What to Look For
Because substance use disorder is a progressive disease, intervening in the early stages greatly improves outcomes. Families/Friends should take warning signs seriously. Concerned significant others should look for these symptoms:
- Your Friend or loved one starts behaving differently for no apparent reason — such as acting withdrawn, frequently tired or depressed, or hostile
- Disinterest in activities that were previously enjoyable
- Loss of money, missing valuables, and borrowing
- Change in daily routine
- Loss of interest in overall health, hygiene, preventative and dental care
- Changes in mood
- Change in weight or appearance
- Change in sexual behavior
- Change in weight, eating or sleeping habits
- A decline in performance at work or school
- Change in peer group
- Secrecy regarding phone
- A tendency to disappear for hours at a time
- Deteriorating relationships
- Inability to be present when in conversation
If you have seen some of these symptoms, it doesn’t hurt to talk to a professional.
