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how to know if someone's on drugs

This is especially true if you’re familiar with their normal behavior. People who inject drugs will have track marks on major veins. Track marks can appear as puncture wounds, scabs, or bruises on the forearms, hands, legs, and feet. Heroin, crystal meth, and other drugs can also be administered intravenously. This means the drugs are injected directly into the bloodstream. These can include anxiety about their habit being discovered, in addition to anxiety about needing to get their next fix.

Substance use can bring out anxiety symptoms in those who are affected. Cocaine is an illegal, highly addictive stimulant drug made from the coca plant. Over 14 million people (5.4 percent of the population) have tried meth at least once. We’d love the opportunity to help you during this overwhelming and difficult process.

Some drugs may cause impaired memory, inability to focus, or loss of time due to blackouts. The fact that drug use can often become a top priority may also cause them to lose interest in any other responsibilities. They may forget about plans or things they were supposed to do. Drug abuse and addiction are scary to talk about and think about, but it’s not impossible to mitigate with addiction treatment. Know the signs of drug use and know that recovery is possible with treatment programs. Someone who is typically very calm and collected may be hyper and out of control while using drugs.

how to know if someone's on drugs

Many drugs cause behavioral changes in a person with an addiction. However, when determining if the mood swings are rapid or out of the ordinary for the person, you must consider what is normal for them. A loved one that has an addiction may have itchy skin, injection marks, a puffy face, and unusual skin color. For this reason, people with an addiction may constantly wear long sleeves or clothing inappropriate for the weather to hide any physical signs of substance use. Here are some physical, behavioral, and psychological signs of drug use. Keep in mind that not everyone reacts in the same way and this list is not all-inclusive.

Effects & Risks of Commonly Abused Drugs

This can lead to personality and behavioral changes. Outbursts, Resentful Behavior, Intense Irritability, or Mood Swings. They may become moody and not want to talk to you or anyone that may notice changes due to drug use. Some drugs, like alcohol, marijuana, crack, or meth, have distinct smells that individuals may try to cover up.

  1. Stimulants will provide a short or long-term energy boost, as well as improved attention.
  2. Here are some physical, behavioral, and psychological signs of drug use.
  3. However, knowing the signs and symptoms of drug use can help you get help before it’s too late.
  4. 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.

Everyone gets anxious, but those with an addiction or drug use problem will experience near-constant anxiety about a plethora of things. Psychological signs of drug use depend on the type of drug they use. If you think your loved one is abusing drugs, it’s important to get help early. By having an early intervention, you can improve their chances of a successful recovery. You might be able to observe sudden changes in people you know well, such as a family member.

Regardless of how depression is expressed, it is a serious issue that needs to be addressed. 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. Methamphetamine is very similar to amphetamines, or, prescription drugs used to treat medical conditions like ADHD. However, the side effects of taking meth last longer and are often more toxic.

Know the Signs of Drug Abuse

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. They may either borrow or steal to pay for their drug use. 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. It is important to pay attention to your loved one’s eyes, as that is usually a very telling indicator that they may be using drugs.

how to know if someone's on drugs

Different types of drugs produce different effects on your physical and mental health. There are common signs and symptoms that suggest a person is on drugs. This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. The action you just performed triggered the security solution.

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. If this person has a set routine in their work, school, or home life that they suddenly abandon, it may have developed from drug abuse or drug addiction. Things that are “normal” in their daily routine, like showering or walking the dog, may quickly take a backseat to the need to acquire drugs. If you believe that your loved one may be dealing with substance abuse or drug addiction, reaching out to them is the best way to start a conversation help. Substance abuse can be overcome, and the odds of long-term recovery increase when a person seeks help through a professionally trained recovery center.

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In addition to the physical signs, there are several behavioral signs of drug addiction. Generally, someone who has a drug addiction will not be “themselves.” Think of all the times someone said they were an “angry drunk” as an example. This is because alcohol changes the way they process information and react to it. Physical changes are arguably the most obvious or noticeable signs of drug use. Physical changes can include changes in the eyes, skin, weight, and any other visible physical aspect of a person. Although these are the most evident signs, they are not the only ones and must be considered with the behavioral and psychological signs.

Addiction and the intense need for a drug may cause someone who is normally very docile to become agitated and aggressive. Also, stimulant drugs may cause a normally depressed person to appear very energetic or even manic. Increased drug abuse can lead to anxiety or paranoia, especially if the drug has left their system and they are experiencing withdrawal. Other physical signs include unusual smells on the body or mouth, cold and sweaty palms, and general deterioration of physical health. Their pupils might be affected as well, either being extremely dilated or so small they look like pinpoints.

Some individuals may demonstrate signs as described below while others may show none. Many treatment options are available for drug addiction. Not everyone responds to treatment the same way so it’s important to find the right treatment program for you or your loved one.