Behavioral and Emotional Changes That Indicate Possible Addiction

By Collective Care Center, Pune — evidence-based support for recovery

Addiction doesn't always announce itself with dramatic scenes. Often it begins quietly — with small shifts in mood, behaviour and relationships that grow more pronounced over time. Recognising those early changes gives loved ones and the person struggling a crucial chance to seek help. This blog explains the behavioural and emotional signs to watch for, the science behind them, and what evidence-based treatment looks like.

Common behavioural signs

• Escalating secrecy and lyingHiding money, devices, or whereabouts; evasive answers about time spent with friends or at work.

• Loss of control over useUsing more than intended, failed attempts to cut down, or spending large parts of the day obtaining/using the substance or behaviour.

• Neglecting responsibilitiesFalling behind at work/school, missing appointments, poor self-care (sleep, hygiene).

• Risky or impulsive behaviourDriving under the influence, unsafe sex, illegal activities to obtain substances, sudden financial problems.

• Social withdrawalDropping hobbies, avoiding family gatherings, spending time almost exclusively with peers who use.

• Tolerance and withdrawalNeeding larger amounts to get the same effect (tolerance) and experiencing physical or emotional withdrawal when not using.

  
  

Common emotional and psychological changes

• Mood swings and irritability — quick shifts from calm to angry, defensive, or tearful.

• Anxiety and panic — substance-related or from the stress of hiding use.

• Depression and emotional numbness (anhedonia) — losing interest or pleasure in previously enjoyed activities.

• Preoccupation and cravings — persistent thoughts about using, planning how to get the next dose or engagement.

• Shame, guilt, and denial — minimising the problem or blaming others; alternately, intense shame that fuels further use.

• Emotional dysregulation — difficulty managing strong feelings; common in those with trauma histories or co-occurring disorders.

  
  

The science — why these changes happen (brief)

Addiction is not just a failure of willpower — it’s a brain-based disorder with predictable effects:

• Reward circuitry hijack: Repeated substance use or compulsive behaviours increase dopamine signalling in reward pathways (ventral tegmental area → nucleus accumbens). Over time the brain prioritises immediate reward over other goals.

• Prefrontal cortex impairment: The areas responsible for planning, impulse control and future thinking (prefrontal cortex) become less effective, producing poor decision-making and reduced self-control.

• Negative emotional state and stress systems: Chronic use alters stress-related neurotransmitter systems (e.g., CRF, noradrenaline), increasing anxiety and negative moods when not using — which drives continued use to feel “normal.”

• Learning and memory changes: Drug- or behaviour-related cues become strongly associated with craving because of changes in associative learning circuits, making relapse common in response to triggers.

• Co-occurring conditions: Anxiety, depression, PTSD and other psychiatric conditions often occur alongside addiction (dual diagnosis), complicating the emotional presentation and treatment needs.

  
  

Evidence-based approaches to help

Effective care targets both the behaviour and the underlying emotional/brain changes:

• Comprehensive assessment by certified counsellors and clinical psychologists to identify substance type, pattern of use, mental health comorbidities and social needs.

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Teaches coping skills, relapse prevention, and how to change thinking patterns that lead to use.

• Motivational Interviewing (MI): Helps resolve ambivalence and increase readiness for change.

• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT): Especially useful if emotion regulation and impulsivity are prominent.

• Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): For certain substance dependencies (e.g., opioids, alcohol), medications reduce cravings/withdrawal and improve outcomes when combined with therapy.

• Integrated dual-diagnosis treatment: Simultaneous treatment of mental health disorders and addiction improves recovery chances.

• Family therapy & social support: Restores relationships, educates families about boundaries, and builds a supportive environment.

• Holistic supports: Sleep hygiene, nutrition, exercise, mindfulness, vocational rehabilitation and peer support groups can reinforce recovery.

  
  

How loved ones can respond (do’s and don’ts)

Do:

• Approach the person calmly and compassionately; express concern using specific observations (e.g., “I’ve noticed you’ve missed work and seem more withdrawn.”).

• Offer support for assessment and treatment; encourage a professional evaluation.

• Set clear boundaries about safety, finances, and household rules.

• Learn about addiction and attend family support programs.

  
  

Don’t:

• Shame, lecture, or enable (e.g., give money that will be used to buy substances).

• Assume the person can “just stop” — recovery usually needs structured help.

• Ignore signs because of fear or embarrassment. Early intervention improves outcomes.

  
  

When to seek immediate help

Contact emergency services or a healthcare professional if the person:

• Shows signs of overdose (unconsciousness, slowed/irregular breathing, blue lips)

• Expresses suicidal intent or self-harm plans

• Is severely psychotic or a danger to self/others

  
  

Final note — recovery is possible

Addiction changes the brain and behaviour, but evidence shows that with timely, tailored treatment — including therapy, medical care and social supports — many people regain their health, relationships and purpose. At Collective Care Center, Pune, we provide evidence-based treatment, certified counsellors for addiction recovery, rehabilitation supervised by clinical psychologists, and personalised rehab plans including dual-diagnosis care. If you’re worried about yourself or someone you love, reach out for a professional assessment — early steps can make a big difference.