Anyone who is addicted to substances might be having a serious problem on their hands because it is often difficult to break free except if they seek help.
If you have someone around you who behaves in a way that is not typical of them, it might be that they are struggling with addiction.
Hence, if you are concerned that you or your loved one have an addiction problem, here are some signs that will guide you to be sure.
Physical signs
One of the easiest ways to tell that someone is struggling with substance addiction is through the physical signs. These signs are often alterations to their general physical appearance that people may easily notice.
Some of these signs include dilated pupils, bloodshot eyes, constant itching, slurred speech, regular sniffing, drastic weight gain or loss, lack of personal grooming, etc.
Mood swings
Another sign that shows that an individual is addicted to substances is when they are unable to handle their emotions.
You might observe that someone who is normally quiet might begin to act hyper that people around them could be confused. Substances like alcohol and drugs can impair a person’s ability to properly manage their emotions without affecting those around them.
Isolation
Getting isolated is one of the typical behaviors of someone struggling with substance addiction. They might detest social gatherings for some reason. One of the reasons is that they want to engage in their addiction without any disturbance or monitoring.
They also don’t want to be stigmatized by people around them. Hence, they would prefer to do it in silence, and avoid staying around people.
Defensiveness
People struggling with substance addiction tend to be defensive especially when someone accuses them of being addicted. They might show clear signs of being uncomfortable or even hostile anytime someone around them brings up the topic of addiction.
If you notice that your loved one is showing this sign, they might be addicted to drugs or alcohol.