Signs of Drug Addiction in Adults
Are you wondering what is going on with your son or daughter? Have you noticed some changes in them and are questioning, “What has gotten into them?” Here are a few signs of drug addiction in adults that could be useful to begin to pinpoint what is going on and what to do next.
There are three major categories to look at when thinking about the signs of drug addiction in adults and teens: Physical Symptoms/Appearance, Emotional State, and Behavior Changes. Your child or loved one may not fit all the following indicators. The presence of the signs could vary depending on the severity of the person's addiction and the type of drug they are using.
Emotional Indicators:
Extreme mood swings
Volatility
Emotional instability
Changes in personality
Agitation
Presence of mental health issues like anxiety or depression
Dismal outlook on life
Paranoia
Withdrawal from loved ones/friends
Edginess or Irritability
Delusional thoughts
Skewed perception of reality
Feelings of Indifference/Apathy
Changes in Behavior:
Changes in sleeping patterns
Changes in eating patterns
Changes in social group or social engagement
Isolating
Flakiness
Lack of follow through with responsibilities
Issues at school
Repeated lying and deceit
Being secretive
Problems with relationships, work, and finances
Physical Signs and Symptoms:
Glassy/Red Eyes
Extreme Fluctuations in Weight
Dilated Pupils or Pinprick pupils
Poor hygiene
Frequent running nose
Lack of coordination
Bad Breath
Marks on skin
These signs of drug addiction in adults and teens can be used as a general reference point indicating the possibility of a problem for your loved one.
If you are concerned about your loved one or child may be using or addicted to drugs. It is important to take action. Here are a few resources and actions steps for what to do next:
Contact SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration) 1-800-662-HELP (4357.) https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
Do your research: NIDA (National Institute on Drug Abuse) https://www.drugabuse.gov/
Talk to your loved one about your concerns in private first. Be compassionate. It is likely that your loved one is in a lot of pain and is deeply shameful about their behavior. Tell them directly about your observations and your concern for their well-being. (An example might be, “When I see you visibly intoxicated, arguing with your partner and then get in the car and drive away, I am really worry for your safety. Are you okay?”
Seek support through loved ones. Get other family members involved.
Seek support for yourself through professional counseling.
Contact an interventionist and have a conversation, sometimes an intervention is the only way of breaking through denial, providing the wake-up call a loved one is genuinely needing.
Stop enabling them. Say NO to your loved one. Your loved one needs to experience the consequences of their actions without being rescued (enabled) by their parents or family members.
Create boundaries between you and the person in active addiction. Commit to discontinuing your participation in the toxic dynamic. For example, stop bailing them out financially, stop letting them stay at your house when they 'can't pay rent, or stop getting involved in their relationship issues.
Remember, You DIDN'T cure it, you DIDN'T cause it, you CAN'T control it. Family members need to practice loving detachment separating your health and well-being from the addicted person's chaos, drama, and downward spiral.
Amp up your self-care. Witnessing a family member on the path of destruction can be devastating and, at times, hopeless and scary. Utilize the DBT ‘PLEASE’ skill to lower your vulnerability to the negative impacts of stress. Treat Physical ILLness, Balanced Eating, Avoid Mood Altering Drugs, Balanced Sleep, Get Exercise.