Drug Addict Behavior, Common Patterns, Signs of Drug Addiction, Symptoms of Alcoholism & Dual Diagnosis Rehab Washington

Drug Addict Behavior: Most Common Patterns of Substance Abuse

There are different ways addiction can manifest itself, and there are differences between physical dependence on a drug and addiction.

An addiction disorder is defined as a condition where a person takes substances that are pleasurable at first, but ultimately the use of these substances is a compulsion. With an addiction disorder, there is typically an impact on nearly every aspect of their life, including their career or school life, their relationships, and their health. Many people with an addiction, don’t understand that they have a problem or the extent of their problem and its effects.

Addiction experts often point out that the behaviors of an addict aren’t because they lack morality or a strong character, but instead, they emphasize that the behavior of an addict is about a disease that’s a mental illness. When someone is exhibiting a drug addict behavior, they continue to use despite the consequences, and without an addiction intervention and an appropriate rehab treatment, it’s unlikely that the drug addict behavior will end.

Although addiction is defined as a mental illness, that doesn’t mean that dealing with an addict’s behavior isn’t incredibly difficult for loved ones.

• One of the number one things that tend to define the behavior of an addict is lying. There are many different reasons for drug addict behavior including lying. The first is because addicts need to cover their own. They will often have to lie to cover where the money went and when they were using it. For a lot of people who are dealing with an addict’s behavior, lying is the first sign there is a problem.
• Manipulation is another common behavior of an addict. Addicts will say and do anything to keep fueling their addiction, and this includes manipulating the people closest to them. They may try tactics like guilt, or denial as part of their manipulation. The person who loves an addict will often fall for the delusions and manipulation of an addict because they want to believe what they’re saying so badly. Drug addicts will continue manipulating the people closest to them time and time again, and it can go on for years, without any real change in the actual drug addict behavior.
• Another red flag of the behaviors of an addict is criminality. Not all addicts will become criminals, but many do. They will do things like stealing to continue getting drugs, or they may commit crimes like forging prescriptions, depending on their drug of choice. There are also indirect criminal behaviors such as driving under the influence, or violence.

• Drastic changes in relationships
• A noticeable lack of energy when performing daily activities
• Spending more money than usual or requesting to borrow money
• Issues with financial management, such as not paying bills on time
• Changes in appetite, such as a decreased appetite and associated weight loss
• Bloodshot eyes, poor skin tone, and appearing tired or run down
• Defensiveness when asked about substance use

• Difficulties at school, disinterest in school-related activities, and declining grades
• Poor work performance, being chronically late to work, appearing tired and disinterested in work duties, and receiving poor performance reviews
• Changes in physical appearances, such as wearing inappropriate or dirty clothing and a lack of interest in grooming
• Altered behavior, such as an increased desire for privacy

• Lack of control over how much one drinks and for how long
• Preference to drink alone, in secret, or during odd times, such as the morning
• Continuing to drink despite interpersonal, physical, and psychological problems related to it

• Depression, irritability, and mood swings, plus a propensity to argue with friends and family members
• Drinking to cope with problems, to relax, to sleep, or to improve mood

First, it’s important to realize that you are not the cause of the behavior of an addict, no matter what types of manipulation ploys they may use on you. It’s also important when learning about the behaviors of an addict that you understand the reality of the situation. Don’t let yourself get drawn into the fantasy world of the addict.

Once you have accepted the reality of the situation, you can begin dealing with an addict’s behavior by setting boundaries. Boundaries are extremely important for the addict, but also for your well-being. You should be clear, concise, and consistent.

You should also realize that you can’t learn how to change addictive behavior in another person. All you can do is organize an intervention, try to motivate the addict to seek treatment, and stay firm when it comes to adhering to your boundaries. You can’t change an addict or addict’s behavior, no matter how hard you try.

You should learn that dealing with an addict’s behavior relies on a commitment not to enable the addict, and you can never give in to manipulation. Addicts hate to hear no, but when you’re willing to say that, it’s one of the most effective ways of dealing with a drug addict behavior.