Addiction starts small, with easily overlooked signs that can spiral out of control. Here are five symptoms to look out for, according to an expert.
The conversation around mental health is growing, but we can still do more to raise awareness. One of the most common issues people struggle with? Addiction. From exercise to drinking and shopping, there are many things you can develop an addiction to. How can we identify the symptoms in our friends and family? We talk to Andy C. Leach, the director at Visions by Promises, for expert insights. With experience in one-on-one therapy, group therapy, outpatient programs and more, Andy shares the signs we should look out for.
How to tell if someone is struggling with addiction
1. They’re dishonest
People may start lying, withholding information and becoming very defensive. If confronted by their unusual behaviour, they may find ways to make it your fault, gaslighting you into thinking that you’re the one at fault (for confronting them).
2. They isolate themselves
Take note if your loved ones are withdrawing and having less contact with their family and friends. This may also happen in tandem with a loss of interest in their hobbies and interests, and a decline in motivation to pursue their goals. It’s a warning sign when someone purposefully makes themselves more isolated and cuts off human contact.
3. They show emotional volatility
Mood swings, anxiety, depression and paranoia are red flags. Watch out for extreme highs and lows in someone’s mood – going from ‘I’m on the top of the world’ to ‘I’ve hit rock bottom’. Andy shares that emotional volatility has preceded acts of self-harm in some of his clients. Sudden changes of mood may also include anger.
4. They have poor health
Typically, a withdrawal from an addiction leads to physical symptoms like shaking, especially with substance abuse. Even with gaming, people may have withdrawals from not accessing the digital world. Basically, look out for cravings, urges, compulsion and obsessiveness. Sleep issues may arise, alongside secondary health issues (from a compromised immune system).
5. They fail to address their responsibilities
Addiction has a huge impact on work, studies, family time and other areas of life. Stay alert when you notice your loved one taking copious time off work, falling behind on their studies, becoming less present with their family, or shouldering lesser responsibilities.
Now, what can you do if you notice these warning signs in a loved one? Avoid confronting them, Andy says, as they may become defensive. His advice is to broach the topic gently by talking about how their behaviour affects you. For example, say something like, “When you’re staying out late frequently, it makes me feel anxious. Is there something going on?” Show your support and let them know you’re there if they want help.
For professional advice, reach out to Visions by Promises, the dedicated addictions arm of Promises Healthcare’s multidisciplinary team. It’s the only private intensive outpatient addictions treatment program that’s clinician-led with a dedicated space in Singapore. Using tried and tested therapeutic avenues, the team helps patients get clean and sober without being committed to an inpatient program in a hospital or inpatient rehab. Find out more at Visions by Promises.
This post is in partnership with Promises Healthcare.