Addiction can affect anybody, no matter their background. Whether the substance use starts for fun or medical purposes, addiction can tear apart families, damage relationships, and ruin lives. If you feel defeated, you aren’t alone in this battle.
Seeing a loved one struggle with addiction can make many feel hopeless and heartbroken. This blog discusses the inner dynamics of addiction and how those struggling view their substance abuse issues.
Reasons for Pushing Loved Ones Away
Addiction issues bring about feelings of humiliation and affect people from all walks of life. Understanding the mechanics of substance use disorders and the emotions the come with them can explain the battle of addiction. Below are some reasons why someone suffering from addiction might try to push loved ones away.
Guilt and Shame
People who suffer from substance use disorders carry a lot of guilt and shame with them. Even though the person truly does love their family and friends, it can be easy to fall into a pit of self-destruction. As this damaging behavior continues, many addicts find it easier to interact with other addicts, to feel less shame about their choices.
Loss of Control
As the need to get that next fix becomes uncontrollable, many addicts find more of their energy and time to find their next fix. The constant need to be consuming drugs or alcohol begins to become priority number one. Responsibilities like work, school, or family life become less and less critical as the addiction worsens.
Feeling Hopeless
Family and friends are the ones who can get their hearts broken as they see someone they love begin to fall into a cycle of self-destructive behavior, finding their next fix.
Many addicts carry guilt and shame around with them, as they know their addiction issues are damaging to their lives. They start to feel hopeless that recovery’s impossible; having their loved ones give up on them can make things worse.
Signs of Substance Use Disorders
It can be challenging to notice the subtle signs that can show up if someone has problems with addiction. Below is a list of factors that can lead to substance use disorders and the associated symptoms.
Experiencing Problems at Work, School, Or Home
If someone you know shows up to work or school and appears high, it could be because they’re compensating for troubles they’re experiencing in another part of their life.
Performance at work or school will decline, ignoring responsibilities at home and close relationships will fall apart. Eventually, they might be kicked out of school, fired from their job, or separated from their partner.
New Health Issues
Sudden changes to a sleep schedule, showing up to work or school fatigued, noticeable weight loss or gain, eyes that appear bloodshot or glassy, and problems with remembering simple things can be all signs of substance use disorders. Physical symptoms of drug use can show up as frequent sniffing, sudden nosebleeds, or visible shaking.
Changes In Their Mood and Behavior
Someone who shows signs that they’re uncharacteristically moody, being more secretive about what they do during their day or where they spend their time. Other signs of addiction issues are a sudden lack of interest in old hobbies, being withdrawn, and ignoring personal hygiene.
Recurring financial problems
Constant problems with money can be a dead giveaway if someone has a substance use disorder. They might do things like run up their credit or debit cards, look for loans, always ask to borrow money without a good reason. Eventually, they’ll start stealing money or anything valuable to sell for drugs.
Aspen can Help
Taking the first step into treatment for drugs or alcohol dependence can be scary if done alone. Let our team of medical professionals and recovery experts guide you as you begin to learn how to handle the stressors of a sober life.Our team is ready to help you every step of your road to recovery and to help change your life for the better. Contact the team at Aspen Behavioral Health to learn how we can help.
