10 Signs that a person Loved One is Struggling with Addiction
By Greg F.
You don’t have to be a professional to spot an addict. Here are 10 signs to look for if your loved one needs treatment for addiction or alcoholism.
1. They appear to have lost all sense of self-worth: It’s difficult to realize that treatment is needed before someone hits “rock bottom.” Chances are it won’t be too difficult to tell when this occurs.
2. A doctor has warned them about their health related to drinking or substance abuse: If this is the case, it’s obviously become serious. However, if they have tried to quit on their own in the past but could not entirely, treatment is suggested.
3. Friends and family have asked them to stop drinking or using: When your loved one is being told by friends and family that their drinking and using is getting in the way, it’s another indicator that someone may have a problem.
4. They obsess over alcohol or drugs until it overrules everything important in their life: Hopefully, it hasn’t come to this. But if it indeed has, then you know that your loved one is struggling with addiction and needs immediate help.
5. They face legal consequences for something they’ve done under the influence: Unfortunately, this is one of the clear indicators that someone has a problem with drinking or using. If their disease has caused them real, tangible problems, treatment may be beneficial.
6. They isolate from the people who care about them: Real addicts and alcoholics tend to push others away so that they may tend to their drinking and using without much hassle from other people.
7. They’ve lost a job or been kicked out of school for something drug- or alcohol-related: Direct consequences of drinking or using drugs such as these are signs of addiction. Likewise, when addiction causes financial trouble or others start noticing a problem.
8. They have tried to quit before but have not stuck with it for one reason or another: When a person cannot beat it on their own after trying to quit a substance multiple times, it is a clear indication that treatment options should be explored.
9. They have lied about drinking or drug use to a loved one before: Lying about their disease is useful for buying time until they get caught or suffer one of the more tangible consequences such as those listed above.
10. Their life has become completely unmanageable: By this we mean someone can no longer meet their basic requirements in school or to their families. They can’t hold a job or drive or meet financial or social responsibilities.
If your loved one has shown any of these 10 signs, then you can be fairly certain that they are struggling with addiction and are in need of some help.
What Now?
Pay attention to them. It’s not anyone’s fault, but you will have a burden to carry if your loved one is struggling with addiction. Fortunately, these signs reveal the truth.
Help is available. One option before treatment may be to search the internet for local Al-Anon meetings. There you will find others who are going through the same thing. You may hear stories of their experience, strength, and hope.
However, please call us at The Grove if you need to speak about it. It may be difficult to call, but you are not alone. Countless others have had the courage to call, and you can, too.
Greg F. recently celebrated eight years free from drugs and alcohol. He has contributed to The Grove social media accounts in the past and served as a writing intern for The Grove in the fall of 2024, working toward a master’s degree in English from Southeastern Louisiana University. He is the author of two self-published books and a big fan of Gretsch Guitars.
