As a therapist or counselor, the best thing is treating patients and watching them recover over time. But if you are not a professional therapist and want to help someone you love to recover from their addiction, you need more clarity to understand whether they need addiction treatment. Maybe you have noticed some changes in their behavior or health that have raised a red flag. You may think, “Is this just a phase?” or “How do I know if it’s serious?” It’s a tough situation, but there are ways.
Getting people the right kind of help is something that always depends on how well you understand the signs and symptoms of addiction. There are major indicators that tell you that it is time to recommend treatment, but you must approach this sensitive topic carefully. Let’s discuss this in detail.
What is Addiction?
When we hear the word addiction, the first thing that comes to mind is substance abuse. But that is not everything. Addiction is a serious condition that affects the brain and every aspect of a person’s life. It causes compulsive behavior despite knowing that there will be harmful consequences. Addiction could be of anything, be it alcohol, drugs, gambling, or even social media. It can affect people of all ages, backgrounds, and socioeconomic statuses.
We all have vices, right? That afternoon coffee, that daily dose of social media, maybe even that one or two glasses of wine to unwind after a long day. But how do you know when a vice crosses the line into addiction? There are many signs and symptoms. They vary depending on the substance or activity a person is addicted to. There are three main areas to focus on when looking for red flags:
- Behavioral Changes
- Physical Signs
- Emotional symptoms
Behavioral Signs of Addiction
Behavioral changes are one of the major signs of addiction. These changes can be subtle at first, but they become more noticeable and disruptive over time.
- Increased use of substances despite negative consequences:
Is the person continuing to use or engage in the addictive behavior even though it’s causing problems in their work, relationships, or health? This is a classic sign of addiction.
- Risky behavior:
Is the person engaging in risky activities to obtain or use their substance of choice? This can be anything like driving under the influence, stealing, or having unprotected sex.
- Needing more to get the same effect:
Over time, the body develops a tolerance to the substance or activity. This means that the person needs to use more and more of it to get the same desired effect.
- Withdrawal symptoms:
When someone stops using their substance of choice, they may experience physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can be very uncomfortable and can make it difficult to quit without professional help.
- Lying or hiding the addiction:
People with addiction often try to hide their behavior from loved ones. They may lie about how much they are using substances, where they have been, or how much money they have spent.
Physical and Mental Health Changes
Sometimes, the body tells a story that words can’t. You may notice changes in the way someone looks. Maybe they are more tired than usual or seem run-down. The emotional and psychological shifts can also be drastic and hard to ignore.
- Changes in appearance:
People with addiction may start to neglect their physical appearance. They lose or gain weight, have changes in their sleep patterns, or have poor hygiene.
- Mood swings:
Addiction can cause mood swings, irritability, anxiety, and depression.
- Changes in energy levels:
People with addiction can experience fatigue or lethargy, or they can be hyperactive and restless.
- Health problems:
Addiction can increase the risk of developing a number of health problems, including heart disease, liver damage, and cancer.
How to Start the Conversation
This is the toughest part. How do you tell the person they need treatment without pushing them away? The key is empathy. You need to express your concerns in a caring and non-judgmental way. Tell them how much you care about their well-being and share the specific signs you have noticed.
Something like, “I have noticed that you haven’t been yourself lately, and I’m really concerned. You seem stressed, and I just want to help you get the support you deserve.” Open the door to a conversation, not to accuse or judge.
Final Words: A Step Forward in Healing
It’s tough to watch someone you care about struggle with addiction. You may not always know when to step in or how to bring up the topic of treatment without seeming intrusive. But, recognizing the early signs of substance use disorder can make all the difference in helping them get the support they need.
