6 Common Characteristics of Addiction : Is My Loved One an Addict?

6 Common Characteristics of Addiction : Substance abuse is a lurking demon. It’s often closeted and locked behind closed doors; society shuns and stigmatizes abusers. They shouldn’t because it often leads to cyclic abuse and other destructive behavior.

22 million Americans face their problems at the bottom of a bottle or the prick of a needle. That’s a large chunk of the population. Abuse has likely been something you’ve encountered, unknowingly or not.

Your coworker’s husband might be an alcoholic. The neighbor next door could be a heroin addict. Do you think abuse has cursed someone closer to you?

There are 6 common characteristics of addiction. These will help you dispel your suspicions, or they’ll reveal if your loved one has demons to dispel.

Eye of the Beholder

Look into your loved one’s eyes. Romantically, with love, or with concern.

Drug use is evident in the eye. It’s an indicator that the person has used, is recovering from, or is on a stimulant or depressant.

Bloodshot eyes are telling of marijuana use. Someone that has recently shot-up heroin will have dilated pupils. Alcohol is a depressant, so it slows their reaction time, which includes a slow-moving iris.

Enter the Sandman

Substance abuse is often accompanied by sleep ailments.

A man or woman suffering from overuse could have two opposing sleep problems. A lack of sleep (insomnia) and oversleeping are indicators.

They may even have bouts of narcolepsy, as they tend to fall asleep in odd places.

Are They Taking Care of Themselves?

Hygiene is a hallmark of health. Those who take utmost care of themselves outwardly express it.

People suffering from addiction often carry around with them a stench. Not the metaphorical kind, but an actual stinky aroma.

If your loved one doesn’t have a bathing ritual, it’s because they have something else on their minds. If they’re suffering from bad breath and tooth decay, they might have a problem with drug use.

Look at their skin, too. An abuser may have new bouts of acne. Jaundice and scarred skin are signs, also.

Behavior Characteristics of Addiction

Signs that are not visibly apparent are harder to detect. However, behavioral alterations is the most visible red flag.

A rapid change in someone’s personality is not normal.

It takes a heavy outside influence to alter someone’s personality and lifelong habits. If it’s not rehabilitation, massive amounts of time, or therapy, then it’s likely drug use.

If you think your loved one is up for it, consider hosting an intervention.

What Are They Hiding?

People with drug habits have tendencies to withdraw themselves from loved ones. They may become more secretive and private.

Drug abuse is a driving force. It is an inescapable lure for more drugs. Abusers don’t want anyone to know about their problem.

An abuser will often use secrecy to conceal what they’re up to. It could be drug addiction or a mental condition such as depression, but either way, you need to watch for signs of social withdrawal.

Neglecting Responsibility

Falling behind in work or in personal responsibilities could be symptoms of a larger problem.

When you have a one-track mind, not a lot matters. The things you’re supposed to do – like work and household chores – are menial and forgotten.

Woke up on the Wrong Side of the Bed

This is a big one: sudden mood swings.

Your chill husband is now lashing out at you. Your son is slamming his door and cursing. Your brother isn’t happy anymore.

You might ask yourself why, but it could be for so many reasons.

These aren’t signs of normal, functioning behavior.

Depending on the drug and when they took it, the moods can vary as wildly as their behavior.

Speed makes the user hyperactive, but withdrawal can make them angry or violent. Alcohol will dull the senses and leave a walloping headache.

Take Care of Your Loved Ones

There are characteristics of addiction. They’re physical and psychological.

Check your loved one’s eyes for abnormal pupils or movement. Poor hygiene and skin afflictions are also signs of drug abuse.

Behavior change isn’t normal. If they’re negligent, withdrawing of their love, or suddenly moody, it may be abuse.

Look out for your loved ones, but don’t forget to take care of yourself as well! Check out our blog for more information on how to live a healthy life.