What Does Addictive Behavior Look Like?

One of the more common comments from friends and family members of people suffering from addiction is that they thought the person had it under control. Phrases like, “We all drink” and “We didn’t think it was a big deal” are often masking a deeper problem - an addiction. 

 

How can friends, family, and loved ones identify the most common traits of an addiction? Read on to see when “using” has become “abusing.” 

 

Here are some of the most common behaviors that may raise some red flags in regards to a drug or alcohol addiction: lying, manipulation, blaming, and criminal activity. 

Lying

One of the hallmarks that using a substance has become addictive is lying. The addictive behavior of lying is necessary to cover where the person has spent time, what they have been doing, and where the hundreds, if not thousands of dollars they spend buying the substance, has gone. 

 

Sadly, lying to the important people in his or her life, can cause some serious problems with trust. Relationships can shatter and cause a downward spiral that can lead to further abuse of the given substance. 

 

If you notice that there is a pattern of lying regarding where someone is spending their time or money and there have been other red flags, you may want to consider that substance abuse could be a root cause. 

Manipulation

A close cousin of lying is the behavior known as manipulation. Tactics like guilt, denial, gaslighting, passive-aggressive behaviors, isolation, withholding information, and implicit threats are all ways that an addict could manipulate friends or family. 

 

According to Narconon, a drug rehabilitation and education network, some of the most common retorts of an addict that is using manipulation include: 

 

“I have it under control.”

“I can stop anytime I want.”

“You are just jealous because I can have fun and you can’t.”

“You never want me to enjoy myself.”

“It’s your fault I’m this way.”

“You don’t even try to understand how I feel.”

“You wouldn’t say that if you loved me.”

 

Shifting Blame

Blame shifting is a common behavior for someone struggling with an addiction. It’s never their fault when something happens. 

 

For example, they get fired, it’s the manager’s fault. If a car accident occurs, it will always be the other person’s fault. Addicts never want to take the responsibility of what is going on with them, but rather shift the issue on to someone else. 

Criminal Behavior 

A person with an addiction may find themselves involved with criminal activities as they sink deeper into the abyss. From forging prescriptions to stealing money and even robbing friends and family, no criminal act may seem depraved enough, as long as it continues to support the addiction. 

 

Have you noticed any of these alarming behaviors in any of your loved ones? Call the SAMHSA’s National Helpline. It’s a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.