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What to look for

Addiction can affect anyone, at any stage of life.

Quick answer The earliest signs of drug or alcohol addiction are usually behavioural and financial: frequent unexplained absences, secrecy, money that doesn't add up, and withdrawal from people and activities the person used to care about. Health effects such as insomnia, weight loss, and depression tend to appear as it progresses.
Behavioural & financial signs

Signs of active use

  • Disappearing quite frequently
  • Spending long hours in the bathroom
  • Running short of funds
  • Bank balance almost nil
  • Losing jobs
  • Selling household belongings
  • Lying, cheating, manipulating
  • Untidy dressing and personal appearance
Health & wellbeing signs

Long-term effects beyond the substance itself

  • Increased stress
  • Malnutrition, often due to lack of money
  • Insomnia
  • Depression
As it progresses

The things they once valued start to fall away.

As addiction progresses, people often stop doing things they once cared about. Mood swings, erratic behaviour, depression, weight loss, no exercise, withdrawing from family and friends, and an increasing need for privacy are all common signs. When someone's efforts to keep you out of their life intensify, it's worth taking a closer look.

Recognise some of these signs in someone you love?

You don't need to have all the answers before reaching out. Tell us what you're seeing, confidentially.

help@addictioncounsellor4u.com