Signs Your Spouse is Using Drugs

Learn how to recognize the signs your spouse is using drugs

If you are wondering if your loved one is struggling with substance abuse, there are certain tell-tale signs that can indicate that she or he has a problem with drugs. Drug abuse is a growing problem in the United States, affecting individuals from every strata of society. There is no way to predict if someone is going to become addicted to drugs, but there are some factors that may indicate your spouse is at an advanced risk for drug abuse. If he or she has recently suffered an injury or been prescribed medication; if there has been increased pressure at work; or if there have been certain life-events that put additional stress on your spouse, there may be cause for concern. Loved ones are often the first person to notice substance abuse, so if you think there may be a problem, check to see if there are any of the following signs your spouse is using drugs:

Physical changes that can indicate your spouse is using drugs

The changes in physical condition that occur when someone is using drugs can be difficult to conceal. Your spouse may try to remain at a distance from you to keep you from noticing anything is wrong, but once you are face-to-face with each other, look for any of the following signs of drug use in spouse:

• Extreme weight loss or gain
• Drowsiness or insomnia
• Nausea or vomiting
• Changes in appetite
• Fast or slow heartbeat
• Excessive sweating
• Loss of coordination
• Bloodshot eyes, enlarged or pinpoint pupils that don’t react to light

Mood changes that may be signs your spouse uses drugs

If your spouse starts experiencing sudden changes in mood, it may be related to drug use. He or she may begin displaying excessive irritability, hostility, anxiety, and even paranoia. Conversely, if your spouse randomly appears to be in an incredibly good, “sunny,” or euphoric mood unrelated to the events surrounding you, it may be chemically induced. Be aware that sudden, severe mood changes can also be a sign of mental health issues, so don’t dismiss these mood changes as related to drug use unless your spouse shows other signs of substance abuse.

Changes in behavior that may be signs of hidden drug use

As drug abuse progresses, it begins to affect every aspect of the addicts’ lives. These changes may not seem like a cause for alarm as you encounter them one by one, but once you consider all of them together, the signs of hidden drug use are easier to recognize. Some of the behaviors to look for include:

• Withdrawal from activities that were important to your spouse, such as playing on a sports team, charitable committees, or political groups
• Avoiding friends and family
• Uncharacteristic drop or improvement in performance at work
• Secretive behavior – unexplained absences, furtive phone calls, hiding items
• Lying about activities, money, and behavior
• Argumentative or aggressive behavior
• Confusion, restlessness, or an inability to concentrate

Missing money and valuables may be signs of drug use in spouse

Once people become addicted to drugs, they need to keep feeding their habit. Depending on the drug used, this can become expensive rather quickly. If your spouse is suddenly “losing” money he or she cannot account for, or if you notice a number of household valuables such as jewelry and electronics have unexpectedly disappeared, there is a possibility that your spouse may be pawning, selling, or trading the items for drugs. Your spouse may claim to experience a series of “thefts,” where money, medication, and valuables are stolen from a vehicle, purse, or briefcase. If the explanations of these events seem increasingly nonsensical or far-fetched, don’t be surprised. Lying to cover up a drug habit is quite common and could be one of the first signs of drug use in spouse or family members.

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.