The moment you begin suspecting your partner of a drug addiction can be shocking, particularly if you’ve never known anyone who has been addicted to drugs. What should you do in this situation? How can you be certain your suspicions are correct?
Below, we’ve listed a few common warning signs to be on the lookout for, to help you confirm whether or not your partner really is addicted to drugs.
You Find Drug Paraphernalia
It’s hard to use most drugs without some form of paraphernalia. Mysterious prescription bottles, lighters, or pipes can all be indicators of drug abuse or addiction.
Even regular household items that you find lying around in strange places can signal drug use – for example, spoons can be an indicator of crack cocaine usage, while straws can be an indicator of snorting drugs like heroin or cocaine.
They’ve Become Very Secretive
If your partner is abusing or addicted to drugs, it’s likely they don’t want you to find out. They may begin acting strangely and very secretively. If confronted, they may try to downplay the severity of their drug use.
They might even begin isolating themselves and spending less time with you and their other loved ones.
They’re Moodier Than Usual
Depending on the drug your partner is addicted to, there are a number of ways their mood could change.
You might notice that they’re suddenly enthusiastic about hobbies or interests they used to have. If they are experiencing a comedown from a high, they might suddenly become very irritable.
You Notices Marks on Their Skin
Drug abuse can manifest itself quickly in the way a person looks, and this can happen in a variety of ways depending on the type of drug and how it’s being consumed.
For example, if your partner is injecting a drug like heroin, you might notice scarring or track marks on their arms or legs. If they’re smoking methamphetamine, they may suddenly have dental problems that they didn’t have before. They may also suddenly seem to be aging quickly, have lost a dramatic amount of weight, or developed a yellowish hue to their skin.
They’re Experiencing Financial Problems
Drug addictions are more expensive than you might assume. If your partner is suffering from a meth addiction, they could be spending $12,000 or more per year on drugs. If they’re frequently consuming a more expensive drug like cocaine, that yearly spend could be closer to $200,000!
If your partner is struggling financially all of a sudden, “forgetting” to pay bills, etc., it’s possible they may be choosing to spend that money on their addiction instead.
If your partner is indeed suffering from a drug addiction, help them into treatment as soon as possible to help them have their best shot at recovering. At Any Length, we specialize in helping addicted men and their families find lifelong recovery from addiction. Give us a call today at (512) 746-7036.
