This is the second part of a series of articles about recognizing substance abuse in your spouse, partner, or significant other.
Aside from personal and behavioral signs of substance abuse, there are also psychological signs. This is because substances, such as illegal drugs and alcohol, also affects the brain in many significant, and often irreversible, ways.
Psychological Signs of Substance Abuse
21. Attention problems – People who use substances may have trouble focusing or paying attention. They may have a hard time understanding what you’re saying, carrying on a conversation, or even talking.
22. Paranoia – There are instances when they may also become paranoid over something irrational. They may also be scared of things that they only think up in their heads.
23. Defensive attitude – Whenever you approach them about your concerns on their drinking or substance use, they may become defensive and even angry.
Other indications of substance abuse
There are also other signs of substance abuse that you need to watch out for:
24. Cravings – They feel a need to use on a regular basis or even once in a while
25. They try to stop or minimize their use but were unsuccessful
26. They are unable to follow their intentions to just use less and end up using more eventually
27. They prioritize drugs or alcohol or their need to use over necessities and responsibilities
28. They start borrowing, stealing, or lying about money for the sake of their substance use
29. They go through extreme and dangerous measures just to get their drug or alcohol cravings satisfied, which includes getting into trouble with other people or with the law
30. They use substances as an excuse to cope with their problems or with stressful situations
31. They continue to drink or use drugs at the expense of their failing health
32. They put the life, health, and security of other people for the sake of obtaining their substance
It is important to be aware of the activities of your loved ones if you really want to help them. You should also be able to identify between abuse and addiction. A person may abuse drugs and not become addicted. However, this is still cause for concern. When they also exhibit dependence and many other signs mentioned in this post, then these are red flags that should tell you that your loved ones need professional help.
Next: On the third and last part of our series, we will explore the substance-specific red flags to look out for in your loved one.
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