While there is no cookie-cutter version of what an addict looks like, here are some personality traits you may want to watch for if you believe that you or a loved one might be suffering from an addiction:

• Self-medicating. A person may use drugs, alcohol or some other substance to help themselves feel better. They might try to make you believe that it is only for social use or for pain management, but it’s important to watch for signs that your loved one might be using substances just to cope with their day-to-day life.
• Risk Taking. Many addicts have little regard for their own lives, often taking risks that may seem out of the norm. For example, committing a crime, overdosing on medication, or engaging in unprotected sex.
• Impulsivity. Many addicts will move quickly from impulse to action without weighing the consequences on themselves or others.
• Self-centeredness. Narcissism can be a sign of addiction. An addict often thinks only of themselves, and may become very self-absorbed.
• Anxiety. Although we all experience anxiety from time to time, people struggling with addictive personalities may express an exaggerated sense of this emotion.
• Perfectionism. An addict may set impossible goals for themselves and then express guilt for failing.
• Justification. An addict may try to make unreasonable things sound reasonable to make it “okay” for them to do the things they want to.
• Low tolerance. An addict may become easily frustrated, often unable to endure an uncomfortable feeling or circumstance.
• Loner. Many addicts alienate themselves from friends, family and their former social circles.

Even after someone has been treated for an addiction, these traits may still occur. It is important to continue monitoring the person you are concerned about, and to seek or provide support if you notice them beginning to slip back into those old habits. Get drug addiction support now.