Though there’s nothing wrong with an occasional drink every now and then, there is a very thin line between enjoying some situations with alcohol or even drugs, and getting involved in an abusive behavior that can lead to an addiction. Abuse is the step before addiction, and as such, there are many signs to look out for when our gut starts to tell us that there is something wrong.
Whether it is yourself or someone you love, spotting these warning signs is crucial in order to avoid what can very well be one of the hardest things anyone can ever go through. I know because I myself recovered from cocaine addiction which I previously wrote about on A Lust for Life.
Here are some of the most relevant warning signs that show you might be abusing alcohol or any other addictive substance and might be heading down the path of addiction.
Usually, your gut is right – Trust it
Most of the times, when we feel something is not quite right with ourselves or someone we know in regards to addictive substances, we’re probably right. Our instinct will guide our thoughts to raise a flag above those situations that are unusual or unlikely to happen in a normal environment.
If you’re worried about someone you hold dear, the best course of action is to pay close attention to what’s happening in their lives, since there are social and personal triggers that might go unseen and could push someone down the wrong path.
Money problems
Everybody can have money problems. And while this doesn’t necessarily mean we might be dealing with an abusive behaviour or an addiction, when combined with other signs it could be one of the red flags that indicate money is being spent in exaggerated amounts on something that isn’t a priority or a necessity.
In the case of a spouse, if you’ve known for a long time more or less are the average expenses of the household, and you notice that money is missing, it could very well be an indicator that something is not quite right, so you’ll have to be very careful and take a look at it.
Mood swings
When we abuse any substance we experience withdrawals symptoms when not consuming. Whether it is alcohol or any other drug, these symptoms can cause unexpected mood swings or very negative and exaggerated reactions for very simple situations. Stress, financial difficulties, depression or even the loss of a loved one will release a set of emotions that could be hard to deal with.
During the hard times, it is always important to stay close and support those we love in order to avoid having them finding other coping mechanisms that could develop bigger problems.
Letting go of yourself
While depression can sometimes cause someone to forget about basic aspects of life such as hygiene and personal appearance, people who present an addictive behaviour or are dealing with an addiction will slowly transition into a state of carelessness about themselves. Their self-esteem tends to go lower; regardless of the situation they’re going through it becomes a big warning sign that something is not right. This can also lead to bigger issues such as losing their job, their friends and even a connection to their families.
Irritability and excuses
Someone who’s dealing with addiction will make up all sorts of excuses to justify their behaviour. Whether it is because of the loss of a loved one, family problems or losing their job, they will find the perfect reason to have a drink or use any substances.
When questioned enough about this, their excuses might turn into anger out of frustration because deep down they might know that what they’re doing could be getting out of control.
Go missing for any periods of time
Usually, someone who’s dealing with substance abuse or addiction will retreat to either consuming on their own or to do it with other people that they feel won’t judge or interfere with their behaviour. Sometimes when we face difficult times many of us like to have some time out on our own, however, this doesn’t justify extended periods of time where nobody seems to be able to figure out what we do or where we are.
These disappearances will always be a warning sign that something’s definitely not right. Of course, everything taken out of context is relative, but when taken into account with other signs that are hard to ignore, it can very well give us an idea of what’s going on.
When we’re suffering from an addiction it can become really hard to accept our current situation and look for help, which is why it is of extreme importance that if someone’s going through a hard time, we show our love and support so that they know we are there for them. We cannot always know for sure what’s going through someone’s head, but paying close attention to these signs will help us to find out if we’re dealing with a bigger issue.
Do your own research and if you have your own suspicions about someone close to you or a loved one, know that the most important thing is to show love and support, and to look for help whenever needed.
If you or someone you love is showing more than one of these signs, along with other strange behaviours, you might want to look for professional help. Addiction is a disease and should be treated as such. The sooner a patient is able to be diagnosed, the more efficient the approach and the treatment will be.
The below video – Everything We Think We Know About Addiction Is Wrong – is also well worth a watch.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ao8L-0nSYzg
Support services in Ireland
- Drugs.ie – Emergency Hotline HSE National Drugs Helpline 1800 459 459 | Email: info@drugs.ie
- Drugs and Alcohol helpline – Freephone: 1800 459 459 | Email: helpline@hse.ie
- Yourmentalhealth.ie – Alcohol and drugs
- Samaritans 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org
- Pieta House 01 601 0000 or email mary@pieta.ie – (suicide, self-harm)
- Ana Liffey Drug Project – Freephone 1800 78 68 28 – The Ana Liffey Drug Project is a national addiction service with a ‘Low Threshold – Harm Reduction’ ethos.
- CityWide Drugs Crisis Campaign is a national network of community activists and community organisations that are involved in responding to Ireland’s drugs crisis.
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