Wondering if your spouse's alcohol or drug habit has started becoming more than just a habit, or not even sure what's going on, but noting some dramatic changes in your loved one and wondering what's going on?

Here are some questions to ask yourself about the behavior of your loved one. These questions center on the kinds of changes that are commonly seen when people succumb to drug or alcohol abuse or addiction. The more yes answers you score, the greater the likelihood that something is amiss, but this is no magic bullet test and there is never any guarantee. This test will never prove addiction, but it may validate your concerns and strengthen your resolve to take the next necessary steps to confronting the situation.

Is Your Spouse Abusing Drugs or Alcohol

12 questions, in no particular order

• 1. Have you noticed a dramatic change in sleeping habits – either staying up all night, or for days on end, or seemingly never getting out of bed? (Note, lethargy is also a frequent warning sign of depression.)
• 2. Have you noticed a sudden change in appearance, or a loss of interest in dressing well or personal hygiene?
• 3. Have you noticed any sudden loss of interest in longstanding hobbies or activities that used to be much enjoyed?
• 4. Is your husband or wife having sudden financial problems? Does he or she always seem to be short on cash or borrowing money (for vague reasons)? Are things missing around the house?
• 5. Has your spouse been reprimanded or in trouble at school or work?
• 6. Are there obvious signs of intoxication or does he or she frequently look stoned or drunk, or smell of alcohol?
• 7. Has he or she gained or lost weight suddenly?
• 8. Have longstanding friends been replaced by new associates?
• 9. Is he or she touchy when you bring up the subject of drugs or alcohol?
• 10, has he or she become more withdrawn, wanting to spend far more time alone, (or away from you) than previously?
• 11. Does your spouse seem to get hurt more often than before. Does he or she come home with bruises, brakes or cuts and have vague explanations for how he/she got them?
• 12. Has your husband or wife been in trouble with the law recently (probably involving some form of intoxication)?

The more yes answers you score, the greater the likelihood that substance abuse may be causing the changes you see in your loved one.