When a loved one begins to act funny, you may not know what’s causing it. There could be several reasons behind the unusual behavior and more of a need for a mental health treatment program. Any of these could put a strain on someone affecting their behaviors, choices, and relationships. The same is true with drug use and addiction.
However, it’s important to know that the development of addiction is gradual. A person isn’t going to show a change in their behaviors overnight – if drug use is the cause. You may notice the following behaviors develop and get worse over time if a person is regularly using substances and/or experiencing an addiction.
Neglecting Responsibilities
Addiction is an illness in which a person loses control over the substance they’re using. In other words, they no longer have the ability to stop using, even if they wanted to. You might not notice when your loved one loses control over their substance use. However, you might notice that they are no longer meeting their responsibilities. You might see that they are shrugging them off to spend time with drug-using friends. You might also see that your loved one has lost a certain sense of responsibility in general.
Withdrawing and Isolating
As drug use continues, a person might begin to focus more of their day on using drugs. Even when they’re not using, they might fantasize about their next high. They might plan their day around getting high. Those who use drugs once or more throughout the day might begin to pull away from family and friends.
Neglecting Their Favorite Pastimes
Along these same lines, a person who is regularly using drugs might also no longer want to do what used to bring them joy. They may not go running or spend time in nature, or they might even neglect to spend time with their children. A person who is becoming physically and psychologically dependent upon drugs tends to make that a priority over hobbies, pastimes, and other leisure activities.
Making Poor Choices
Another pattern you might notice in a loved one is the poor choices they are making for themselves. Perhaps they’re coming home late and calling out sick more often. Perhaps they’re forgetting to pay the rent or neglecting to pick up their paycheck to pay the rent. Or worse, perhaps you’re seeing your loved one getting involved in illegal activity – not to mention the drug use itself may be illegal. Addiction can be an illness of self-destruction. Making poor choices might be a sign of addiction.
Changing Appearance
Another noticeable change is the way that your loved one dresses, wears makeup, and/or styles their hair. You might see a change in their appearance that points to the friends they’re spending time with or the new drug-centered lifestyle they may be developing.
If you suspect substance abuse in a loved one, don’t rely solely upon the information in this article. Contact a mental health professional for guidance on what to do if you believe that someone you love is abusing drugs or alcohol.
Westwind Recovery®
Addressing drug or alcohol abuse is something you need to do if you suspect a family member or loved one of drug use. Fortunately, Westwind Recovery® can help. We offer numerous therapy and support programs such as:
All of these therapies as well as others can be used in our residential or inpatient program or outpatient programs. Even after treatment, individuals can ease back into their lives through our sober living homes. So contact us today at 855.340.8832 to explore how we can help make your recovery and sobering living a success.
Dr. Deena is the Chief Clinical Officer of Westwind Recovery®, an award-winning outpatient treatment center in Los Angeles where she oversees the clinical and administrative program and treatment methods. Dr. Deena is a doctor of psychology and licensed clinical social worker since 1993. LCSW #20628. Originally from the East Coast, Dr. Deena has worked running treatment centers, worked as a therapist in psychiatric hospitals as well as school settings and currently has a thriving private practice in the LA area. Dr. Deena has appeared regularly on the Dr. Phil Show as an expert since 2003. She has also been featured on many other TV shows, podcasts and has contributed to written publications as well as podcasts.
