5 Key Signs Your Spouse Needs Addiction Treatment

Trying to figure out if your spouse has an addiction can be frustrating and overwhelming. Even if you live with your spouse and see them every day, recognizing and admitting that they have a problem isn’t easy. In some cases, the love you have for your spouse can even make you blind to their substance use. At the same time, your spouse may go to great lengths to hide their addiction from you. Luckily, if your spouse is struggling with addiction, helping them seek treatment sooner rather than later can help save their life and preserve your marriage. Here are 5 key signs your spouse needs addiction treatment.

1. Physical Changes

Addiction can physically change the way your spouse looks. Since you probably spend more time with your spouse than anyone else, you may notice these changes first.

Common physical signs include:

• Flushed skin
• Poor balance
• Skin burns and rashes
• Twitching and tremors
• Unusual odor on body and clothes
• Bloodshot eyes or dilated, pinpoint pupils
• Decreased hygiene and lack of personal grooming
• Unexplained weight loss or gain
• Frequent nosebleeds
• “Crashing” or long periods of deep sleep

2. They Stop Acting Like Themselves

Addiction can also make your spouse act differently. You may not be able to pinpoint exact changes at first, but eventually, your spouse will start to act unusually. This can include:

• Neglecting responsibilities
• Losing interest in hobbies and social activities
• Breaking off engagements without explanation
• Performing poorly at work or losing interest in a job or career they once loved
• Ignoring close friends and neglecting relationships

You might also notice behavioral changes, including:

• Taking prescription drugs when they are no longer needed
• Legal trouble, fights, accidents, and driving under the influence
• Sudden changes in friends and hobbies
• Sudden changes in appetite and sleep patterns

3. Their Emotional Temperament Changes

Addictive substances can also change your spouse’s emotional temperament and psychological well-being. Common emotional and psychological signs of addiction include:

• Instability
• Appearing tired or “spaced out”
• Sudden mood swings and angry outbursts
• Feeling overly fearful, anxious, or paranoid
• Increased energy followed by nervousness and paranoia
• Symptoms of depression such as apathy, restlessness, insomnia, isolation, and inability to concentrate

4. They Hide Their Drug Or Alcohol Use

Most people with addiction attempt to hide their substance abuse. Often, this can look like:

• Hiding bottles of alcohol in the house or car
• Collecting drug paraphernalia (which can include pipes, foils, spoons, needles, razor blades, and syringes)
• Storing unmarked pill bottles in the house or bathroom
• Making excuses for their substance use
• Hiding money to buy drugs or alcohol

Witnessing any kind of ongoing suspicious behavior is a clear and common sign of addiction.

5. They Need and Spend A Lot of Money

To help keep up with the cost of drugs and alcohol, your spouse may frequently ask for money. You may notice that money seems to disappear or never make it into a family bank account. Your spouse might also frequently borrow or steal money from family and friends. All of these signs are red flags that can indicate excessive spending on substance abuse.

If you've noticed any of these signs and symptoms with your loved one's behavior, they may be able to benefit from professional addiction treatment. Your loved one may have already attended treatment in the past or attempted treatment and failed. Either way, don't give up. They can find the lasting help they need through a reputable treatment program. You may find that your loved one could benefit from the flexibility of an outpatient recovery program, especially if they have ongoing family or professional obligations. Find out if your loved one is a good fit for such treatment with our brief self-assessment.

Get Your Spouse The Help They Need

Here at Meta, we understand the damage addiction can cause. Fortunately, our flexible outpatient treatment programs can help your spouse overcome addiction. The majority of our team members are in active recovery and can help your spouse achieve and maintain long-term recovery. Our family support program can also help you restore your marriage. Contact us today to learn more.