Written by Grit Psychology for National Alcohol & Drug Addiction Recovery Month

Addiction is a multifaceted mental health condition that affects not only the individual but also those around them. Whether it’s alcohol, prescription drugs, or illicit substances, the grip of addiction can be relentless and devastating. As we observe National Alcohol & Drug Addiction Recovery Month, it’s essential to acknowledge the creeping signs of addiction, both for users and their loved ones, and explore ways to support recovery through self-care strategies for everyone involved.

What is Addiction?

Addiction is a chronic disease that fundamentally changes the brain’s reward system (Wakefield, 2020). It goes beyond physical dependence on substances—addiction encompasses compulsive behavior, emotional and psychological dependency, and the inability to control use despite harmful consequences (Olsen, 2022). While addiction can often seem like a personal failing, it is essential to understand it as a treatable mental health condition that requires compassionate and effective intervention.

The Creeping Signs of Addiction

Addiction rarely manifests all at once. For both the user and their loved ones, it often starts subtly, progressing over time (Koob et al., 2023). Recognizing the signs early can help intervene before the situation worsens.

For the User

1. Increased Tolerance: One of the first signs of addiction is needing more of the substance to achieve the same effect (Crummy et al., 2020). This may feel harmless at first—an extra drink or an additional pill—but it is a red flag of a growing dependency.
2. Neglecting Responsibilities: As addiction takes hold, the user may begin to neglect responsibilities at work, school, or home (Olsen et al., 2022). Missing deadlines, skipping work, or avoiding family obligations often result from prioritizing substance use over daily tasks.
3. Loss of Control: The user may start realizing they are using substances more frequently or in larger quantities than intended (Crummy et al., 2020). Efforts to cut back or quit often fail, leading to feelings of frustration or helplessness.
4. Preoccupation with Use: Addiction begins to dominate the user’s thoughts (Crummy et al., 2020). They may spend a significant amount of time thinking about their next drink or dose and planning how to acquire more of the substance.
5. Withdrawal Symptoms: As physical dependence develops, stopping or cutting back on substance use can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, nausea, insomnia, or even more severe reactions like tremors or seizures (Mood, 2023).

For Family and Loved Ones

1. Changes in Behavior: Loved ones might notice the user becoming increasingly secretive, isolating themselves, or avoiding social interactions they used to enjoy (Jantz, 2021). Mood swings, irritability, and defensiveness about substance use are common warning signs.
2. Neglecting Personal Appearance: Addiction can lead to the neglect of personal hygiene or appearance (Jantz, 2021). Loved ones may notice that the individual stops caring about how they look, skips showers, or wears the same clothes repeatedly.
3. Financial Issues: An unexplained need for money, increased spending without clear reasons, or even missing valuables could be signs that the individual is funding their addiction (Fisher, 2022).
4. Changes in Social Circles: Someone in the throes of addiction may drift away from long-time friends or loved ones and begin associating with a new crowd, often centered around substance use (Jatnz, 2021; Fisher, 2022).
5. Decline in Physical Health: Substance use can take a toll on physical health, leading to weight loss or gain, frequent illnesses, or signs of physical deterioration such as bloodshot eyes, poor coordination, or tremors (Jantz, 2021).

Self-Care Tips for the User

If you recognize yourself in these signs, it’s crucial to prioritize self-care and reach out for help. Here are some strategies to consider as you take steps toward recovery:

1. Seek Professional Help: A therapist, counselor, or addiction specialist can help you understand your triggers and develop coping strategies. Addiction is a complex condition that benefits from evidence-based treatment such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) (Perrotta & Perri, 2022), motivational interviewing (Abohamza & Moustafa, 2020), and, in some cases, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) (Elman et al., 2020).
2. Practice Mindfulness: Many individuals struggling with addiction feel disconnected from their emotions (Rosenthall et al., 2021). Mindfulness practices such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises can help you reconnect with your body, identify cravings, and manage stress.
3. Build a Support Network: Recovery is not a journey to take alone. Reach out to friends, family, or support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA). Having a support network can help reduce feelings of isolation and provide encouragement when things get tough (Kumar et al., 2021).
4. Establish Healthy Routines: Addiction often disrupts daily life. Reintroducing structure through healthy routines, such as regular sleep patterns, balanced meals, and physical activity, can help you regain control and promote mental clarity (Gueta & Romel, 2020).
5. Be Kind to Yourself: Addiction is challenging, and recovery isn’t always linear. It’s important to show yourself compassion and recognize that setbacks don’t mean failure. Focus on progress rather than perfection.

Self-Care Tips for Family and Loved Ones

For those supporting someone struggling with addiction, the journey can be equally draining. Here are some self-care tips to help you maintain your well-being while supporting your loved one.

1. Educate Yourself About Addiction: Understanding addiction as a medical condition can shift your perspective and help you respond with compassion rather than frustration. Learning about the stages of addiction and the recovery process will make it easier to navigate the challenges ahead.
2. Set Healthy Boundaries: Supporting a loved one in their recovery does not mean sacrificing your own well-being (Dennis & Champlin, 2021). It’s important to establish boundaries around behaviors you are willing to tolerate and avoid enabling the addiction.
3. Practice Open Communication: Keeping lines of communication open and non-judgmental is crucial (Dennis & Champlin). Expressing concern from a place of love and care, rather than accusation or blame, can help the individual feel supported rather than attacked.
4. Seek Support for Yourself: Being the loved one of someone struggling with addiction is emotionally taxing (Carter, 2023). Consider joining support groups like Al-Anon or seeking therapy for yourself. These spaces allow you to express your feelings, share experiences, and receive guidance from others in similar situations.
5. Take Time for Self-Care: Supporting someone through addiction is exhausting. Prioritize your mental and physical health by engaging in activities that recharge you, such as exercise, hobbies, or spending time with other loved ones (Carter, 2023). Ensuring that you’re taking care of yourself enables you to better support your loved one in their recovery.

Final Thoughts

Addiction is a complex and challenging condition, but with the right support, recovery is possible. Recognizing the creeping signs of addiction is the first step toward intervening and encouraging change. Whether you are the individual struggling or a loved one witnessing the effects, understanding and practicing self-care is essential. Remember, you don’t have to face addiction alone—there are resources, support groups, and professionals ready to help guide you and your loved one toward a healthier future.

As we honor National Alcohol & Drug Addiction Recovery Month, let’s focus on hope, healing, and the journey toward recovery.

References

_{Abohamza, E., & Moustafa, A. A. (2020). Motivational interviewing for the treatment of addiction. Cognitive, clinical, and neural aspects of drug addiction, 289-313. Google Books. https://books.google.ca/books?hl=en&lr=&id=NpvJDwAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PA289&dq=motivational+interviewing+for+addictions&ots=dWC81ld61Z&sig=AzkZTdDB5h5wq-6NqUuC-eN2pOQ&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=motivational%20interviewing%20for%20addictions&f=false} 

_{Carter, R. (2023). Helping yourself help others: A book for caregivers. University of Arkansas Press.}  

_{Crummy, E. A., O’Neal, T. J., Baskin, B. M., & Ferguson, S. M. (2020). One is not enough: Understanding and modeling polysubstance use. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2020.00569} 

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_{Rosenthal, A., Levin, M. E., Garland, E. L., & Romanczuk-Seiferth, N. (2021). Mindfulness in treatment approaches for addiction — underlying mechanisms and future directions. Current Addiction Reports, 8(2), 282–297. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40429-021-00372-w} 

_{Wakefield, J. C. (2020). Addiction from the Harmful Dysfunction Perspective: How there can be a mental disorder in a normal brain. Behavioural Brain Research, 389, 112665. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbr.2020.112665}