There is no question that drug and alcohol addiction can wreak havoc on an individual’s life and the lives of those around them. If you suspect that someone in your home may be struggling with addiction, you should be on the lookout for signs that might indicate a problem. Here are some of the most common warning signs that someone may be a drug or alcohol addict.

Change in Appetite: A significant change in a person’s appetite can be an indicator of an addiction problem. For instance, someone who used to eat normally may start consuming much more food or much less food. In some cases, addicts may barely eat anything at all as they prioritize getting and using their drug of choice.

Change in Sleep Patterns: If someone in your home suddenly starts to sleep much more or much less than usual, this can be a sign of an addiction problem. Drug and alcohol addiction can disrupt a person’s natural circadian rhythm, causing them to stay up later at night and sleep in much later than normal.

Isolation: Individuals suffering from addiction may begin to isolate themselves as their substance abuse problem progresses. They may stop socializing and avoid contact with family and close friends. They may also begin to act very differently when in public, which can cause others to fear being around them.

 

 

Increased Risk-Taking: Taking risks is an integral part of addiction as addicts will often get in risky situations in order to fuel their habit. This might include engaging in unsafe activities or creating dangerous situations in an attempt to get their drug of choice. In some cases, it might even include criminal activities.

Drastic Changes in Mood: Addiction can cause people to experience extreme highs and lows in their mood. It can also cause them to become irritable or paranoid for seemingly no reason. If someone in your home is displaying sudden, drastic changes in mood, this may be an indication that they are suffering from an addiction.

Paying for Drugs with Money or Items: Money and valuables may suddenly start going missing if someone in your home is addicted to drugs or alcohol. This can be a sign that the addict is selling or pawning items to buy drugs. It may also mean that they are stealing money in order to fund their addiction.

Secretive Behaviour: Substance abusers may begin to behave in a secretive manner if they feel like they are being watched or judged. They may hide money or items they are using to get drugs and avoid discussing their activities with family or close friends. This behaviour is especially concerning if the person normally shared everything with you before.

Lack of Responsibility and Focus: If someone in your home is an addict, it is likely that their work and school performance will deteriorate. They may have problems getting to work or class on time or may not take their responsibilities seriously. In some cases, an addict might lose their job and drop out of school entirely as their substance abuse intensifies.

These are just some of the signs that may indicate someone in your home is a drug or alcohol addict. If you notice any of these signs, it is important to have a conversation with the person to get to the bottom of the problem. It may be difficult to confront them, but it is the first step to helping them get the help they need to recover from their addiction.