It can be difficult to determine if a loved one is abusing drugs or alcohol.
They’re acting strangely, but are they just stressing over school or work? He’s easily irritated, but is he just tired? She often isolates herself, but maybe she’s just going through a phase?
Sometimes substance abuse is the cause for such behavioral changes. Knowing if this is the case can be the difference between life and death. There are some tell-tale signs that can shed light on the issue and may lead to intervention and treatment.
What are Common Signs of Drug Abuse and Alcohol Abuse?
People who abuse drugs or alcohol typically display health issues, a neglected appearance, changes in behavior and irregular sleeping patterns. They also make repeated requests for money.
Each drug may also cause unique symptoms when used or abused.
Alcohol
-
- Repeatedly blacking out — failing to remember the previous night due to heavy drinking
- Denying any drinking
- Drinking alone or when stressed
- Driving under the influence
- Legal problems, such as stealing, stemming from alcohol
consumption
- Neglecting responsibilities
If your loved one exhibits these signs and avoids their regular hobbies or routines, such as exercising or attending church, a drinking problem may exist.
Stimulants
Examples: methamphetamine, cocaine, Ritalin
- Inability to manage responsibilities at work, home or school
- Changes in appetite
- Hostility or anger
- Sexual dysfunction
- Withdrawal symptoms, such as irritability or anxiety
Barbiturates and Benzodiazepines
Examples: Amytal, Valium, Xanax
Barbiturates and benzodiazepines are depressant drugs often used to manage anxiety or insomnia, or mental disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
- Slurred speech
- Lack of coordination
- Involuntary eye movements
- Slowed breathing
- Drowsiness
- Memory problems
Studies indicate that up to 41 percent of individuals battling alcohol addiction reported using barbiturates or benzodiazepines. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reported 15 percent of heroin users also used these drugs.
Opioids
Examples: codeine, methadone, oxycodone
- Attention and memory problems
- Lack of awareness
- Constant confusion
- Clammy skin
- Nose sores
- Needle marks
Marijuana
- Difficulty concentrating
- Loss of interest in hobbies
- Uncontrollable talking or giggling
- Red or glassy eyes
- Slowed reaction time
Pot also can make users feel very hungry, leading to the consumption of unhealthy foods in large quantities. Users also have a distinct smell that is sweeter than cigarettes. Often they mask the scent with fragrances.
Hallucinogens
Examples: LSD, PCP, salvia
- A manipulated perception of reality
- High blood pressure
- Impulsive behavior
- Inability to control emotions
- Tremors
- Coordination and movement problems
- Volatile behavior
- Impaired judgement
- Intolerance to loud noises
- Out-of-body experiences
- Focus on childhood memories
- Overlapping realities
- Sensations of motion
- Two-dimensional visions
- Uncontrollable laughter
Each substance produces short-term, psychedelic “trips” that can be mentally stimulating. But often these highs give way to anxiety and despair.
Long-term use of these drugs can lead to psychosis.
Intervention
Learning of your loved one’s substance abuse problem can be a devastating experience. If you are confident your friend or family member is abusing drugs or alcohol, an intervention may be necessary. This creates an atmosphere in which loved ones can express their concerns and perhaps motivate the person to make changes in their life.
Help is available. Before selecting an addiction rehabilitation center, be sure it provides services for your loved one’s substance abuse problem. And always offer your love and support. They need it now more than ever.
Medical Disclaimer: DrugRehab.com aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with a substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. 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 provider.
View Sources
- American Society of Addiction Medicine. (n.d.). Opioid Addiction 2016 Facts and Figures. Retrieved from http://www.asam.org/docs/default-source/advocacy/opioid-addiction-disease-facts-figures.pdf
- Drugs.com. (n.d.). Cannabis Abuse. Retrieved from http://www.drugs.com/cg/cannabis-abuse.html
- Helpguide.org. (n.d.). Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse. Retrieved from http://www.helpguide.org/articles/addiction/alcoholism-and-alcohol-abuse.htm
- Hopkins, K. (2014, January 23). How to Know a Loved One Is Using Drugs and Ways to Help Them. Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kiernan-hopkins/drug-abuse_b_4221023.html
- Longo, L.P. & Johnson, B. (2000, April 1). Addiction: Part I. Benzodiazepines – Side Effects, Abuse Risk and Alternatives. Retrieved from http://www.aafp.org/afp/2000/0401/p2121.html
- Mayo Clinic. (2014, December 5). Symptoms. Retrieved from #
- Mayo Clinic. (2015, September 19). Symptoms. Retrieved from #
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2015, February). How Do Hallucinogens (LSD, Psilocybin, Peyote, DMT, and Ayahuasca) Affect the Brain and Body? Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/hallucinogens-dissociative-drugs/where-can-i-get-more-scientific-information-hallucinogens-diss
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (n.d.). Signs of Drug Abuse and Addiction. Retrieved from https://easyread.drugabuse.gov/content/signs-drug-abuse-and-addiction
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (n.d.). Signs of Marijuana Use and Addiction. Retrieved from https://easyread.drugabuse.gov/content/signs-marijuana-use-and-addiction
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2016, January). What to Do If Your Adult Friend or Loved One Has a Problem with Drugs. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/related-topics/treatment/what-to-do-if-your-adult-friend-or-loved-one-has-problem-drugs
