7 Signs Someone You Love May Be Struggling With Addiction

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It’s not always obvious when someone is fighting a battle with addiction. Many people hide it well, especially around the people they care about most. They show up, smile, and say the right things, but behind closed doors, things might look very different.

If you’re starting to get that nagging feeling that something isn’t right, it’s worth paying attention. Addiction rarely announces itself loudly at first. It creeps in, disrupts routines, and slowly changes a person’s behavior in ways that can be easy to overlook until the situation has escalated.

These are some of the clearest signs that someone you love might be dealing with addiction, and may need more support than what friends and family alone can offer.

1. They’re not acting like themselves anymore

Everyone changes over time. But when someone’s personality shifts quickly or becomes inconsistent, it’s worth noticing. Maybe they were once warm, funny, or reliable, and now they seem distant, moody, or unpredictable.

You might hear them brush it off as stress or say they’re just going through a rough patch. But if these changes feel off and don’t improve over weeks or months, it could be something deeper.

2. They keep disappearing, canceling plans, or avoiding contact

Social withdrawal is a big red flag. Maybe they’ve stopped showing up to things they used to care about. They cancel at the last minute. They don’t respond to messages or suddenly want to be alone all the time.

Isolation is common among those struggling with addiction. They may pull back from people who would notice the changes or ask too many questions. This is often when families begin to explore options like a drug rehabilitation center treatment, especially if the withdrawal has lasted for weeks and seems to be getting worse, not better.

3. Physical changes are becoming more obvious

Substance use takes a toll on the body. You might see sudden weight loss or gain, a worn-down appearance, or changes in skin tone and energy. Their eyes might look tired or glassy. You may notice shaking hands, constant sniffing, or signs of poor hygiene that weren’t there before.

These physical signs don’t always mean addiction, but when they show up alongside changes in behavior, it becomes harder to ignore.

4. Money issues that don’t add up

Someone in active addiction often has financial struggles, even if they have a steady job or good income. You might hear vague stories about lost wallets, overdue bills, or needing to borrow money with no real explanation.

Sometimes it’s sudden. Other times, it’s a slow buildup of strange spending patterns and small lies. If they seem anxious about money but can’t clearly explain where it’s going, it may be tied to substance use.

5. Sudden legal or work-related trouble

Job performance slipping. Missing shifts. Getting into arguments with coworkers. Even losing their job. These can all be signs that something outside of work is affecting their focus and behavior.

Similarly, legal trouble like arrests, DUIs, or fines are serious signals. They might shrug it off as bad luck, but repeated incidents often show there’s more going on beneath the surface.

6. Defensiveness or lies when you ask simple questions

People struggling with addiction often go to great lengths to avoid confrontation. You may notice:

They get angry or shut down when asked basic things
Their stories don’t quite add up
They change the subject or accuse you of overreacting

The goal isn’t always to deceive: many are simply trying to avoid facing the truth themselves.

7. You feel like you’re walking on eggshells

If your relationship feels tense, unpredictable, or emotionally exhausting, that matters. You might feel the need to keep quiet about your concerns to avoid a blow-up or pushback.

When addiction is present, the dynamic often becomes one-sided. You’re doing all the worrying, all the reaching out, all the holding it together, and that’s not sustainable.

If You’re Not Sure What to Do Next

You don’t need to diagnose them or solve everything. But if you’ve seen several of these signs and your gut is telling you something’s wrong, you’re probably right to be concerned.

A direct, honest, and compassionate conversation is a good first step. Offer support, not judgment. Let them know you care and you’ve noticed changes. Ask if they’re okay, and really listen.

And if they are open to help, be ready with options. Professional treatment can make a huge difference, but they might not know where to start. What matters most is that they know they’re not alone.

Keep Showing Up: It Matters More Than You Think

Addiction affects behaviour, but it doesn’t erase the person underneath. If you’re worried about someone you love, you don’t have to wait for rock bottom to step in.

Recognizing the signs early can lead to real change. Even one honest conversation can open the door to something better.