Signs Your Spouse is Using Drugs
If you are wondering whether your spouse is struggling with substance abuse, you are not alone. The signs of drug use in a spouse can be subtle at first, but they often become more evident as addiction progresses. You may notice shifts in mood, physical appearance, or everyday routines that do not add up. Recognizing the drug addiction signs early is crucial because it provides a window of opportunity to intervene before the addiction takes a firmer hold. Taking action sooner rather than later can safeguard your spouse’s well-being and the future of your relationship. At WhiteSands Treatment, we aim to help families understand the complexities of addiction, identify potential red flags, and find the professional support needed to begin a healthier journey.
Many factors can put your spouse at advanced risk for drug abuse, including recent injuries that required prescription medications, major life stressors such as job loss or increased workplace pressure, or sudden emotional upheavals like the death of a loved one. These events can create vulnerabilities that make substance use more likely. Drug abuse is a growing problem in the United States, affecting people from every walk of life. If something about your spouse’s behavior feels off or uncharacteristic, it is worth paying closer attention to see if professional help is needed.
What Are Two Psychological Indicators of Drug Abuse?
Two psychological indicators often stand out when a spouse is misusing drugs: significant mood swings and heightened paranoia or anxiety. Mood swings can manifest as abrupt changes in emotional state, where your partner might appear exceptionally cheerful one moment and unexplainably angry or withdrawn the next. There might be no clear external reason for these mood changes, and they can sometimes escalate quickly, turning minor disagreements into major conflicts.
Paranoia or anxiety is another prevalent sign. Certain substances may disrupt the delicate balance of brain chemicals, causing your spouse to feel suspicious or uneasy around friends, family, or co-workers. They might avoid social gatherings entirely or act guarded about everyday situations that never used to bother them. Multiple surveys have revealed that about 50% of those who experience a mental illness during their lives also experience a substance use disorder, which can intensify these symptoms and complicate recovery efforts. Getting an accurate assessment, such as a substance abuse evaluation to discover any signs of alcoholism or drug use, can reveal the root causes of these psychological indicators and help determine the most effective course of treatment.
What Are the Physical Indicators of Drug Abuse?
Physical changes tend to provide some of the most straightforward evidence of substance misuse. When your spouse is in active addiction, especially when using one of the drugs on the list of strongest to weakest opioids, you may notice fluctuations in weight or a decline in personal hygiene habits. The sudden loss or gain of pounds, coupled with an apparent lack of interest in grooming routines, might be an attempt to conceal the issue or simply reflect the toll the drug is taking on the body. Bloodshot or glassy eyes can also stand out, and pupils may look larger or smaller than usual, regardless of the room’s lighting.
Changes in energy levels are another major red flag. Certain stimulants can give someone bursts of high energy, only for them to crash into periods of extreme fatigue or lethargy. On the other hand, depressants might keep them in a drowsy or slowed-down state most of the time, making it challenging to stick to daily responsibilities. If your spouse frequently complains of nosebleeds or sinus issues, it could be linked to snorting drugs, while marks or bruises along the arms or hands might point to intravenous use. Drug-related tremors or loss of coordination can also be telling signs, particularly if they appear alongside other indications of substance misuse.
Physical warning signs can sometimes be masked if a spouse tries to keep you at a distance. They might avoid direct eye contact, wear long sleeves to cover bruises or refuse to be in well-lit rooms. However, once you spend time face-to-face, look for unusual changes in skin tone, sweating, or rapid heartbeat. Paying attention to these signals can prevent more serious complications down the line.
What Happens to the Spouse of an Addict?
Living with a partner who is trapped in the cycle of addiction can be emotionally overwhelming and deeply confusing. You may constantly worry about their safety, finances, or the state of your relationship. The emotional strain can escalate if your spouse exhibits secretive behaviors, unexplained absences, or drastic changes in their daily routines. Financial burdens may arise if you find unexplained withdrawals from bank accounts, missing valuables around the house, or household bills going unpaid.
These strains can lead some spouses to adopt unhealthy coping strategies, including making excuses or covering up for the partner’s drug misuse. Over time, this approach can evolve into codependency, where you prioritize your spouse’s addiction above your own physical and emotional needs. You might notice yourself avoiding social events, limiting interactions with friends or family, or finding reasons to justify your partner’s unpredictable conduct. Although these actions usually stem from love and concern, they can inadvertently enable addictive behavior.
Trust also suffers, especially if your spouse attempts to hide their habit through elaborate stories or frequent lies. You may feel betrayed by these deceptions, causing tension and arguments. Communication might deteriorate, with both partners avoiding honest discussions out of fear, shame, or anger. Seeking professional assistance, whether through couples counseling or specialized addiction therapy, can be the turning point for restoring openness and partnership. In many cases, families benefit from a holistic approach that treats not only the individual with the substance use disorder but also provides therapy and coping strategies for loved ones who have been affected.
How Do You Know If Your Spouse Is Taking Drugs?
Recognizing that you may be living with an addicted spouse can be difficult. You might start noticing patterns, such as your partner withdrawing from activities they once enjoyed, locking themselves away in a room for long stretches, or neglecting previously cherished hobbies like team sports or community groups. Excessive irritability, hostility, and unexplained fatigue can also be signals that something is amiss. Your spouse might lose track of time, show up late for work, or lose interest in maintaining friendships.
Financial red flags may pop up as well. If your spouse seems to be “losing” money without a clear explanation, is constantly short on cash despite earning a stable salary, or has started pawning jewelry or electronics, drug-related expenses may be the cause. Some individuals will claim theft, insisting that valuables or cash disappeared from their belongings. These stories, if untrue, often contain inconsistencies or evolve over time, leaving you feeling suspicious or uncertain about what is really going on.
If you suspect your spouse has a drug problem, keep track of these changes. Write down notable incidents, shifts in behavior, or questionable financial transactions to form a clearer picture. Approach your spouse when you feel safe and calm. Explain that you are concerned for their well-being because you love them, not to accuse or shame them. You may also want to consult with a medical professional, therapist, or addiction specialist who can provide personalized guidance. The key is to prioritize both your emotional needs and your partner’s needs. Caring for yourself through individual therapy or support groups is often just as critical as helping your spouse seek treatment.
Find Help If You Recognize the Signs of Drug Use in a Spouse
If the signs of drug use in a spouse sound familiar and you need guidance, WhiteSands Treatment is here to help. Our compassionate, evidence-based programs address both addiction and co-occurring mental health challenges. You can reach the WhiteSands Treatment team at 877-855-3470 to learn more about family therapy, inpatient and outpatient programs, and the aftercare resources for addiction that can assist you and your spouse in rebuilding a healthier life.
External Sources
- Mayo Clinic – Drug addiction (substance use disorder)
- New York State Department of Health – Opioids: Recognizing the Signs
- American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy – Substance Abuse and Intimate Relationships
If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.
About the Author
Jackie has been involved in the substance abuse and addiction treatment sector for over five years and this is something that she is truly eager about. She has a passion for writing and continuously works to create informative pieces that not only educate and inform the public about the disease of addiction but also provide solutions for those who struggle with drug and alcohol abuse.
