How can I help someone with a hidden addiction?
Have you noticed unusual behaviors in someone you love recently? Sometimes major behavior changes in someone mean that they may be experiencing extreme stress or not feeling well. However, these behaviors may also mean that someone is struggling with an addiction. There is a common misconception that addictions are easily spotted and are seen in every aspect of someone’s life. This is wrong. Addictions are very easily hidden and, in many cases, are being hidden for quite a long time. It is very important to know the signs and know how to help someone who is struggling in an active addiction.
How easy is it to hide an addiction?
Surprisingly, hiding an addiction is easier than expected for many people. People who are in an active addiction can become very good at hiding it and keeping secrets. Sometimes it looks like leaving early in the morning or coming home late at night to families. It may also look like people hiding things in odd places, such as holes in the wall, trash cans, under cabinets or in closets. These can be signs of addiction because it is showing secrecy and needing the object of desire to cope. The reason for someone to do these things is because they feel that they cannot let anyone know what they are addicted to. Many who are hiding an addiction are hiding it from their families. It is often disguised as changing personalities, going to the gym more or spending time at places they wouldn’t normally. Addicts also become very good at lying. Lying is not intended, but because addiction has taken control of their lives, they can’t bring themselves to be truthful.
Most common addictions
However, there are the most common addictions. The top ten addictions according to medical professionals are nicotine, alcohol, illegal and prescription drugs, caffeine, gambling, social media and the internet, food, shopping, work, and video games. All addictions can be dangerous, even if they do not seem so. They become dangerous when the addict becomes fully dependent on the object of addiction to function in their daily life. Addictions all have long term and short-term effects on lifestyles, brain chemistry and relationships. For example, shopping doesn’t make someone a shopping addict. However, without healthy boundaries and limits, addictions can develop easily. Knowing your own personal limits and boundaries is the best way to avoid developing an addiction. A lot of these addictions can also form as a teenager or in early adulthood.
Signs of a hidden addiction
The manifestation of an addiction can look different for different people. However, it’s important to pay attention to common signs such as sudden behavior changes, health issues, poor hygiene, increased secrecy, financial problems and shifting priorities. Sudden behavior changes can be the biggest sign of a hidden addiction. Often, someone who is loving and nurturing may start to become withdrawn and mean in an instant. This also comes with intense mood swings. A change in physical appearance is also a big sign. People who are in an active addiction may stop caring about their physical appearance. This can look like not showering, odors and other unhygienic practices. If you notice these signs in someone, the best thing to do is offer support and help. People experiencing addiction can have an altered mental state that shows up as confusion, forgetfulness, or increased anxiety over things they wouldn’t normally have anxiety over.
Reasons people hide an addiction
People hide an addiction from loved ones for all kinds of reasons. Public perception, family shame, guilt, money reasons and many others are some of the biggest reasons why people hide addictions from their friends and family. Shame is the most significant reason people hide their addictions. Shame is defined as an emotion that involves deep feelings of guilt, failure, or unworthiness. Many people are worried about bring shame upon their families. This fear is so great it causes the hiding of the addiction. People fear they will be judged and persecuted if they tell the truth. Provide a safe space for your loved one to open up and seek help.
How to help
If someone you love exhibits these signs, they may be struggling with hiding an active addiction. Reach out to local rehabilitation centers or local treatment centers. The best way to help is to be supportive and open to understanding. Remember that it is the addiction talking, not your loved one. Do not try to take them away from the addiction on your own. You need help from friends, family and professionals.
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Have you noticed sudden changes in a loved one? Are they secretive and acting differently? These may be signs of a hidden addiction. Look for the signs and seek help before it is too late. Learn more here.
People will put on a front when faced with an addiction. They hide their addictions from loved ones.
Image Credit: Unsplash, Crazy Cake
Addiction can separate someone from their loved ones. Help bring out hidden addictions in your loved ones to keep them from loneliness.
Image Credit: Unsplash, Ali Abiyar