6 Subtle Signs Your Loved One Is Struggling with Substance Abuse

Substance abuse is a major health threat affecting millions of Americans of all ages and from all walks of life. Seeking treatment early is the key to preventing serious consequences, like overdose and death — but unless you know the signs of substance use disorder, it can be difficult to guide someone toward appropriate treatment.

At Revival Infusion Madison, Sarah Wilczewski, CRNA, APNP, and her team are committed to helping patients overcome substance abuse with therapies tailored to each individual’s unique challenges. If you’re worried your loved one might be struggling with substance abuse, here are six signs to watch out for. 

1. Mood or behavior changes

Substance abuse can have a direct impact on the way a person behaves, although initially at least, these changes can be fairly subtle. Some of the most common changes to look for include:

• Increased irritability or general moodiness
• Mood swings
• Anxiety or nervousness
• Depression
• Agitation or restlessness
• Aggressive behavior
• Paranoia

Like other signs of substance abuse, behavior changes tend to become more noticeable as the substance use disorder progresses and become more severe over time.

2. Changes in physical health or appearance

Drugs and alcohol certainly take a toll on a person’s physical health, and many of those health issues cause visible symptoms, too. Red or bloodshot eyes, nosebleeds, skin sores, tremors, and drastic or rapid changes in weight are some of the more common signs to watch for. 

As addiction takes hold, many people become less interested in their physical appearance, as well. Your loved one may shower less frequently, let their hair go unwashed, fail to clean their clothes, or neglect to brush their teeth, leading to odors and an unkempt appearance. Over time, oral health issues, like decayed teeth or tooth loss, become more common.

3. Loss of interest in “fun” activities

As substance abuse progresses, it tends to take up more and more of a person’s time as they search for ways to obtain the substance and pay for it. Drugs and alcohol also tend to dull a user’s interest in activities and make them too tired or lethargic to care, with their sole focus slowly becoming their drug of choice.

Your loved one may replace regular activities with more secretive behaviors or a new group of friends associated with their habit. Avoiding social activities also means your loved one won’t have to deal with the personal fallout of their habit or questions or concerns of family and friends.

4. Forgetting or neglecting responsibilities

As substance abuse progresses, many people neglect their regular, day-to-day responsibilities, spending increasing amounts of time focused on their habit and the activities needed to support it. 

As a result, they may become forgetful, missing appointments, skipping family activities, and neglecting responsibilities at work or school. In turn, this change can lead to school problems and loss of employment.

5. New or worsening financial difficulties

The cost of maintaining a drug or alcohol habit is significant, increasing as the disorder progresses. Over time, you may notice your loved one has trouble paying their bills or they may begin to ask for financial assistance from you.

Because substance abuse often leads to job loss, your loved one may lose their source of income, leading to eviction, car repossession, or utilities being shut off. Sometimes, a loved one may turn to stealing items from loved ones, selling those items to raise cash for their habit.

6. Changes in sleep habits

Substance abuse can take a big toll on sleep, making it harder to fall asleep, stay asleep, and enjoy the restorative benefits of regular, healthy sleep patterns. Over time, sleep problems can become chronic, leading to more stress, an increased risk of illness, and even additional substance abuse to help deal with the effects of poor sleep.

Help your loved one find a solution

Substance abuse exerts a strong grip, but with medical care and support from loved ones, it’s a grip that can be broken. If you’re worried your loved one might be dealing with a substance abuse problem, book an appointment online or over the phone with the team at Revival Infusion Madison in Fitchburg, Wisconsin, today to learn how we can help.