If someone you know has an Addiction Disorder, it impacts your life as well. The symptoms of Addiction Disorders are not always easy to spot early on, but they come to impact every aspect of a person’s life—including their work, hobbies, and relationships. Being able to identify the symptoms of an Addiction Disorder means being able to spot the issue early on and encourage your loved one to seek the help they need. Learn more about the signs a loved one may be hiding an addiction and see how you can help them pursue effective treatment with this guide.
Physical Symptoms of Addiction
Addiction comes with physical symptoms as well as mental and emotional symptoms. General physical symptoms include weight fluctuations, consistently low energy, and a clear neglect of personal hygiene. There are also physical symptoms specifically tied to different forms of substance abuse. The precise symptoms will vary depending on the person and what drugs or alcohol they take. Here are a few general examples:
- Worsened coordination
- Slurred or unusual speech
- Pupil dilation
- Bloodshot eyes
- Wounds or sores on the skin
- Bloody nose
- Nasal congestion issues
- Dental issues
- Hand Tremors
- Seizures
These symptoms often appear to come out of nowhere. But over time, the physical signs of Addiction Disorders become more severe and more obvious. Substance Abuse Disorders and other Addiction Disorders pose a serious risk to physical health. Encouraging your loved one to seek Mental Health treatment is a vital step toward preserving both their mental and physical well-being.
Loss of Interest in Normal Activities
Like many Mental Health Disorders, Addiction Disorders can sap one’s interest in hobbies, habits, and other activities that used to make up their normal life. Addiction Disorders put the addictive substance or activity at the forefront of the mind. Addiction can take over thoughts and behaviors. Other activities become less enjoyable or interesting compared to the dopamine rush of the object of addiction.
If your loved one starts to lose interest in things they once enjoyed and prioritized, it is likely a sign that something is affecting their Mental Health. Take note if someone starts quitting hobbies, canceling plans with friends, or even breaking habits such as going to the gym or getting coffee before work. In romantic relationships, you might also notice a decrease in physical affection, sex, and other forms of intimacy.
Mood Swings
There are many reasons why Addiction Disorders can cause mood swings. Some substances lead to feelings of irritability or agitation. In other cases, someone might feel guilt, shame, or helplessness because they know they have a problem but do not know how to seek help. Moreover, Mental Health Conditions can worsen one’s ability to modulate affect, making it harder to process and deal with emotions in a healthy and productive way.
Mood swings are another common sign of many different Mental Health Disorders, including Mood Disorders and Personality Disorders, which are commonly comorbid with Addiction Disorders.
Erratic and Reckless Behavior
Addiction Disorders affect one’s thoughts, emotions, and priorities. Because of that, they also have a serious effect on behavior. Atypical behavior is a common sign that a loved one may be hiding an addiction.
In some cases, this abnormal behavior can turn impulsive, reckless, and even violent. Mood swings, shifting priorities, and other issues can cause someone with an Addiction Disorder to put themselves or their loved ones at risk. This behavior can lead to financial consequences, legal issues, or even physical danger.
Withdrawing From Normal Daily Activities
Addiction Disorders often cause people to pull away from their loved ones and act as if they no longer have any interest in normal daily activities. They might cancel plans or seem distant in conversations. When they do spend time with friends or family, they might act as if they are bored or not enjoying themselves, which can lead to arguments or discord.
They withdraw from daily activities. This withdrawal makes them seem even more distant and uncaring, causing tension and strain at work and in intimate relationships.
In situations like these, improving the relationship must begin with improving Mental Health. With expert treatment from a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, your loved one can gain clarity and control over their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. This treatment puts them in a better position to address and fix problems in your relationship.
Changes in Habits and Routines
If your loved one starts breaking habits or changing their routine with no explanation, it might be because of an Addiction Disorder. Addiction can change someone’s exercise routine or eating habits. It can also lead to abnormal sleep patterns and problems such as insomnia.
Alternatively, they might start hanging out with different people or visiting different places. Habit changes and other abnormal behaviors can be tricky signs to spot because they look different in everybody. If you notice strange changes or behaviors in your loved one, it is often best to talk to them. See if you can learn more about the issue. If necessary, encourage them to seek professional intervention and treatment.
Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal occurs when someone stops using addictive substances after becoming reliant on them. If someone tries to hide their addiction or quit abusing substances without telling anyone, they will likely show withdrawal symptoms.
These symptoms can include mental or emotional issues such as paranoia, anxiety, mood swings, listlessness, and depression. They can also include physical signs such as sweating, muscle aches, clammy skin, and nausea.
Your loved one might try to hide their withdrawal symptoms or pass them off as another issue, such as the flu or another physical sickness. However, if these withdrawal symptoms arise alongside other indicators of addiction, there is a good chance that your loved one is suffering from an Addiction Disorder.
Blair Wellness Group Offers Effective Treatment
Taking the first step toward treatment and contacting a Licensed Clinical Psychologist is not always easy, but it is necessary for regaining control and improving Mental Health and overall well-being. If you or a loved one are looking for an Addiction Therapist in LA, in Irvine, Beverly Hills, Newport Beach, Bel Air, Century City, Brentwood, Westwood, Huntington Beach, Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo, and the surrounding areas, contact Blair Wellness Group to see how our evidence-based treatment plans can help you.
