Drug addiction and alcohol abuse have the potential to affect many avenues in a person’s life, including their relationship with their partner.
Substance abuse can make your girlfriend preoccupied with obtaining and using substances, or recovering from their use.
As a boyfriend, you may not know when your girlfriend’s drug abuse has reached the point of requiring help from an addiction treatment facility.
Below are signs that your significant other, partner, or girlfriend is experiencing a substance use disorder (SUD) and is in need of treatment.
Signs Of Addiction In A Girlfriend Or Partner
The possibility that your girlfriend may need SUD treatment may be difficult or scary to face at first. Some people may try to ignore or downplay the signs of addiction.
However, the longer substance use transpires, the harder it may be to recover. Additionally, addiction is a mental health condition, and it isn’t your or your girlfriend’s fault.
Drug and alcohol addiction can be recognized by certain signs. If your girlfriend has exhibited any of the below warning signs, she may need to attend a drug rehab facility.
Changes In Behavior And Mood Swings
If you notice your girlfriend exhibiting drastic shifts in mood, such as going from extreme highs to lows or becoming unusually irritable, agitated, or withdrawn, these could signal a deeper issue.
She might display behaviors that are inconsistent with her usual personality, like becoming secretive, defensive, or exhibiting sudden bursts of anger.
These changes can be tied to an SUD, affecting her emotional stability and interactions with others.
Deterioration Of Relationships And Isolation
Aside from abnormal behavior in your relationship, your girlfriend may be ignoring other relationships in her life, such as those with her family members or friends.
You can reach out to your partner’s close circle and see if they have noticed the same type of erratic behavior or non-communication.
Drug abuse can cause a person to isolate themselves from those who love them, because they may feel ashamed of their behavior or unable to control it.
Neglect Of Responsibilities And Self-Care
When your girlfriend starts neglecting responsibilities like work or studies or daily self-care routines, it could be a sign that she is experiencing substance abuse.
This decline in work performance, studies, or personal care might be linked to drug or alcohol addiction, affecting her ability to function effectively.
Escalating Substance Use And Tolerance
As people continue to use substances, their tolerance grows. This is commonly seen in people with alcohol use disorder (AUD), benzodiazepine misuse, or methamphetamine addiction.
If your girlfriend needs to use more drugs or alcohol to feel the same initial effects, she may be developing a chemical dependence issue.
Physical Health Deterioration
Addiction can take a significant toll on the body, even if only experienced for a short time.
Physical health problems and deterioration, noticeable changes in appearance, declining hygiene, frequent illnesses, and fluctuating weight can indicate your girlfriend’s need for rehab.
Financial And Legal Issues
Illegal drugs and prescription drugs aren’t cheap, and because SUDs involve cravings for increasingly larger amounts of drugs, people often end up spending a lot of money to sustain their addiction.
Many people also may find themselves encountering legal issues due to substance-related behaviors, such as driving under the influence, or the use of illicit drugs.
Benefits Of Addiction Treatment
If a loved one, spouse, or girlfriend has displayed some or many of the above signs, it may be time to bring up the idea of treatment.
They may not wish to seek help, but you can encourage them to do so by knowing some of the benefits that come from participating in an addiction treatment program.
Improved Physical And Mental Health
Through therapy, counseling, and possible medical interventions, people gain healthy coping skills for stressful situations or unresolved mental health issues.
This, in turn, positively impacts their physical well-being, mental clarity, and emotional stability, promoting a holistic recovery and enhanced overall health.
Enhanced Relationships And Social Connections
Clients in recovery programs learn to build healthy relationships by addressing the negative impacts of substance use and getting to the roots of their addiction.
Evidence-based approaches help people learn effective communication skills, rebuild trust, and mend relationships.
Additionally, newfound sobriety allows for healthier social engagement, fostering meaningful healthy relationships.
Restoration Of Personal And Professional Life
As individuals progress through therapy and counseling, they develop healthier habits, improved self-esteem, and enhanced decision-making abilities.
This positively influences their personal relationships and work or school performance, leading to a more fulfilling and productive life in both realms.
Common Types Of SUD Treatment
There are many addiction healthcare options to help people overcome a dependency on opioids, opiates, alcohol, cocaine, and other substances of abuse.
Detoxification Centers
Detox centers focus on the safe and supervised withdrawal process from substances. They offer medical monitoring to manage withdrawal symptoms and any complications that may arise.
Detoxification can be a good first step for people facing addiction, but treatment through inpatient or outpatient care is often required for long-term sobriety.
Inpatient Treatment
Inpatient treatment and residential rehab programs provide intensive care and structure in a substance-free environment.
This typically includes 24/7 supervision, medical professional support, and a structured routine to ensure clients’ success in recovery.
Outpatient Treatment
Outpatient treatment offers flexible support while allowing clients to reside at home. It may include scheduled therapy sessions, counseling, and educational programs to address addiction.
Different levels of care within the outpatient setting include partial hospitalization programs (PHP), intensive outpatient programs (IOP), and standard outpatient care.
Aftercare Services
Aftercare services provide continued support following primary addiction treatment and aim to maintain progress through different resources and guidance.
Aftercare options may include:
- ongoing therapy sessions
- support groups
- relapse prevention programs
- assistance in transitioning back to daily life
- sober living or transitional housing
Find Drug Or Alcohol Addiction Treatment Today
Visit or call DetoxRehabs.net to learn more about treatment options available to you or your loved one.
Article Sources- HealthDirect — Addiction Withdrawal Symptoms
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/addiction-withdrawal-symptoms - National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) — Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction
https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/treatment-recovery - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) — Mental Health and Substance Use Co-Occurring Disorders
https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/mental-health-substance-use-co-occurring-disorders