Warning Signs of Addiction

Warning Signs of Addiction, The Details

You noticed something. A pattern that keeps repeating. Trust that instinct and read on.

Warning signs rarely arrive all at once. They build slowly. Watch for shifts in three areas.

• Behavioral: missed work or school, secrecy about time and money, new social circles, borrowing or stealing, lying about drinking or use.
• Physical: changes in sleep, weight loss or gain, red eyes, tremors, poor hygiene, frequent hangovers or withdrawal symptoms.
• Emotional: irritability, anxiety, sudden mood swings, withdrawal from family, defensiveness when the subject comes up.

One sign alone means little. Several together, over weeks, deserve attention.

When you decide to talk, choose a calm moment. Never mid-argument. Never mid-use.

Speak from what you see, not what you assume. Try "I noticed you have been sleeping all day" instead of "You have a problem." Use I statements. Stay quiet and let them answer.

Expect denial. It is common. Keep the door open and try again later.

We are here when you are ready to ask questions. We will help you plan the next step together.