If you suspect that someone close to you may be abusing drugs or alcohol, you’re probably watching their behaviors closely. You are likely wondering which of their behaviors are normal and which are addictive behaviors. After all, it could just be that you’re being paranoid, right?
Or Do You Need to Take Action?
First, it’s important to acknowledge that these questions spinning around your head are completely normal. Just the fact that you are concerned about this person in your life is good. You’re doing the right thing by being aware.
But you also need to separate fact from fiction. Could the varied behaviors you are witnessing in your loved one be addictive behaviors? Here is a list of peculiar addictive behaviors that are hallmarks of a substance abuse issue. Check these behaviors against those of your friend or family member to be sure of what’s going on.
Peculiar Behaviors That Could Be Signs of Addiction
Loss of Interest
When someone becomes addicted to drugs or alcohol, that becomes their focus. Most of the time, they are either trying to obtain their drugs of choice, using their drugs of choice or trying to hide whatever they’re using. All of this means that the other things in life they were once interested in go by the wayside. This may mean a loss of interest in school, work, hobbies, or spending time with friends and family.
Changes in Appearance
Depending on the substance being abused, changes in appearance may be minor or major. Meth, for example, causes serious changes in physical appearance (acne, mouth and skin sores, tooth decay and loss, lack of skin elasticity). On the other hand, alcohol and marijuana may have less obvious signs of physical change.
Lying
Even though those who are struggling with addiction are usually not ready to admit they have a problem, they will often lie to cover their tracks nonetheless. You may catch them in lies about where they’re going, what they’re doing, or who they’re spending time with.
Sleeping Issues
Often, those who are abusing drugs or alcohol will have sleeping issues. Most of the time, the most evident sign of sleeping issues is that the individual will sleep during the day and be awake at night.
How Therapy Helps Addictive Behaviors
Therapy is an essential part of treating any type of addiction. For example, individual, one-on-one psychotherapy is extremely beneficial for dual diagnosis. During these sessions, clients can work on underlying mental health issues, such as bipolar disorder or depression. Group therapy sessions also facilitate a time where individuals can speak openly about their struggles with addiction alongside others who are facing the same trials.
At Healing Springs Ranch, we offer numerous therapy programs. Our goal is to cater these programs to the individual. That’s because every individual has a unique experience. Therefore, their substance abuse treatment should be unique. Healing Springs Ranch offers a number of proven-effective treatment programs, including:
- Family program
- The Functional Living Wellness Program
- Dual diagnosis
- Short-term residential treatment
Healing Springs Ranch Can Help
To begin your treatment journey, give Healing Springs Ranch a call at 866-656-8384. We can help you begin your individualized rehab program today.