The behaviour of a drug addict

Sudden changes in Behavior can send of warning signals to loved ones that something is not right. When this behavior continues, it is only natural to begin to question what is changing the person’s behavior. Determining exactly what is causing this behavioral change is never easy. It may be hard to think about the possible involvement of drug use, but if there are drastic changes in Behavior, there is a good chance that the person is using drugs or may even be a drug addict. 

Finding Out

The last thing that anyone wants to do is find out that a person they care about is a drug addict; however, if this is the case, it is best to be prepared for what is to come.

What to Look For

There are many Behaviors that are associated with drug use and addiction. The Behaviors may vary from person to person and the type of drug that they are using. They may exhibit all the behaviors or only a few.

Use affects a person’s entire body. Drugs change the way the brain functions, how fast their heart beats, and the level of their blood pressure; however, these are things that are not visible to the human eye. There are things that are visible to other people that a drug addict will exhibit; such as, emotional and physical behaviors.

Emotional Traits

  • Depression
  • Apathy
  • Delusions
  • Paranoia
  • Excessive Calmness
  • Excessive Energy
  • Excessive Talking
  • Violence Prone
  • Easily Irritated
  • Easily Angered
  • Mood Swings
  • Secretive
  • Lying
  • Stealing
  • New Friends
  • Physical Traits
  • Lack of Hygiene
  • Excessive Sleep
  • Inability to Sleep
  • Excessive Sniffing
  • Sinus Problems
  • Sudden Weigh Loss
  • Sudden Weight Gain
  • Excessive Spending

Be Thorough and Sure

Drug addicts are hard to spot, while some will show very obvious Behaviors of using, others are able to carry on their daily life amazingly well. It should be noted, that just because a person is showing behaviors of a drug addict, does not necessarily mean that they actually using and have an addiction to drugs. No behavior trait will guarantee an addiction, so when looking for various behaviors of a drug addict, be thorough and as sure as possible before moving onto the next step.

Understanding

Being able to understand the behavior of a drug addict can be extremely frustrating. This is because there is no rational explanation for their behavior, and it simply revolves around their addiction, and getting the next hit, high, or drink. Instead of trying to make sense of the behavior of a drug addict, the loved one should understand that there is no logical explanation for their behaviour other than the addict being driven by the compulsion to use drugs.

An Endless Cycle

All of the emotional behaviors and physical behaviors that a drug addict has can be incredibly difficult to deal with. Their lies about their drug use, their whereabouts, their mood swings, money spending, and distance from loved ones when they are using are typically followed by apologies and promises that things will get better. This becomes an endless cycle that can make a concerned spouse, partner, or family member feel trapped and helpless.

They Need Help

When a person has an addiction to drugs, the substance becomes more important than anything else in their life. Along with the behaviors listed above, a drug addict may have times that they feel guilty and remorseful and decide to get help, in these times the drug addict will normally continue using. Most addicts will need help and support from friends or family members before they check themselves into a treatment centre.

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