Sometimes, recognizing a loved one with addiction issues is difficult. It’s hard to tell, and despite the stereotypes, it’s not always clear as day. Sometimes, you have to watch for the small things. So here are a few signs.
1. Quantity Control
A higher tolerance to drugs or alcohol leads people to increase the quantity and frequency of use, and sometimes when they think that they are not going to get more, an addict will start cutting doses into smaller amounts to make it last longer. If a family member always needs an early refill, it’s a sign of addiction, and if they start suddenly cutting pills in half, again it’s a sign.
2. Pills in Odd Places
If there’s a bottle behind the cleaner, under the bathroom sink, in the laundry room behind the detergent, or in other odd places such as the jewelry box, toolbox, inside of purses, etc., there’s a problem. Don’t go looking for it obviously, because snooping is not a good idea if they don’t have a history of it. But if you happen to find it when looking for cleaning tools, etc., take it as a red flag.
3. Things That Disappear
Items around the house disappear from time to time. But when they disappear more often and things like checks go missing from your checkbook, checks disappear from the middle of the checkbook, and cash disappears at random, there’s a problem. Sometimes, addicts will even take heirlooms to the pawn shop.
4. Vodka in the Morning Coffee
Not only is vodka one of the stronger forms of alcohol, vodka is also clear and looks just like water. It can be easily added to soft drinks or coffee. But it gives off a noticeable smell. If you see someone adding water to their prepared coffee, obviously it’s odd. But chances are it’s probably vodka. Pay attention to grocery receipts too to see if vodka is on the list.
5. Misses Important Events
Dad missed a birthday party, a graduation, an important event. Sometimes they showed up half way through with no real explanation. Addicts often become unreliable and secretive, missing important events for no explainable reason.
6. Extreme Weight Loss
There are other things that can cause weight loss, and you should look for other signs before making serious accusations. But users of crystal meth, cocaine, and other uppers can often go for hours without eating with extreme energy and no appetite at all, therefore losing extreme amounts of weight.
7. Mood Swings
This could also be a sign of major depression. But then again, some depressives use drugs to try to self medicate. Many family members describe addicts or alcoholics as an emotional rollercoaster, going from numb and calm to extremely aggressive in minutes or even seconds.
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