What Are the Signs That Your Spouse is an Addict?

When the person you love most begins abusing substances, it can be scary for you, your home, and your family. It’s important to know the signs your spouse is an addict so you can act accordingly. Without knowing the signs, you won’t be able to encourage your spouse to seek treatment.

Signs Your Spouse is an Addict 

The signs that your spouse is an addict are typically separated into three different categories: physical signs, psychological signs, and behavioral signs. It’s important to know the symptoms of all three categories so you have a holistic picture of what to look for in your spouse’s behaviors.

Physical Signs 

The physical signs of addiction are those that impact your spouse’s physical body. These symptoms are impossible to ignore. Some physical signs your spouse is an addict include:

• Bloodshot eyes
• Pupils larger/smaller than usual 
• Changes in appetite
• Changes in sleep pattern 
• Deterioration of physical appearance and grooming habits 
• Sniffling 
• Running nose 
• Sudden change in weight 
• Slurred speech 
• Tremors
• Impaired coordination 
• Unusual odors 
• Scabs, track marks 

Psychological Signs 

Alongside physical signs, you also need to know the psychological signs of addiction. The psychological warning signs impact your loved one’s peace of mind and sanity. Some psychological signs to look for include:

• Anxiety 
• Paranoid 
• Depression 
• Instability 
• Periods of extreme energy 
• Sudden and drastic mood swings 
• Unexplained changes in personality 

Behavioral Signs 

The last category of symptoms is behavioral signs. Behavioral signs are those that include changes in your loved one’s behaviors and habits. There are many behavioral signs to look out for, but the most common are:

• Deteriorating relationships 
• Being secretive 
• Run-ins with the law 
• Neglecting responsibilities and loved ones 
• Changes in friends and hobbies
• Abandoning things they once loved due to use 
• Financial problems 
• Staling 
• Increased drug tolerance 
• Substance abuse 
• Loss of control 
• Continuing use regardless of outcomes 

Often, the behavioral side effects of addiction are the most painful to the family of the addict. If your loved one is suffering severe behavioral side effects, do not take it personally, though this is easier said than done. Try your best to recognize that these changes are symptoms of addiction and not a reflection on you. 

What to do When Your Spouse is an Addict 

If your loved one experiences numerous of the signs above, then your spouse is likely an addict or suffering from addiction. As this person’s spouse, it’s your responsibility to help them see that there is another way of living. Contact a treatment facility that can help you throughout every phase of your spouse’s journey.

You do not want to be codependent or enable the behavior, but show your spouse how addiction is impacting your life and their life. Help and encourage them to seek professional treatment at a rehabilitation center. Many addicts do not accept treatment at first. So, be patient and persistent until they accept the help that is being offered. 

If your loved one does not accept treatment and their addiction is getting worse, be prepared to back away from the relationship if need be. Just because you love your spouse does not mean you have to love them to death.

Get Help from Recovery Beach 

If the signs point to your spouse being an addict, it’s important to act. Addiction requires medical treatment from professionals who specialize in the illness. Addiction treatment facilities can help your spouse learn a healthier way of living and offer you assistance in the meantime.

Recovery Beach is a top-rated addiction treatment center in California. We offer comprehensive treatment opportunities. Give us a call today to learn about our treatment programs or to get help during an intervention on your spouse.