Common Characteristics of an Addict

Addicts Exhibit Certain Traits

There are certain characteristics that individuals exhibit that can indicate a drug or alcohol abuse issue. When an individual that you know well has turned to drugs or alcohol, it is almost immediately apparent that their behavior, attitude, and personality have changed. This is because addiciton is a powerful and all-encompassing disease that will change a person into someone who you barely even know anymore.

Identifying the signs and traits of an addict can help get the individual get into rehabilitation so that they can work toward recovery. If you know someone who is showing signs of addiction, it’s important that you get them the help that they need right away.

Common Traits of a Substance Abuser

Let’s take a look at some of the most common traits of an addict or substance abuser:

• Lying Often and Being Untruthful

An indication that an individual is struggling with an addiction is that they will lie often about their whereabouts, where they are going, and what they are doing. They will never give a solid answer when asked who they are hanging around with either. When an individual lies on a consistent basis, trust begins to dissipate and friends and family no longer trust what their loved one is telling them.

• Manipulating Friends and Family

A common trait of an addict is manipulating people and try to convince them that they are not addicted. This is so that the individual can continue to use drugs or alcohol. Addicts will convince their family and friends that they have their use under control when in reality is it very much the opposite. Manipulation can be evident between couples, when an individual promises to do better and manipulate their significant other, convincing them to believe them.

• Engage in Illegal Activity

While not every addict will partake in illegal activity, many will in order to get the drugs they need in order to get high. Drug dealing is a hugely illegal activity that can land an individual behind bars. This still is often not incentive enough to make an addict stop their criminal acts. Addicts may steal money from family, friends, and even their workplaces in order to fund and sustain their habits.

• Putting Blame on Others

Being irresponsible and putting the blame on others is typical of addicts. Addicts will rarely take the blame for what occurs such as job loss. They won’t accept the fact that it is their addiction that got them fired. Instead of living up to this reality, they will put the blame on the boss and say that it was the bosses fault that they got fired.

Getting Help

It’s important that if you or someone you know is struggling with an addiction, that you get help right away. Addiction is not something that will eventually go away on its own. Conversely, it will continue to worsen. The sooner you get the right help, the sooner you can begin to live the life that you deserve. Seek help today and begin to live a life that is content and fulfilled; not one that is controlled by your addiction.

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.