Telltale Signs of Addiction – and how to get help

by Barbara Thoma | Feb 24, 2024 | Education | 0 comments

Rapid heartbeat, sweaty palms, and a blend of anxiety and euphoria – some may recognise these as the sensations of falling in love, while others might associate them with the high from drugs. Both perspectives are valid. The similarities and differences between these intense experiences are striking. However, how our brains handle the emotional roller coasters of love, rejection, addiction, and recovery is complex. Understanding these processes could provide valuable insights for developing more effective addiction therapies.

Expert Corner with Dr. phil. Mayte Parada

It is not always the obvious clue like a plastic bag containing white powder hidden in the sock drawer, or hypodermic needles stashed away behind books that will make you wonder if someone you care for is abusing drugs. Instead, they might just start behaving … well, oddly. Confused, unfocused, restless, lethargic – in short: differently. Or there might be a sudden – and mostly unfavourable – change in their appearance. Recognising the signs of addiction is the first step to seeking help, but it often necessitates certain observation skills and a basic understanding of the nature of substance use disorder (SUD).

The many faces (and moods) of addiction

The signs of drug use and addiction can vary depending on the person and the drug. Addiction may evoke many changes in an affected person: it can change the way they look, how they feel, how they act, and these changes may be readily apparent or occur gradually. Furthermore, while some aspects can be associated with addiction in general, others indicate more distinctly the abuse of certain drugs such as Marijuana, Cocaine, Meth, or alcohol.

General Signs

Physical signs	Bloodshot or watery eyes Pupils that are larger or smaller than usual Sudden weight loss or weight gain Unusual/chemical odour on breath, body, or clothing Changes in appetite and eating habits Loss of physical coordination Marks on the skin Poor personal hygiene
Behavioural signs	Extreme lethargy Self-isolation to keep an addition a secret Avoiding questions about unexplained physical or behavioural changes Poor performance in work or school Noticeable shifts in social circles Secretive behaviour, lying about whereabouts or activities Neglecting things/activities they use to love and loss of interest Neglecting responsibilities and having difficulty remembering obligations Financial issues as drug addiction can be extremely costly
Psychological signs	Negative self-image Withdrawing emotionally from close/loved ones Lack of motivation Apathy Depression or anxiety Paranoid or obsessive thoughts, being suspicious of family and friends, mistrusting everyone Extreme and sudden mood swings may reflect a «high» (hyperactive, excitable or affectionate behaviour) and withdrawal symptoms (angry, verbally abusive or irritable behaviour)

Distinct signs

Alcohol abuse	Spending a lot of time drinking Becoming distressed at the prospect of not having access to alcohol Reckless drinking behaviour, e. g. drunk driving Increased alcohol tolerance Failed attempts to stop drinking Slurred speech Poor coordination Denying or lying about drinking too much
Cocaine use	Paranoia Extreme irritability and erratic behaviour Restless, upbeat and energetic behaviour Weight loss or vomiting Memory loss, confusion or hallucinations Dilated pupils Muscle twitching Frequent runny nose or nosebleed
Opioid use	Nausea or vomiting Inflamed or flushed skin Frequent nosebleed Sudden personality changes towards depression or anxiety Constant scratching, especially on the arms Constipation or stomach pains
Marijuana use	Bloodshot eyes Increased appetite Dry mouth and chronic cough Memory issues Concentration problems Inappropriate laughter
Meth use	«Meth mouth»: rotting teeth and inflamed gums Excessive sweating Burn marks on fingers or lips Chronic lack of appetite and extreme weight loss Thinning hair Trembling or muscle twitching Memory loss and confusion Insomnia

How to talk about what you found out

Whether you have concrete evidence or are increasingly concerned after observing several telltale signs – if you believe that someone you care about is struggling with addiction, it is time to get help. Early intervention can play a pivotal role in preventing the issue from escalating. «Easier said than done,» you may think. «I can’t just say ‘Listen, I know you have a problem. Do something. Go get treatment.’» No, you can’t. Here are some tips on how to proceed and address this delicate subject with the person affected:

Time your conversation: Choose a private environment where the person feels safe and comfortable, and make sure that the person you are worried about is sober at that moment.
Be nonjudgmental but constructive: Make sure that they know that you care for them and that you are there to help them. Avoid accusatory or judgmental tones (i. e. «Why are you doing that? It’s killing you!»). Instead, show them that you are trying to help and to convince them to seek treatment. Stay assertive and emphasize your concern (i. e. «I am worried about you.»
Stay calm and don’t give up: Understand their situation and stay calm when they make excuses or even attack you verbally. Don’t expect too much from this first talk, and continue explaining the consequences of their substance abuse. Even if they appear to remain in denial, you have offered them a safety net and made sure that they are aware of the possibility and need for treatment.

Seek help

Recognising the signs of SUD in someone you care about is a crucial first step towards providing help and support. If you find yourself uncertain about how to navigate this challenging situation, remember that assistance is available and that reaching out for guidance can make a significant difference. Don’t hesitate to contact us: our NEOVIVA team is here to provide expert advice, support, and resources to help you address the situation effectively.

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Barbara Thoma

Originally trained as a lawyer, Barbara transitioned into the mental health services sector, where she has built extensive experience over the past decade. Leveraging her analytical skills and attention to detail, she has provided expert guidance, consulted on mental health programmes, conducted workshops, and analysed policies to improve client outcomes. Concurrently, she excels in corporate communication, copywriting, translation, and editing, offering multilingual services in German, English, Spanish, Korean, and Italian. As a freelance communication expert, she works with prestigious mental health institutions and other renowned international organisations.

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