that they have a substance abuse problem.

For people who have never experienced addiction or had someone close to them suffer one, it can be difficult to know what symptoms to look for. Understanding the behavioral signs of a person struggling with addiction can help you identify a problem and start making a plan to help out however you can.

When drug use becomes drug addiction

Not every person who takes a drug — illegal or prescription — becomes an addict. Some people can take the recommended amount, feel no ill effects, and go on with daily life without missing a beat. However, it can quickly become an addiction at a moment’s notice, and it can prove difficult to pick out the exact moment the transition from casual to dangerous happened.

Common behavioral symptoms of drug addiction

No one person’s addiction is ever truly the same as someone else’s. Their reaction to drugs or alcohol presents itself in unique ways that make it difficult to offer a blanket diagnosis of a particular issue. However, there are some common behavioral signs of a person struggling with addiction that you can keep an eye out for that can signify that you need to take action.

Obsessive thoughts and behaviors

If you notice a loved one has started displaying more obsessive behaviors recently, it could be a potential sign of addiction. They may seem more preoccupied than usual with ensuring that they have enough of the substance at all times. These thoughts can potentially overtake other priorities in their life, including work, familial, romantic, or school responsibilities and relationships.

Loss of sense of control

People struggling with addiction often see their concept of self-control fall by the wayside. They may want to stop or get sober, but the way that addiction has rewired their brains has made it difficult to take the necessary steps. They keep choosing to imbibe their vice of choice and continue to show the lack of self-control they used to have.

Denying or hiding substance use

One of the hardest things anyone can do is openly admit to having a problem. This becomes especially true for people suffering from addiction. They continue to deny that they are using or admit to it; commonly will say that they have everything under control. Underestimating how much the substance has taken control of their lives and influences their decisions can often help loved ones pinpoint when someone they love is suffering from addiction.

Sudden changes in social circles

When someone begins engaging in alcohol or drug abuse, the types of people they surround themselves with change. Often, they hang out with people that enable and encourage their behaviors to “fit in” and “have fun.” Suppose you have noticed that they have stopped hanging out with their old friends and moved onto a different circle that appears to be a bad influence. In that case, it could potentially be a sign that they have developed an addiction or are in danger of falling into bad habits.

Get the support you need with personalized addiction treatment

Knowing when someone you love is experiencing the behavioral signs of someone suffering from addiction is key, but it’s important that you know where to turn to get the help and support you need. Getting someone suffering from addiction clean and sober is often a long and arduous process that becomes a lifelong battle. However, getting personalized addiction treatment programs can help them feel like they aren’t alone and have the tools necessary to reclaim their lives.

If you or someone you love has started showing behavioral signs of struggling with addiction, please don’t hesitate to reach out at 267.209.7313. Silver Pines Treatment Center has an expertly trained team of addiction and mental health professionals standing by to help however they can.