How to Identify and Take Action
Recognizing the Signs of Addiction
Understanding Addiction: What to Look For
Addiction is a complex disease that affects individuals physically, emotionally, and behaviorally. Many people struggling with addiction hide or deny their substance use, making it difficult for loved ones to recognize the problem.
If you suspect that a friend or family member is struggling with addiction but are unsure what substance they are using, recognizing general signs of addiction can help guide the next steps. Whether it’s opioids, alcohol, stimulants, or benzodiazepines, the signs of addiction often follow similar patterns.
At Connections Behavioral Health, we help individuals and families navigate early intervention, assessment, and treatment planning, ensuring they receive the appropriate level of care, whether through outpatient therapy, residential treatment, or medical stabilization in a hospital setting.
Signs and Symptoms of Addiction
- Unexplained weight loss or gain
- Bloodshot eyes or dilated/constricted pupils
- Frequent nosebleeds (possible sign of snorting drugs like cocaine or heroin)
- Slurred speech or slowed reactions
- Shaking, sweating, or flu-like withdrawal symptoms when not using
- Unusual body odors (may indicate smoking or injecting substances)
- Poor hygiene or neglected appearance
- Increased secrecy or lying about whereabouts
- Loss of interest in hobbies or activities they once enjoyed
- Neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home
- Financial problems, borrowing money, or stealing to support substance use
- Social withdrawal or sudden changes in friend groups
- Legal issues related to substance use (DUI, possession, theft, etc.)
- Extreme mood swings (euphoria, depression, aggression)
- Anxiety, paranoia, or hallucinations
- Memory problems or confusion
- Sudden lack of motivation or prolonged periods of exhaustion
- Irritability and defensiveness when questioned about substance use
Physical Signs of Addiction
Behavioral Changes
Psychological Symptoms
If you notice multiple signs in someone you love, addiction may be present—even if you are unsure what substance they are using.
What to Do If You Suspect Someone Is Struggling with Addiction
If you believe someone you care about is displaying signs of addiction, taking the right steps early can make all the difference.
Observe and Document the Signs
Keep track of specific behaviors you notice. Look for patterns of substance use, missed obligations, health changes, or financial struggles.
Have an Honest and Compassionate Conversation
You should:
- Choose a time when the person is sober and calm.
- Express concern without judgment (“I’ve noticed you haven’t been yourself lately.”).
- Avoid blame or accusations (“You have a problem” vs. “I care about you, and I’m worried.”).
Offer Support Without Enabling
It’s important to:
- Set clear boundaries (e.g., not lending money or covering up consequences).
- Encourage them to seek professional help, even if it starts with a conversation with a counselor.
- Be patient—denial is common, and they may need time to accept help.
Consider an Intervention
If your loved one refuses help, a structured intervention can be an effective way to encourage treatment.
Connections Behavioral Health offers intervention support, including:
- Professional guidance on how to plan an intervention
- Referrals to appropriate treatment levels
- Family coaching on how to approach the conversation
Get a Professional Assessment
If the individual is willing, a substance use assessment at Connections Behavioral Health can determine the severity of addiction and the best treatment path.
When Immediate Help Is Needed
High-Risk SituationsSometimes, addiction requires urgent medical attention. If someone is experiencing severe health symptoms, it may be necessary to take them to the ER or seek hospital-based detox.
Signs Someone Needs Emergency Care:
- Overdose symptoms (difficulty breathing, unresponsiveness, blue lips/fingernails)
- Severe withdrawal symptoms (seizures, hallucinations, uncontrollable shaking)
- Dangerous behavior or self-harm risk
- Extreme dehydration or malnutrition due to substance use
If your loved one is in immediate danger, call 911 or take them to the emergency room.
911
When Immediate Help Is Needed
High-Risk SituationsSometimes, addiction requires urgent medical attention. If someone is experiencing severe health symptoms, it may be necessary to take them to the ER or seek hospital-based detox.
Signs Someone Needs Emergency Care:
- Overdose symptoms (difficulty breathing, unresponsiveness, blue lips/fingernails)
- Severe withdrawal symptoms (seizures, hallucinations, uncontrollable shaking)
- Dangerous behavior or self-harm risk
- Extreme dehydration or malnutrition due to substance use
If your loved one is in immediate danger, call 911 or take them to the emergency room.
911
How Connextions Behavioral Health Can Help
At Connextions Behavioral Health, we offer a full continuum of care to help individuals struggling with addiction, from early intervention to long-term recovery.
Outpatient Counseling & Early Intervention
We provide:
- One-on-one therapy to assess addiction concerns
- Group therapy and peer support
- Family counseling to improve communication and healing
PNMI Residential Program
For individuals needing structured, immersive care, our Private Non-Medical Institution (PNMI) residential program provides:
- A safe, supportive environment to begin recovery
- Individualized treatment plans for substance use and mental health issues
- Therapeutic support to build coping skills and prevent relapse
Recovery Housing
For individuals transitioning out of residential care or needing a sober environment, we provide:
- Accountability and peer support
- Access to outpatient treatment and recovery resources
Referrals for Detox or Medical Stabilization
If someone requires hospital-based detox, we assist with:
- Referrals to ERs or medical detox centers
- Coordination of inpatient admission if needed
- Follow-up care to transition into long-term treatment
Insurance and Payment Options
If you have another insurance provider, we will work with you to explore coverage options and ensure access to care.
We Accept
We also work out-of-network with
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Serving Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire
If you or a loved one is showing signs of addiction, early intervention can prevent devastating consequences.
At Connextions Behavioral Health, we help individuals in Portland, Lewiston, Augusta, Auburn, and beyond—including New Hampshire and Massachusetts—find the right path to recovery.
Call us today to discuss your concerns and explore treatment options. Help is available now.