Recognition

Spotting the signs — in yourself or someone you love

Addiction rarely announces itself. It grows quietly, often hidden under excuses, routines, and a person who is genuinely trying to hold it together. These signs don't mean someone is a bad person. They mean someone needs help.

Signs of a problem with alcohol or substances — in yourself

You use more than you planned to, or for longer than you intended
You've tried to cut down or stop and couldn't
You spend a lot of time getting, using, or recovering from the substance
Cravings or urges to use are hard to ignore
Use is interfering with work, school, or family responsibilities
You keep using even though it's causing problems in your relationships
You've given up things you used to enjoy in order to use
You use in situations where it's physically dangerous
You need more of the substance to feel the same effect (tolerance)
When you stop, you feel physically sick or intensely anxious (withdrawal)
You hide your use from people you love
You feel ashamed about how much you use

What to do Two or more of these signs, especially tolerance or withdrawal, means it's time to talk to someone. You can call SAMHSA at 1-800-662-4357 — it's free, confidential, and available 24/7. You don't need to have "hit bottom" to deserve help. If the substance is alcohol, quitting on your own can be the dangerous part. If it's 7-OH, here is what coming off it actually involves.

Signs a loved one may be struggling

Dramatic mood swings — especially irritability when they can't use
Withdrawing from family, old friends, or activities they used to enjoy
Unexplained financial problems, borrowing money, or missing money
Changes in sleep — sleeping all day, or awake all night
Significant change in weight or appetite
Declining hygiene or appearance
Secretive about their whereabouts or who they're spending time with
Missing work, school, or important family events
Eyes that are pinpoint, glazed, or bloodshot more often than not
Smell of alcohol, or finding hidden bottles or paraphernalia
Legal trouble — DUIs, arrests, or close calls
Minimizing, denying, or getting defensive when use is brought up
New social circle that seems connected to substance use

Trust your gut If something feels wrong, it usually is. The people closest to someone struggling often sense it long before they have "proof." Trust your instincts, and see the "Help a Loved One" section for what to do next.

Signs a teenager may be using

Sudden drop in grades or loss of interest in school
Abandoning longtime friends for a new group
Increased secrecy — locking doors, guarding phone
Unexplained money going missing from the household
Red or glassy eyes, altered speech or coordination
Finding paraphernalia — pipes, papers, small bags, vape devices
Sleeping at unusual hours, or staying out much later than before
Extreme mood swings or uncharacteristic aggression
Loss of motivation that's noticeably different from normal teen behavior
Unexplained burns on fingers, track marks, or other physical signs

Early use matters The brain keeps developing into the mid-20s. Substance use that starts in the teen years is significantly more likely to lead to addiction than use that starts in adulthood. Early, non-shaming conversation is the most powerful thing a parent can do.

Emergency signs — act now

Not breathing, or very slow/shallow breathing
Blue or grayish lips or fingertips
Unresponsive, impossible to wake up
Seizure — especially in someone withdrawing from alcohol or benzodiazepines
Chest pain or irregular heartbeat
Extreme confusion, hallucinations, or paranoia
Saying they want to hurt themselves or end their life
Overdose suspected — any opioid (including 7-OH / kratom extract)

Call 911 immediately If an opioid overdose is suspected, administer naloxone (Narcan) if available, then call 911. Every state has an overdose Good Samaritan law, but protections vary: most shield the caller and the person overdosing from some drug-possession charges, and some limit how often they apply. Call 911 anyway. Do not leave the person alone.