There are now as many as 53.4 million drug addicts across the US, and as the opioid crisis escalates, this previously ‘other’ issue is increasingly creeping into many of our lives. This can be incredibly difficult to accept when a loved one or family member is involved, but knowing how to cope can be even harder when the partner you’re sharing your life with starts to show the signs of a problem. 

Unfortunately, addiction doesn’t discriminate, hence why treatment centers continually offer solutions for individuals from all walks of life. As such, you should never brush concerns under the carpet even if your partner outright denies that there’s a problem. The question is, how can you tell once and for all whether your partner has a drug addiction problem, and what can you do to help them?

1 – Unexplained Money Problems

Many drug addicts will hide their behaviors, meaning that the first actual sign of a problem may well be something as small as unexplained money issues. After all, drug addicts will typically spend thousands on this pursuit each year. If your partner is spending money that they can’t explain, or if they suddenly begin asking to borrow money or are continually struggling, then it’s a sure sign that something’s amiss. 

2 – Sudden Changes In Behavior

How To Tell If My Partner Has A Drug Addiction Problem

While your partner will most likely avoid your presence during intoxication, addiction can impact behavior in a multitude of secondary ways. Unusual high or manic moods that are offset by sudden irritability or depression can especially be signs of addiction. If you notice that your partner becomes particularly irritated during things like family holidays etc. where they’re unable to get away, or if they always seem to return home in a notably excitable mood, then this should certainly act as a red flag that intensive treatment may be necessary. 

3 – Generalized Disinterest

Drug problems typically go hand in hand with a generalized disinterest in most other activities. Noticing that your partner no longer shows any interest in hobbies or activities that they’ve always enjoyed is a particular area of concern, but you may also notice things like a lack of engagement with work or even your relationship.

4 – Physical Symptoms

Physical symptoms are an undeniable sign that outpatient care may be necessary for addiction, and can include subtle things like an inability to sit still, or shaking hands first thing in the morning. As addiction progresses, weight loss, changes in skin color, nose bleeds, and bloodshot eyes are also not unusual and may require at least partial hospitalization to ensure the recovery that your partner needs to come back to themselves. 

While it can seem like a betrayal to realize that the person you love the most has been keeping secrets, spotting these signs as early as possible is the best way to ensure the treatment that they need. Once they’re on the journey to recovery, you can finally work at rebuilding the love that, too often, falls foul of the true impact of addiction. 

 

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