Warning Signs

 

Often family or friends notice warning signs in the life of those becoming dependent (addicted).

Have they had a recent demotion or been fired? Have they experienced a death in family, or traumatic experience?

Are co-workers, friends, loved ones, suddenly very concerned about their current situation?

Often addicts will hide the pain for years. Consider that something may have occurred in childhood or many years ago, which is affecting them today.

 

 

Warning signs that someone you love may be addicted to drugs.

Warning signs that your spouse or loved one may be a sex addict.

Warning signs of a gambling addiction.

Warning signs that someone you love may be an alcoholic .

Warning signs that a friend or family member is addicted to self harm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Warning signs that someone you love may be addicted to drugs

• Bloodshot eyes
• Pupils are larger or smaller than they usually appear
• Quick weight loss or gain, (dependent on individual and type of drug)
• Increase or decrease in appetite
• Sleep patterns have changed
• Bad breath and changed body odor
• Strange odor on clothing
• Change in physical appearance, usually a decrease
• Change in personal care (hygiene)
• Slurred speech
• Coordination seems impaired, may appear groggy or extremely tired
• Frequent, sudden mood changes
• Personality has become different, this may be consistent or sporadic
• Over excited, even hyper at moments (ie. talking quickly)
• Highly irritated or agitated at moments, may leave and return calm
• Paranoia, seems afraid
• Extremely anxious
• Decreased motivation, doesn't seem to have it together
• Strong moments of anger
• Becoming physically abusive
• Missing work or other obligations
• Decreased performance at work, recently demoted or fired
• Overspending of money which may have created financial problems
• Needing to borrow money, noticing funds missing without reason
• Secretive or suspicious behaviors
• Change in friends
• Change in social activities
• Having accidents, may be simple like cutting hand with knife, etc.
• Tremors, unexplained seizure

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Warning signs that your spouse or loved one may be a sex addict

• Has pornographic material at home or at work
• Uses pornographic videos or pictures when making love
• Sex with spouse suddenly increases or decreases
• During sex partner feeks unloved, alone, or unconnected, sex is just about the act
• During sex he or she has decreased in sexual energy
• During sex he or she is very aggressive or controlling
• Demands sex or manipulates to have sex
• Becomes angry or depressed if sex is refused, may have a temper tantrum or becomes childish
• After sex there is often a rapid attitude or mood change
• After sex he or she either becomes much nicer or angrier and blames partner
• Unexplained internet, phone and credit card purchases
• Increased, unexplained unknown numbers on phone bill
• Unexplained cash withdrawals
• Waking earlier to watch TV or sit at the computer
• Staying up later to watch TV or sit at the computer
• Frequently comes home from work late
• Partner knows of or expects sexual affairs
• He or she leaves for unexplained reasons
• Separating from family and friends, wants frequent alone time
• Appears depressed and unattached, distracted
• Tries to control friends, co-workers, distances self from those who are intimidating
• When questioned he or she makes excuses, lies or manipulates answers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Warning signs of a gambling addiction

• Increased interest with gambling
• Lies, makes excuses for or tries to hide gambling activities
• Very defensive, whines when questioned
• Promises to stop when caught and contrite but does not
• Won't stop gambling until he or she tries to recoup losses
• When feeling depressed he or she turns to gambling
• After an argument or to avoid discussion he or she turns to gambling as a way to escape problems
• Once they start gambling it is almost impossible to pull them away whether they are winning or loosing
• Large amounts of money disappearing from bank account(s), increased secrecy of personal finances
• Several direct banking transactions within a short period of time from same location
• Continue to gamble even when out of money
• Missing work, avoiding responsibilities
• Becoming very impatient
• Rapid mood swings
• When not gambling or trying not to they are irritable, agitated and restless
• Number of friends/family members are concerned about his or her behavior

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Warning signs that someone you love may be an alcoholic

• Saying, "I need a drink", rather than, "I want a drink"
• Talks excessively about alcohol
• Tries to hide drinking from others who know them well
• Drinks alcohol daily
• Seems to be in a very relaxed state after having first drink
• When drinking he or she becomes violent or aggressive
• Tends to drink alone often
• Stops caring about personal hygiene
• Decrease in appearance
• Complaints from others regarding work performance
• Begin lying
• Bad breath
• Smell of alcohol on body, clothes
• Frequent headaches
• Trembling, especially in the morning

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Warning signs that a friend or family member is addicted to self harm.

• Scars on different locations (ie. arms , legs, stomach - from knife, razor blade, scratching, excessive rubbing, etc.)
• Always wear long sleeves even in hot weather (to hide scars)
• Never wears shorts or short skirts
• Scars on hands (may appear "over scratched")
• Appears overly upset after making a mistake
• Depressed, very low self esteem
• May exhibit extreme suppression of anger (using cutting, rubbing, burning to cope)
• May be unable to express emotions normally
• May co-exist with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and eating disorders