There are some clear warning signs if a spouse, lover, or family member is using. Whether you’re living together, in a committed relationship, engaged or married…no matter what the genders of the couple… the feelings and problems are equally difficult. Accepting that your loved one has a substance use disorder is the hardest thing in the world. It’s so scary. Someone you love is caught up in something dangerous and beyond your control. Your feelings will run from disbelief, fear and betrayal, anger, concern and back again. What you do and how you handle it is important. Your future will depend on taking care of yourself and being able to understand and accept the situation. Addiction doesn’t go away when it’s ignored.
First Be Observant
Do some detective work. That means taking care to watch what’s going on and making notes about how your loved one is acting toward you and everything else. Learn about addiction and the changes that occur in personality and behavior.
Know The 12 Warning Signs
Not all of them will be applicable to your loved one, but these are common signs of substance and alcohol abuse and addiction
- Mood swings
- Anger, impatience, irritable behavior, especially when confronted
- Sudden appearance of new friends
- Secrecy about activities and whereabouts
- You found Items that you suspect might be drug paraphernalia
- Pupils are often either enlarged or constricted. Methamphetamine or cocaine will enlarge the pupil while heroin and other opiates will constrict the pupils
- Smells different, alcohol, marijuana and other drugs can change body odor
- Loss of appetite
- Money and other items have been disappearing
- Neglecting things that used to be important—family, church, relationships, activities
- Neglect of personal hygiene and personal appearance
- Sudden secret phone calls and texting
Educate Yourself About Substances Your Loved One Is Using
If you have little knowledge of drug addiction, then learning more about different classes of drugs will also be helpful to you. Most drugs give fairly precise symptoms if you know what to look for.
Get Help
Addiction is not a choice. It now medical specialty described as an chronic relapsing brain disease. Don’t try to change anyone on your own, it won’t work. Seek professional help from a therapist, addiction professional, doctor.
If you need help with a loved-one’s substance use, visit Al-Anon.org
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