It is painful when you feel like someone you love is hiding an issue from you. They may become secretive and act in ways you don’t understand. Sometimes, this is how addicts hide an addiction. Whether due to stigma, fear, or shame, a person may go to great lengths to conceal their addiction.
This is why it is important to know the signs that someone is hiding an addiction. You may be able to help them get the treatment they need. If you would like more information about this topic, contact Vertava Health at 844.470.0410 today. Our addiction treatment center can provide you with comprehensive and personalized care.
Signs Someone Is Hiding an Addiction
The following are a few signs someone is hiding an addiction:
1. They Have Unpredictable Mood Swings
Drugs and alcohol can cause a person to go through erratic mood swings. For example, methamphetamine and other stimulants can make a person:
- Extremely energetic
- Hyperactive
- Chatty
However, when the drug wears off, the individual will likely be lethargic, irritable, and agitated. Outbursts or seemingly random mood changes from one extreme to the other may indicate that your loved one is dealing with an addiction.
2. They Withdrawal From Friends And Family
A loved one may begin to withdraw from friends and family. They may do this because:
- They don’t want to be around people who can easily see the effects of their drug or alcohol intake
- They don’t want to be questioned or judged
- They feel guilty and ashamed of their addiction
This can be confusing and even upsetting for the person’s loved ones. They are typically in the dark about why a person is withdrawing.
3. They Exhibit Sudden Physical Changes
Addicted individuals may have noticeable physical symptoms of drug or alcohol use. As their addiction progresses, these physical signs will likely be easier to see by others. Common physical changes that result from substance use include:
- Weight loss or gain
- Extreme lethargy
- Pinpoint pupils
- Bloodshot eyes
- Sores or track marks on the skin
- Neglected personal hygiene
- Frequent bloody nose
- Nasal congestion
Different drugs can cause different physical changes in a person. If you notice drastic physical differences in your loved one that is seemingly out of the blue, it may be a red flag.
4. They Experience Financial Trouble
While many people will experience financial hardship at some point in their lives, individuals who are addicted to drugs or alcohol often go through sudden and seemingly unexplainable financial difficulties. People who are addicted to substances may buy drugs or alcohol despite their upcoming bills. Or, they may sell off their personal property to be able to afford substances. Additionally, a person struggling with addiction may steal or borrow money from loved ones. They may also steal drugs from friends or family to get their next fix.
5. They Experience Withdrawal Symptoms
People addicted to substances will likely experience withdrawal symptoms when they are not using. They will likely try to hide the symptoms of withdrawal, but many withdrawal symptoms are physical and often noticeable to others. Common withdrawal symptoms from drugs or alcohol may include:
- Anxiety
- Excessive sweating
- Clammy skin
- Irritability
- Fatigue
- Mood swings
- Changes in appetite
- Nausea or vomiting
- Paranoia
- Sleep problems
The more severe the addiction, the more powerful the withdrawal symptoms will be.
Vertava Health Can Help Your Loved One
Many people who are addicted to drugs or alcohol will try to keep their addiction hidden as long as possible. Unfortunately, this often only fuels their addiction. If you believe your loved one is hiding an addiction, confronting and supporting them may be the most important thing you can do. Vertava Health has a number of facilities that can help your loved one overcome addiction. If you would like to learn more, contact us at 844.470.0410 today.
