Signs of Drug Use & Addiction: How To Tell if Someone Is On Drugs

The person may exhibit heightened energy levels, hyperactivity, or excessive talkativeness during a high, followed by periods of lethargy or depression during the drug’s comedown. It’s important to note that mood swings alone may not confirm drug use, but they can be indicative of a problem that needs further exploration. However, starting during childhood or adolescence is linked to an increased risk of dependence on the substance, where they feel like they need the drug to function normally. Hallucinogens are diverse drugs that can alter your awareness and perception.

Signs and Symptoms of Depressant Drug Abuse

Watching for these signs in loved ones, such as changes in appearance, secretiveness, or financial troubles, can help identify substance abuse problems. Understanding the context and specific signs in these situations enables targeted interventions and assistance. If you notice your loved one displaying signs of emotional instability or irritability, it’s important to approach the situation with empathy and understanding. stopping duloxetine cold turkey Encourage your loved one to seek professional help and treatment to address the root cause of their emotional distress.

Signs and symptoms of use include increased body temperature, poor coordination, dizziness, excessive sweating, clenched teeth, and slurred speech. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, in 2012, 17 central nervous system depression million adults ages 18 and older had alcohol use disorder in the United States. These mood swings can be unpredictable and may not have an apparent cause.

It’s important to approach the situation with empathy and understanding. If you suspect someone may be using drugs, it’s crucial to have open communication and provide support. Encourage them to seek professional help and consider treatment options. Remember that addiction is a complex issue, and professional guidance is often necessary for successful recovery.

Signs of Drug Use & Addiction: How To Tell if Someone Is On Drugs

A person may repeatedly ask to borrow money from friends or family members or sell their possessions to maintain their drug addiction. If someone does not addiction recovery group activities get help for their substance use disorder, they may risk extreme financial stress and could face bankruptcy. Fortunately for concerned family members and friends, many characteristics of addiction are easy to identify, and many types of drug addictions share similar signs and symptoms.

We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers. Sudden mood swings, ranging from high energy to extreme agitation or irritability, may be indicative of substance use. Alterations in sleep patterns, such as insomnia or excessive sleepiness, can also be signs of drug abuse.

Social Isolation or Change in Friend Group

I’m so grateful to OTR for the second chance I now have at living a happy sober life. There is also a risk of contracting infectious diseases from sharing needles, including hepatitis or HIV (this is true for all users who inject drugs). Opioids, the class of drugs that includes heroin, are the primary driver of overdose deaths in the United States. The immediate effects of cocaine, which include extreme energy, alertness, and hypersensitivity, are fleeting. The impact it has on the dopamine neurotransmitter system in the brain strongly encourages repetitive and more frequent use — a recipe for addiction. Drug addiction is a disease that impacts brain functioning and behavior in fundamental ways.

Sudden Mood Swings

1. Alterations in sleep patterns, such as insomnia or excessive sleepiness, can also be signs of drug abuse.
2. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.
3. Encourage them to seek professional help and treatment, offer emotional support through difficult times, and celebrate their successes along the way.
4. People who face a substance use disorder may isolate themselves from their partners, friends or family members to keep their addiction a secret.

Signs of opioid abuse include overall sedation, memory issues, inability to concentrate, slowed reaction times, lethargy, and mood swings. Since opioids can slow the digestive system, users often experience constipation and other intestinal issues. When without the drug, users may become anxious and display flulike symptoms. For many individuals, substance abuse begins when they start socially experimenting with various substances. This is often the case with drugs such as amphetamines, alcohol, marijuana and prescription drugs.