The person may even get defensive when asked where they have been or what they have been up to.
Physical Appearance
One of the most often overlooked changes in a person using drugs or alcohol is their physical appearance. Changes in their appearance often manifests in weight gain or loss, lack of hygiene or just consistently having a disheveled look. Physical factors like bloodshot eyes, constricted or dilated pupils are also red flags that can be a sign your loved one is abusing drugs or alcohol.
While you may not notice it at first, the type of clothing the person wears can be another identifying factor when it comes to substance abuse. For instance, wearing long sleeves all the time may be a sign the person is trying to hide needle marks, often called track marks, on their arms. They may also avoid situations where they need to show their skin, like swimming or doing outdoor activities in the heat.
Mood Swings
When a person abuses drugs or alcohol, it will greatly impact their mood, often causing extreme swings in the individual’s personality. For instance, a person who is usually calm may be quick to anger or become irritable with often little or no need for such reactions. The person may also swing from one extreme to another when it comes to their moods often being extremely happy and outgoing one day and the next showing signs of depression.
These changes in mood are often caused by the substances they are abusing affecting the brain as well as the person’s dependency on the drug or alcohol. If or when you notice a loved one experiencing these mood shifts, substance abuse may be a contributing factor.
Neglecting Responsibilities
When a person is in the middle of substance abuse, it may be difficult for them to do normal things like maintain basic responsibilities. You may notice your loved one missing classes, skipping out on work or being late when it comes to paying their bills. For loved ones living at home, you may see them not doing their chores like they used to or coming up with excuses to miss important family functions.
As a person gets deeper into substance abuse, they may prioritize getting high or drunk over taking care of their daily responsibilities. This neglect can lead to strained relationships with family and friends and create tense situations within the home.
Secretive Behaviors
If you notice your loved one starting to act in suspicious ways or being secretive about a variety of things like where they are going or who they are hanging out with, it may be a sign of substance abuse. You may go long periods of time without receiving phone calls or seeing them without any sort of rational explanation. The person may even get defensive when asked where they have been or what they have been up to.
Additionally, your loved one may become more secretive and private when it comes to certain items or area of the home: locking their bedroom door, hiding things like money or backpacks, or being extremely protective over their phone. The secrecy stems from them trying to hide their substance abuse and the shame or possible guilt they feel about it.
Identifying these hidden signs early on can help you provide support for your loved one to seek help and tackle their addiction before it truly gets out of hand. If you notice your loved one exhibiting any of these behaviors, it is time to reach out for help not only for your family member but for yourself. FBN
By Roy DuPrez
Roy DuPrez, M.Ed., is the CEO and founder of Back2Basics Outdoor Adventure Recovery in Flagstaff. DuPrez received his B.S. and M.Ed. from Northern Arizona University. Back2Basics helps men recover from addiction to drugs and alcohol.
Back2Basics is an adventure recovery program, up to six months, for adult men with substance abuse issues looking for a positive and meaningful life. In our program, clients are exposed to a weekly combination of both wilderness adventures and residential programming. For more information, visit back2basicsoutdooradventures.com, call 928-814-2220 or email rduprez@b2badventures.com.
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