Forbes reports that drug and substance abuse is the primary reason for 3% of divorces. Unfortunately, most spouses struggling with addiction in marriage opt to remain in the closet, regardless of the inevitable consequences of being found out eventually. So, how can you save yourself from the agony of finding out too late that your partner is hiding a drug addiction problem? Here are six signs that your partner could be hiding an addiction.
1. Sudden Change in Behavior
Changes in behavior are a significant indicator of possible drug abuse and addiction. Most schedule II drugs can potentially cause depression, anxiety, and paranoia. All these are eccentric personality disorders that alter a person’s behavior. If your partner has sudden mood swings and unexplained behavior changes, it could indicate a deeper drug issue.
2. Unexplained Spending
If you notice a gradual change in spending and missing money without a corresponding explanation of expenditure, then it could be a sign of an addiction. To put this into perspective, Schedule II drugs, among the most abused, cost a fortune. For instance, cocaine costs between $25 and $200 a gram, per the World Drug Report 2023. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), examples of Schedule II drugs are cocaine, codeine, and methadone. It might be hard to hide such extreme spending habits long enough in marriage.
3. Withdraw from Friends and Family
A drug addict will do anything to conceal their addiction. One of the most predictable options a drug abuser will often consider is seclusion. A spouse who was once outgoing and sociable suddenly prefers solitude.
If you notice a withdrawal pattern from friends, family, and colleagues, it may be a telltale sign of a partner struggling with a drug issue. The tendency to withdraw becomes more evident over time and may have significant negative implications on marriage, including children’s school attendance. According to Education Week, children who attended preschool missed one and a half fewer days annually than those who didn’t.
4. Loss of Interest
A once bubbly and outgoing partner could suddenly lose interest in things, activities, or places where they once derived joy. Such include hobbies, talents, skills, or other recreational engagements. Most drug addicts also lose interest in relationships, which may be a deal-breaker in marriage. A drastic loss of interest in most things that made life meaningful for both of you may further confirm possible drug abuse.
5. Trouble at Work
The consequences of deep-rooted drug abuse can easily spill over to a partner’s place of work. Absenteeism, impaired performance, or chronic lateness often point to divided attention. Most drug addicts exhibit a downward trend in productivity with heightened dependency.
Your partner may become careless, hence susceptible to losing company and personal items, further jeopardizing their performance at work. According to Forensic Discovery, only 7% of 70 million smartphones lost yearly are recovered. If there are recent concerns from the employer or business associates about your partner’s work ethic, you may have a reason to be extra vigilant.
6. Sudden Physical Changes
A partner who was once masculine and energetic may unexpectedly start experiencing weight loss and extreme lethargy. Negative physical changes are an inevitable consequence of drug addiction. Other notable changes may include bloodshot eyes, sores on the skin, nasal congestion, or a bloody nose. It’s possible also to notice sudden neglect of personal hygiene and grooming. Such physical changes could point to a deepening addiction concern.
If these telltale signs best describe your partner, then it’s time to pay more attention. A sizable number of couples are grappling with the present reality of drug addiction that’s secretly happening in marriages. If your partner exhibits some or all of these six signs, it could point to a probable drug abuse concern. It would be wise to act fast and salvage your marriage.
