These mood swings may be unpredictable and disproportionate to the situation at hand. Knowing the signs of drug use is crucial in identifying and helping someone who may be struggling with drug addiction. In this article, we will discuss the common signs of drug use and how to tell if someone is on drugs. Another physical change that may indicate drug use is a significant and unexplained change in weight.
Mood Swings and Emotional Instability
The drug may be causing chemical changes to their brain that makes them anxious or reduces their ability to enjoy things that they used to like. Your loved one may become defensive when asked about where they’ve been, what they’ve been doing, or who they’ve been hanging out with. They may especially become defensive if you ask them about drugs or addiction. A common answer to the question of why people do drugs is to deal with feelings of anxiety and stress.
Behavioural Signs of Drug Use
In addition to neglecting responsibilities, drug use can also strain relationships with family members, friends, and significant others. Individuals struggling with addiction may become more isolated from their loved ones or experience conflicts due to their behavior while under the influence of drugs. It’s important to note that these changes can also be caused by factors other than drug use. Therefore, it’s essential to consider these signs in conjunction with other behavioral and psychological indicators. When it comes to identifying drug use in adults, there are several common signs and symptoms to be aware of. While the presence of one or more of these signs does not necessarily confirm drug use, they can serve as indicators that warrant further investigation and support.
How to Tell if Someone is Using Opioids
They may be depressed when they are not high or start to look at themselves negatively. UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital is the hub of UPMC Behavioral Health, a network of community-based programs providing specialized mental health and addiction care for children, adolescents, adults, and seniors. Our mission is to provide comprehensive, compassionate care to people of all ages with mental health conditions. UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital is a nationally recognized leader in mental health clinical care, research, and education.
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Letting them know that you care and want to help is crucial in reminding them that they are not alone. Never accuse them of doing cocaine or of being “an addict.” This can push them further away. Instead, remind them how much you love and care about them and how concerned you are about their change in behavior. Provide whatever support they need, but stay away from diagnosing them or telling them what’s best. And as frustrating as that might seem, you have to take the guilt and blame out of the situation and seek help for yourself if the stress becomes too much. Ark Behavioral Health offers 100% confidential substance abuse assessment and treatment placement tailored to your individual needs.
- There is an important distinction between drug addiction vs. drug dependence.
- Drugs can affect the blood vessels in the eyes, causing them to appear red and bloodshot.
- They may struggle to meet deadlines, miss important assignments, or receive poor evaluations.
- Supporting someone who is using drugs can be emotionally challenging, so consider seeking support for yourself as well.
Remember, your role is to be a source of support and encouragement, but ultimately, the decision to seek treatment lies with the individual. Patience, understanding, and consistent support can make a significant difference in their motivation to pursue a healthier and drug-free life. By being vigilant and attentive to physical changes, you can play a vital role in recognizing potential drug use and helping individuals seek the support they need for recovery. It’s important to note that fatigue can be caused by various factors, so it’s necessary to consider other accompanying signs before jumping to conclusions. If you suspect drug use, it’s crucial to gather additional evidence and observe other behavioral and physical changes to support your concerns.
Explore the impact of alcohol misuse and discover resources for support. Detoxing from alcohol at home requires careful preparation, support, and a commitment to ongoing recovery for a safe and successful journey toward sobriety. Discover effective strategies for alcohol detox, including hydration, nutrient-rich foods, adequate rest, and professional support, to ensure a successful recovery journey. Burnout in healthcare professionals, especially those with adverse childhood eperiences, causes exhaustion and reduced effectiveness. When I was in medical school, neither addiction psychiatry nor addiction medicine existed.
They might appear elated and euphoric in one moment, and then become irritable, agitated, or even aggressive in the next. Different categories of drugs can lead to various physical signs and symptoms. Stimulants, such as cocaine or amphetamines, can cause increased energy, dilated pupils, and heightened alertness. Depressants, like opioids or benzodiazepines, may result in drowsiness, slowed breathing, and impaired coordination. Hallucinogens, such as LSD or mushrooms, can cause hallucinations, altered perception, and increased heart rate. Opioids, including heroin or prescription painkillers, can lead to pinpoint pupils, drowsiness, and slowed breathing.
The recent rise in opioid deaths, for example, is attributable to a shift from prescription painkillers to the cheaper and often more readily available street drug heroin. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fentanyl is the drug most often involved in fatal overdoses in the U.S. Addiction involves both the mind and the body—and every other facet of existence, because they all interact. There is no real distinction between physical addiction and psychological addiction.
Drugs typically refer to highly addictive substances such as cocaine, heroin, and meth. Continued use can lead to drug tolerance, physical dependence, addiction, and substance abuse disorders (SUDs). Another valuable platform for seeking professional help is the outpatient treatment programs. These programs offer flexibility and support for individuals seeking addiction bath salts drug recovery, allowing them to receive therapy and counseling while maintaining their daily routines and responsibilities. Many rehabs like Lantana Recovery, outpatient rehab in Greenville, South Carolina can be a valuable step towards achieving long-term sobriety and improved well-being. Approach your loved one with care and concern if you suspect drug use.
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. For some individuals, substance abuse begins when they start socially experimenting with various substances. 7 topics covered in group therapy for substance abuse This can be the case with drugs such as amphetamines, alcohol, marijuana and prescription drugs. Cocaine is a very powerful stimulant that can easily lead to addiction but is very difficult to quit. The psychological stress, however, can be intense, oftentimes leading someone to continue using.
Similarly, unemployment is a significant independent risk factor for substance use and for relapse after treatment. Researchers have long observed that alcohol use increases during recessions. There are both physical and behavioral clues that someone might be experiencing a problem with substance use.
It’s important to approach the situation with empathy, understanding, and a readiness to provide support. If you suspect someone is struggling with drug use, consider reaching out to a healthcare professional or addiction specialist for guidance on how to proceed. By being vigilant for social signs of drug use, such as sudden changes in social circles, financial problems, and legal issues, you can play a supportive role in helping individuals seek the assistance they need. However, it’s crucial to remember that these signs alone do not provide definitive proof of drug use. If you suspect someone may be struggling with substance abuse, it’s important to approach the situation with compassion and encourage them to seek professional help. Recognizing the signs of drug use is crucial in identifying and addressing potential substance abuse issues.
Remember to approach the conversation in a non-judgmental and supportive way, and offer to help them find professional help if needed. Early intervention is key to preventing drug fentanyl in weed in 2023 addiction from becoming a lifelong problem. By recognizing the signs of drug use, you can help your loved ones get the help they need to live a healthy and fulfilling life.
People tend to separate themselves from their usual social circles and activities, opting to spend more time alone or with a new group involved in substance use. This sense of isolation only exacerbates feelings of loneliness and further impacts well-being negatively. At The Summit Wellness Group, our dedicated team of experts and recovery professionals are committed to helping you and your loved one take that first step towards a new way of life. We use a variety of treatments and therapies and individually tailor each plan to our client’s specific needs so that we can provide you with the best possible care. The areas of the brain affected and changed by drug abuse are the same areas of the brain that control cognition and include learning, memory, and higher reasoning.
People who become addicted to opioids are often prescribed prescription drugs, such as painkillers, often following something like an accident or surgery. They can then start taking higher doses of those prescription drugs, which can lead to abuse. Overall, 75% of heroin users report that the first opioid they took was a prescription drug. If you have a friend or loved one that you suspect has a drug abuse problem or has a drug addiction, contact the Master Center for help with addiction treatment. A loved one who has an addiction may be severely underweight, but they can also experience rapid weight gain or loss. Nausea and vomiting are a symptom of some drugs, so this might be a cause of weight loss.
Be patient, continue offering your support, and let them know that you are there for them whenever they are ready to take that step. Warren is a Licensed Master Social Worker, who specializes in substance abuse and mental health treatment. Clinically, Warren has developed a therapeutic skillset that utilizes a strengths-based perspective, Twelve Step philosophies, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing. The type of drug taken, such as alcohol or methamphetamine, will determine the specific effects experienced. In addition to professional help, support groups and counseling provided by community-based organizations play a significant role in the recovery process. These support groups offer a safe space for individuals to connect with others facing similar challenges, providing emotional support, guidance, and a sense of belonging.