Before planning an intervention, it helps to recognize whether your loved one’s substance use has moved from occasional use to a substance use disorder (SUD). A substance use disorder is a medical condition that affects the brain and behavior, making it difficult to stop using alcohol or drugs even when they cause serious harm. (Source)

People living with addiction often minimize or deny the severity of their use, so family and friends are usually the first to notice that something is wrong. (Source)

Common signs that may indicate a substance or alcohol use disorder include:

• Centering daily life around getting, using, or recovering from alcohol or drugs.


• Spending more time with new friends who also drink or use substances heavily.


• Using alcohol or drugs to cope with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, or anger.


• Noticeable personality changes when they are using and when they are not (for example, becoming irritable, withdrawn, or unusually energetic).


• Serious external problems such as arrests, DUIs, job loss, financial crises, or repeated conflicts and breakups.


• Being unable to cut down or control how much they drink or use, even after promising to stop.


• Risky behaviors while under the influence, such as driving while intoxicated, unprotected sex, or sharing needles or other drug equipment.


• Physical or emotional withdrawal symptoms—such as shaking, sweating, nausea, anxiety, or insomnia—that improve when they drink or use again.

If you notice several of these signs, start paying attention to patterns in their use. Ask yourself:

• Has their drinking or drug use increased over time?


• Do they need more of the substance to feel the same effect (tolerance)?


• Do they seem unable to relax, sleep, or function without using?


• Are they refilling prescriptions early, going to multiple doctors, or using medications in a way that is different from how they were prescribed?


• Do they become agitated, angry, or defensive when you gently express concern?

A growing tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, and difficulty cutting back are strong indicators of a substance use disorder. (Source) If your loved one reacts with denial, anger, or hostility when you raise the issue, it may be a sign that their addiction has progressed and that a more structured approach—like an intervention—could be helpful.