Signs of Drug Use in Spouse: 8 Things to Watch out for
With more than 72,000 drug overdose deaths in 2017, drug use is a real risk we can’t ignore. If you suspect your spouse might be using drugs, you’ll have to act fast. Users will typically try to hide their drug addiction from their loved ones to avoid hurting them.
You should keep an eye out for telltale signs your spouse is a drug user. Read on to find 8 typical symptoms and signs of drug use in a spouse you should be looking out for.
1. Signs of Withdrawal
Noticing signs of withdrawal is the first signal something is going on with your spouse. Depending on the type of drugs, signs of drug use in spouse may vary widely.
For example, opioid withdrawal leads to vomiting, enlarged pupils, sweating, and shivering. These symptoms may make it seem that your spouse has the flu. If your spouse gets flu symptoms more often than the rest of the family, it may be a sign they are withdrawal symptoms instead.
Other drugs cause irritation and anxiety if not taken regularly. Painkillers, in particular, will cause muscle pain and cramps, while anti-depressants will leave you feeling empty and sad. In extreme cases, the withdrawal will cause seizures, high fever, and fainting.
2. Loss of Interest for Social Interactions
One of the most obvious signs of drug abuse is the lack of interest in social events. Addicts will become less and less keen to socialize. Drug use makes people secretive about their habits.
If your loved one is becoming increasingly withdrawn in their room during family visits, or if they are unwilling to go out, they may be thinking of their next drug fix. Drug users seek to distance themselves so they can use their drug uninterrupted.
Some drugs, including opioids, make people lethargic and less interested in going out. If your spouse has recently lost all will to socialize, they may be using. If that’s the case, it’s time to start arranging for an intervention.
3. Drug-Related Equipment and Paraphernalia
Drug paraphernalia refers to any item created to use, store, manufacture, or conceal drugs. Depending on the type of drug, your spouse might have a lot of different drug-related items in the house. Finding a syringe or a bong is a surefire way to tell if your spouse is using, but there are less obvious items you should look out for.
Some drug paraphernalia to look out for include:
- Needles
- Miniature spoons
- Spoons in unusual places
- Digital scales
- Small vials
- Water pipes
- Empty cosmetics cases
- Small zipper bags
Finding one out-of-place item in the above list might be a false alarm. But, if you find many mini spoons or small vials around your house, you should start to worry.
4. Physical Signs
Long-term drug users will develop physical signs even when not in withdrawal. Depending on the drug of their choice, they might exhibit different characteristics which will betray their addiction.
Some of the most common signs include a change in body weight and appetite. If your loved one has unexpectedly changed their eating habits, they may be sick or using. Other common signs include a deterioration of physical appearance and a general lack of personal hygiene.
Physical signs of drug use also include unexplained sores on the skin, unusual smells, and dilated pupils. In extreme cases, drugs will cause tremors, lack of coordination, and the inability to speak clearly.
5. Changes in Behavior
People who use drugs will change their behavior to accommodate their destructive addiction. Keep an eye out for drastic changes in your spouse’s behavior. These may be a sign of drug use.
For example, if they were always honest but suddenly start telling unbelievable lies, this might be a sign they are hiding an addiction. Another sign is if your spouse starts skipping work or engaging in unusually risky behaviors.
6. Psychological Changes
Behavioral changes include psychological shifts as well. If your spouse has become withdrawn, depressed or angry, they might be struggling with addiction. Perhaps the biggest psychological sign of drug use is mood swings.
They will need your help and support if that’s the case because it’s almost impossible to break free of the vicious circle alone.
7. Disappearing Without Excuse
One of the biggest red flags for drug use is if your spouse disappears without a plausible excuse. If this happens only once, it’s probably a fluke. But if your spouse disappears regularly for many hours without excuse, it’s a huge red flag.
In extreme cases, drug users will disappear for a day or more. If that’s the case with your spouse, you have to act now!
8. Unexplained Expenses
Finally, take a look at your family budget. Is everything all right there? Maybe your spouse has taken great care to cover all other signs of drug use. If that’s the case, their unexplained expenses will give away their addiction.
If your household money is dwindling and you have no idea where it’s going, then it’s probably fueling a drug addiction. This is also a great way to confront your spouse about their addiction, so don’t wait any longer.
Now That You Know How to Spot Signs of Drug Use in a Spouse…
If you’ve spotted signs of drug use in a spouse, it’s time to take action. Visit Addiction Care Treatment Program and get help for your spouse as soon as possible.
Don’t allow the suffering of drug addiction to ruin your family and life. Call us today for a confidential analysis to locate the right drug addiction rehabilitation program for your spouse close to you.
