[Infographic] Signs Your Partner Has a Substance Abuse Problem

As of 2010 Approximately 8.9% of American teenagers and adults over 12 years old were using illicit drugs.

Physical Signs

Changes to the eyes. Both drugs and alcohol can cause eye changes, particularly resulting in bloodshot eyes or changes to pupil size.

Changes to the nose. Snorting a substance can lead to frequent nosebleeds or chronic, unexplained sniffling.

Finding evidence of drug or substance use. One of the most obvious signs of substance abuse is finding drug paraphernalia or empty beer, wine, or liquor bottles in the trash or “hiding” places.

Behavioral Signs

Suspicious behavior. A partner who is abusing substances may suddenly engage in secretive or suspicious behavior. They may lock themselves in a room for long periods of time or appear very private in their actions or intentions.

Diminished interest in hobbies or social activities. Things that once captured the interest or time of a partner may now be put on the back burner. People with substance abuse problems may appear apathetic or complacent toward hobbies or friendships. It is not because these relationships or activities are no longer of interest, but rather because the substance is now the object of attention.

Sudden reduction in motivational levels. People with substance abuse disorders may suddenly appear to be less motivated to go to work, attend school or aspire toward life goals.

Psychological Signs

Problems paying attention. People with substance abuse problems may have difficulty focusing on a single topic or carrying on an intellectual conversation.

Paranoia. Some people respond to substances by becoming paranoid. This is best described as irrational fear or worry that does not subside.

Defensiveness. Partners who know they have a drug or alcohol problem may become defensive when asked about it.

Drug-specific Signs of Substance Abuse or Addiction

Alcohol

According to the centers for disease control, excessive alcohol consumption is responsible for approximately 88,000 deaths every year in America.

Signs:

Frequent hangovers
Drinking and driving
Frequent binge drinking (five or more drinks in a single sitting)

Heroin

In September 2013, CBS news reported a nearly 8% increase in heroin use between 2011 and 2012.

Signs:

Scarring from needle marks
Burned silver foil, gun wrappers or spoons
Paraphernalia, such as plastic bags, needles, syringes and pipes

Methamphetamine

The 2012 National survey on drug use and health also reported that approximately 5.5% of all adults over the age of 26 will have used methamphetamines at some point in their lifetimes.

Signs:

Rotting teeth
Violence and aggression
High body temperatures

Prescription Medications

According to the National Institute on drug abuse, as many as 7 million people illegally abused prescription medications in 2010 alone. That is more than 1 in 50 people.

Signs:

Visiting multiple doctors to obtain large amounts of Rx drugs (doctor shopping)
Discovering some of your own prescription medication missing
Finding prescription bottles not in your partners name

According to the substance abuse and mental health services administration more than 23 million adults and teens needed treatment for a substance abuse problem in 2009.