Reader Question: Loved One's Substance Use

From Our Readers: How can I tell if my loved one's substance use has crossed the line into addiction?

It’s natural to be concerned about a loved one’s behavior regarding substance use. There are various signs that your loved one has developed an addiction to substances.

Here’s a checklist of signs to see if you need to raise the topic of getting professional help:

• Neglecting responsibilities at work or school
• Reduced work or school performance
• Lying or being secretive about substance use
• Withdrawing from friends, family, and past interest
• Sudden change in friends or acquaintances
• Weight loss or gain
• Neglecting hygiene 
• Fatigue or tiredness
• Mood swings and irritability
• Anxiety or depression
• Sleep problems

If your loved one is showing several of these signs, it’s important to talk to them in a calm, quiet area while they’re not inebriated. Express your feelings and concerns and avoid judging them.

Be prepared to listen to what they have to say and try to understand their perspective. You should also consider reaching out to a doctor or addiction specialist.

What are treatment options your loved one can consider?

If your loved one understands that they’re struggling with addiction, encourage them to seek professional help. This could involve:

• Inpatient rehab
• Outpatient rehab
• Counseling
• Therapy
• Support groups

If you’re helping a loved one struggling with addiction, don’t forget to take care of yourself. There are support groups for family and friends affected by their loved one’s addiction, like Al-Anon. These groups can provide techniques and resources for coping with a loved one’s addiction.

Make sure you’re really dealing with an addiction.

Experimenting with drugs and alcohol isn’t uncommon. However, there is a difference between experimentation and addiction, and it’s crucial to make that distinction in this situation.

Addiction is a disease characterized by an intense urge to use specific substances. It’s not a character flaw or weakness.

It’s caused by various genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. If left untreated, it can worsen a person’s quality of life and lead to long-term health problems. If this is what your loved one is dealing with, I hope they can get the support they need to recover.

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