Addiction doesn’t always start with a major event. Often, it begins with patterns that slowly shift how someone feels, acts, or makes decisions. These changes might be easy to explain away at first, but over time, they can point to something more serious.
Whether you’re noticing these changes in yourself or someone close to you, paying attention early can help prevent things from getting worse. Here’s what those signs often look like and what you can do next.
Common Early Signs of Addiction
1. Using More Than Planned
People might intend to have one or two drinks and end up drinking far more. A person may take medication longer than prescribed or finish a bottle early. These aren’t always intentional choices. Sometimes they reflect a growing pattern of overuse.
2. Needing More to Feel the Same
When someone starts using more of a substance to feel the same effect, that’s tolerance. This often develops gradually by adding an extra pill, topping off a drink, or increasing how often they use. Tolerance increases physical risk and can lead to dependence.
3. Changes in Daily Routine
Substance use can begin to interrupt basic responsibilities. This might look like missing appointments, skipping class, falling behind at work, or staying in bed longer than usual after using. Some people lose interest in things they used to care about—hobbies, relationships, even personal hygiene.
4. Secrecy or Avoidance
Someone may start using alone or hiding how much they use. This can include sneaking drinks, downplaying behavior, or avoiding conversations. They may change their habits to make use easier by choosing to spend time with friends who use the same substance, skipping events where they can’t, or lying about where they’ve been.
5. Emotional and Physical Changes
Substance use can affect sleep, mood, and appetite. Some people become more irritable, withdrawn, or anxious. Others may appear overly energetic or emotionally flat. You might notice changes in weight, hygiene, or how they communicate.
6. Risky or Out-of-Character Behavior
Early addiction can influence decision-making. Someone may drive under the influence, get into fights, spend money they don’t have, or engage in unsafe sex. These behaviors often start as exceptions and become more frequent over time.
7. Unsuccessful Attempts to Stop
One of the clearest signs is trying to stop and being unable to. This might mean taking breaks that don’t last or setting rules that get broken, like only using on weekends, then slipping during the week. Repeated attempts to change without success suggest that use is becoming harder to control.
What You Might Notice in Someone Else
When it’s a loved one, changes can be subtle. You might feel like they’re more distant. Conversations become shorter. They cancel plans, avoid eye contact, or stop sharing what’s going on. These shifts may not be dramatic, but they can add up.
When emotional distance shows up alongside physical signs—frequent illness, red eyes, changes in weight, or shakiness—it’s worth asking more questions.
What Early Addiction Can Look Like Over Time
Addiction builds gradually. Here’s a general outline of how the early stages often unfold:
Months 1–2
- Using more often or in different situations
- Occasional lapses in responsibilities
- Making excuses for use
Months 3–6
- Avoiding activities or people
- More consistent physical or emotional changes
- Hiding use or becoming defensive when asked
Months 6–12
- Missed work or school
- Relationship conflict
- Failed attempts to stop
One year and beyond
- Daily dependence
- Increased isolation
- Physical and mental health decline
Not everyone follows the same timeline, but these phases reflect the way substance use often grows when left unaddressed.
Concerned About Your Own Drug or Alcohol Use?
Struggling with substance use isn’t a character flaw. It’s a signal that something deeper needs attention: stress, grief, trauma, mental health, or simply a pattern that’s become hard to break.
It’s common to feel embarrassed or afraid to admit things have changed. But reaching the point where you’re asking questions isn’t a failure, it’s a step toward clarity. If your use is affecting your relationships, your energy, your ability to focus, or your mood, there’s value in pausing and taking a closer look.
You don’t have to have a diagnosis or a clear plan to talk to someone. You just need enough curiosity to ask what support might look like.
What Treatment Looks Like at New Bridge Foundation®
If you’re considering help, New Bridge Foundation® offers a full range of treatment options tailored to where you are right now:
- Detox for medically supervised withdrawal
- Short-term residential (Helios Program) with 24/7 care and counseling
- Intensive Outpatient with flexible scheduling
- Long-term residential (START Program) for extended recovery and relapse prevention
- Dual diagnosis treatment for people with both mental health and substance use concerns
We also offer specialized services for active-duty military, veterans, first responders, and LGBTQ+ clients. You don’t need to know which program is right. We’ll help you figure that out based on your goals and needs.
Talking to a Loved One About Their Use
Worrying about someone’s substance use is stressful. If you’re preparing to talk with a friend, partner, or family member, a calm and clear approach can make a difference.
When and Where to Talk
Choose a time when they’re sober and not distracted. Privacy helps. Avoid talking in front of others or during a heated moment.
What to Say
Stick to your observations. Use simple, honest language:
“I’ve noticed you’ve been drinking more than usual lately.”
“You’ve been missing work and pulling away from people. I’m concerned.”
Don’t label their behavior. Focus on what you’ve seen.
How to Listen
Let them respond without interrupting. They might deny, deflect, or get upset. That doesn’t mean the conversation failed. It means it’s hard and that you showed up anyway.
What to Offer
You can ask if they’d consider speaking with someone, reading more, or doing a free screening. You don’t need to push. Just let them know support is available.
Start Your Recovery Journey with a Phone Call
Many people who recover from substance use disorder say that one of the hardest steps was deciding whether they deserved help. You do. Whether you’re using every day or just feeling off track, help is available.
Think you or someone you care about might be showing early signs of addiction? Call New Bridge Foundation® today at 866.772.8491. Voted one of America’s “Best Addiction Treatment Centers” by Newsweek six years in a row, New Bridge Foundation® offers care that’s both compassionate and effective. We’re ready to help.
