How to spot the signs of addiction in others
Addiction can be difficult to talk about but understanding what signs to look for in others can be the first step to supporting your loved one. There are many kinds of addiction, and some people are very good at hiding their symptoms. Here I’ll address what addiction can look like, and what to do if you think someone you know is affected.
What is an addiction?
Addiction is when someone feels unable to stop a behaviour or action, even if it causes negative effects on their life. Your brain can become addicted to the high levels of dopamine (a feel-good hormone) doing this behaviour can produce. This can cause strong cravings and make it very hard to stop.
Common addictions include:
- drug addiction
- alcohol addiction
- porn addiction
- gambling addiction
It’s also possible to be addicted to social media – which can have a negative effect on someone’s mental and physical health too. You might notice a social media addiction if someone feels compelled to keep checking their phone frequently or cannot focus on other tasks and responsibilities.
How do you know if someone has an addiction?
Spotting the signs of addiction can be difficult. This is because there are different types of addiction, which may all have their own individual symptoms.
Similarly, people with addiction may also have mild to moderate signs, depending on the extent and duration of their addiction.
Signs of addiction usually involve a mixture of physical, mental and behavioural changes.
Some common signs of addiction can include:
- changes in mood or behaviour
- being secretive or acting suspiciously
- being unable to meet responsibilities
- financial issues
- neglecting appearance
Some of these symptoms and signs can also be the result of an anxiety disorder or depression, so it doesn’t always mean addiction is the cause.
Sometimes, you can spot an addiction in others when someone is going through a period of withdrawal. Symptoms of withdrawal can include:
- discomfort
- unease or anxiety
- restlessness
What is the difference between an addiction and a habit?
Perhaps you’re not sure if someone you know just has a bad habit, instead of an addiction. The key feature of an addiction is that the person involved does not feel a sense of control over the behaviour.
So, someone might have a bad habit of drinking a bit too much at parties. But if they have an addiction, it doesn’t feel like they can stop drinking. Even if it’s making them unwell or affecting their finances.
What should I do if someone I know has an addiction?
If someone you know is showing signs of addiction it can be hard to know what to do. If you’re not sure if someone is addicted, or if they only seem mildly affected, it can still be good to seek help. This can prevent things getting worse.
The good news is that addiction is treatable – it’s not something you have to suffer with alone. Your loved one can be helped to manage their addiction. This will benefit them but also help you too.
How can I support someone with an addiction?
The first step might be encouraging someone to get help. It may help to reassure them that help is available, and that it’s not a sign of weakness to need support.
You might also support them by finding out which services are available locally for their addiction.
For drug and alcohol addiction you can use turning point to find local support in your area.
Mind UK also have some useful resources on support options for gambling addiction . If you’re looking for more advice on how to support someone you know with addiction – you might find Adfam helpful.
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Sources Sources
- Drug addiction: drug abuse signs and symptoms. UK addiction treatment centres. Ukat.co.uk, accessed April 2025.
- Common signs and symptoms of addiction. The priory. Priorygroup.com, accessed April 2025.
- Amirthalingam J, Khera A. Understanding Social Media Addiction: A Deep Dive. Cureus. 2024;16(10):e72499. doi: 10.7759/cureus.72499.
- Helping someone with drug and alcohol problems. Mind UK. mind.org.uk, accessed April 2025.
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