When someone is sliding into addiction, they tend to hang out with people who also use their drug of choice, or use any kind of substance for that matter. Someone may begin to distance themselves from their old friends or loved ones that may try to get them to stop. Most people struggling with a parallel recovery addiction are going to have some form of financial problems considering most, if not all, of their money is supporting their habit. They might have also lost their job due to a lack of productivity. Your loved one may show signs of an increased need for money with little explanation as to why.
- This is because alcohol changes the way they process information and react to it.
- Some individuals may demonstrate signs as described below while others may show none.
- You may notice that their school work or participation in school starts to decrease.
However, like other substance-induced changes in mood, feelings of irritability can be addressed by a therapist in individual counseling. When someone misuses drugs or alcohol, they may look and act in uncharacteristic ways. They may also think and feel differently than they normally do. Psychological signs of drug abuse can include changes in a person’s thought patterns, attitudes, beliefs and priorities. Of the behavioral signs of drug abuse, secretive behavior may be one of the most common and telling.
Physical Signs of a Person Who Is Using Drugs
Seeking medical attention is critical in these situations, even if you are unsure of what they’ve taken or if they’re even using drugs. Knowing what withdrawal symptoms and overdose symptoms look like may save your loved one’s life. According to the National mixing zantac and alcohol Institute on Drug Abuse, around 48 million people aged 12 and above have used prescription drugs for reasons outside of medical prescriptions in their life. That means a staggering 20% of the U.S. population has at least one time abused prescription drugs.
Also, stimulant drugs may cause a normally depressed person to appear very energetic or even manic. People often use drugs to change the way they feel, whether to increase pleasure or calm anxiety. If you notice that your loved one has a drastic change in their usual mood, either they are extremely euphoric or drowsy, it could indicate drug use. Increased drug abuse can lead to anxiety or paranoia, especially if the drug has left their system and they are experiencing withdrawal. There is often a direct link between chemical alterations of the brain becoming visible through the eyes. Some drugs will cause redness or bloodshot eyes, while some will alter pupil size.
They often treat muscle spasms, anxiety disorders, and sleep problems. In order to get high or to hide their drug abuse, your loved one may miss school or work but have no good excuse as to why. They may have even told you that they were still going to school or work. You may not even notice this until the school calls or until they stop receiving paychecks. You may notice this person spraying areas such as their room or car, wearing very strong cologne or perfume, or even burning candles and incense to cover it.
Though your loved one may not admit to having a drug problem, it is important to be able to recognize the signs of drug abuse. Another behavioral sign in someone with an addiction is private and reclusive behavior. Substance use and drug abuse can be an isolating activity, so the person who is using may seem very secretive. They might have the appearance of hiding something, spend a lot of time locked in their room or alone, or refuse to answer questions. If they are typically an open book but suddenly become private or secretive, they may be using drugs.
Recovery starts here
For some individuals, substance abuse begins when they start socially experimenting with various substances. This can be the case with drugs such as amphetamines, alcohol, marijuana and prescription drugs. For many individuals, substance abuse amphetamine withdrawal symptoms begins when they start socially experimenting with various substances. This is often the case with drugs such as amphetamines, alcohol, marijuana and prescription drugs. Drug abuse leads to unhealthy behaviors that can ruin your life.
This may be because they got caught in possession of a drug, they were selling it, or they may drive while intoxicated and hurt someone. Their pupils might be affected as well, either being extremely dilated or so small they look like pinpoints. Pupils that are dilated may indicate that the person has used depressants that have made the muscles in their eyes relax. Other substances may make the pupils become pinned as well, which is a symptom of opioid intoxication and potential overdose. Heroin, crystal meth, and other drugs can also be administered intravenously. This means the drugs are injected directly into the bloodstream.
How to Tell if Someone is Using Stimulant Drugs
Consider seeking help from medical professionals and addiction specialists. They can give you advice on rehab facilities, treatment options, and resources to help you and your loved one. Certain prescription stimulants treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. People who abuse these drugs can easily become addicted or dependent on them. As drugs become the primary focus of someone’s life, they often spend more and more time using and obtaining drugs. You may notice that their school work or participation in school starts to decrease.
They may stop caring about their grades and choose to neglect the work they need to do to improve academic performance. Forgetfulness, Trouble Concentrating, or Paying Attention. Some drugs may cause impaired memory, inability to focus, or loss of time due to blackouts.
Signs of Drug Abuse
If you notice that your loved one’s weight has changed without explanation, it could mean that they have begun to regularly use addictive substances. If you’ve ever asked yourself if someone you love could be on prescription drugs, you’re not alone. The abuse of prescription drugs has become not just a problem in the U.S. and around the world, but an epidemic in many places. Other indicators of paranoia include overthinking interactions, questioning other peoples’ motives or actions, or having extreme trust issues.
Drugs, including prescription drugs, alter the structure of the brain over time, and it makes it increasingly difficult for the addicted person to make good decisions. Not everyone who uses drugs or alcohol has a substance abuse problem. However, about 10% of Americans struggle with substance abuse. Understanding the signs and symptoms of drug addiction is the first step towards getting help. Social, emotional and mental isolation are common signs that someone needs help for a drug or alcohol addiction. People who face a substance use disorder may isolate themselves from their partners, friends or family members to keep their addiction a secret.
Drug use can make depression worse in those who already have it, or cause it in people who didn’t have it previously. Psychological signs of drug use depend on the type of drug they use. It’s important to note that you cannot indicate the level of intoxication solely based on the condition of the eyes. Some substances may cause dilated pupils at recreational doses, while others (like benzodiazepines) only dilate the eyes when the person has overdosed. “What are some signs and symptoms of some[…] a drug use problem?