Sudden changes in behaviour 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 behavioural change is never easy. It may be hard to think about the possible involvement of drug use, but if there are drastic changes in behaviour, there is a good chance that the person is using drugs or may even be a drug addict.Â
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 behaviours that are associated with drug use and addiction. The behaviours may vary from person to person and the type of drug that they are using. They may exhibit all the behaviours 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 behaviours.
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 behaviours 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 behaviour trait will guarantee an addiction, so when looking for various behaviours of a drug addict, be thorough and as sure as possible before moving onto the next step.
Understanding
Being able to understand the behaviour of a drug addict can be extremely frustrating. This is because there is no rational explanation for their behaviour, and it simply revolves around their addiction, and getting the next hit, high, or drink. Instead of trying to make sense of the behaviour 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 behaviours and physical behaviours 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 behaviours 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.
