webadminCoping with a partner’s substance abuse can turn one’s life upside down. When addiction enters a relationship, all the trust that took years to build gets thrown out of the window. When a partner gets hooked to any substance, they may go to any length to conceal the fact from their partners. While breaking up with them may seem like a simple solution, it is usually not that uncomplicated. This is because one may have invested a lot with this person, in terms of memories, time, and life, and in some cases, children might also be in the picture.
Being a partner of a person hooked to substances can be a long-drawn-out venture if one doesn’t have the appropriate guidance. Lack of information might put a person at risk of being in a co-dependent relationship. Addressing a partner’s substance abuse may feel overpowering, disturbing the family dynamics majorly. Additionally, if one’s partner is a high functioning individual at work and home, it may be even trickier to uncover a problem.
If one wants to find out if their partner is addicted to substances, then here are some signs that they need to look out for:
- One is consuming increasing amounts of alcohol, drug, or medication: Is one’s partner trying to increase the amount of alcohol, drug, or prescription medications they take to gain the same effect? Are they keeping an extra strip of painkillers just in case they need them? Do they sneak or hide alcohol, drugs, or pills? If the answer to any one of these or all, is positive, then one’s partner might already be addicted or maybe in the process of becoming addicted. Individuals abusing alcohol or drugs can increasingly grow tolerant to their effects. The increase in one’s consumption of substances to achieve the same effects can be a threatening sign of abuse. In addition, people who abuse prescription painkillers can be seen making urgent calls or impulsive visits to their doctors or even visiting different doctors in order to receive more than one prescription. It is very important to be observant about such signs to institute help on time.
- One is not their usual self: Dependence on alcohol or drugs can drastically change one’s behavior, habits, and lifestyle. One might struggle with extreme shifts in mood and energy levels, loss of concentration, and getting agitated and hostile when one feels miserable in the absence of their drug of choice. Moreover, one might also suffer from disturbed sleep patterns, lethargy, weight gain/loss, and also might stop focusing on their personal grooming and appearance.
- One feels helpless without their substance: If one is becoming increasingly dependent on alcohol or drugs, they are likely to experience withdrawal symptoms if they skip taking that substance. Some of the symptoms could be muscular pain, headache, anxiety, sweating, nausea, and insomnia. The pain of withdrawal can be terrifying causing a downward spiral leading to a relapse, thus aggravating the problem of addiction.
- One becomes defensive when questioned about drugs: Secrecy is an indication of addiction. To hide their affinity towards alcohol or drugs, one’s partner may start getting defensive in front of family and friends. If they are questioned, they may get annoyed or start avoiding their loved ones.
- One is unable to handle professional or personal problems: A person addicted to substances might start evading household chores and may frequently call in sick at school or work. They might start having regular disputes at work, their grades might get severely affected at school or college, and they may also start indulging in frequent arguments and tiffs with their family over trivial matters. They may also move towards isolation, avoiding people and social events.
Dealing with addiction
If such symptoms are visible in your partner, then it is time to seek professional help. Dependency on a drug or alcohol can affect any individual, even the most cautious ones. So one should be vigilant about the warning signs to avoid the debilitating effects which can take a toll on one’s physical and mental wellbeing.
If you or someone you love is addicted to substances and is looking for a drug treatment center, get in touch with Mind Health Network. Call our 24/7 helpline or chat online with one of our experts to know more about research-backed, customized alcohol and drug rehab programs. The specialized team, present 24/7 at our network treatment centers, can use their vast experience to customize a treatment plan for you or a loved one. You can also chat online with a representative for further assistance.
