How can you know of someone is abusing drugs?
It’s not always easy to know if someone is abusing drugs or alcohol. You may want to just openly ask them if they are using drugs. Sadly, chances are most addicts will deny it, if confronted. They may convince you that you are overreacting. Drugs and alcohol affect many aspects of a person’s behavior and health. Someone can be acting strangely, but is it because they are taking drugs? Or is it just a phase they are going through? How can you know for sure if someone is abusing drugs? While different drugs have very specific symptoms, there are some general indications for all drugs that you can pinpoint as well
- Methamphetamine Effects
- Ecstasy Effects
- Cocaine Effects
- LSD Effects
- PCP Effects
- Inhalant Effects
- Heroin Effects
- Marijuana Effects
- Prescription Medication Effects
General Indications Someone is Abusing Drugs
Change in behavior: If someone suddenly starts acting differently than normal, they could be using drugs. For instance, someone who is normally introspective may become boisterous and loud and vice versa.
Moodiness: Someone may be angry, irritable or grumpy than suddenly cheerful and happy. These mood swings are erratic and unpredictable.
Withdrawal from friends and family: Isolation is a common symptom of drug use. Someone may withdraw and become isolated to hide the fact that they are using drugs. Also, with addiction, the drugs become the most important thing in life, eclipsing relationships with family and friends
Personal hygiene changes: Self-care and cleanliness become less important when someone is using drugs. If someone who normally takes care of their appearance becomes regularly disheveled, something might be happening in that person’s mental state.
No longer interested in the things they love: Someone is not involved with favorite activities, hobbies, like sports
Different sleeping patterns: Someone may start staying up all night and sleeping during the day
Glassy or red eyes: This symptom is easy to spot and often a sign of drug use
Runny nose or the sniffles: Stuffy or runny nose that lasts longer than the common cold
Signs of Methamphetamine Use
Methamphetamine is a stimulant that makes someone physically and mentally overactive.
Someone who is abusing methamphetamine is:
- Sleepless for days or weeks
- Not interested in eating
- Excessively excited
- Extremely talkative
- Losing weight
- Paranoid
- Sweating Profusely
- Anxious
- Behaving aggressively
- Mentally confused
- Moody
- Violent
- Depressed
- Nervous
- Unable to visually focus
- Hallucinating
- Exhibiting delusions of power
- Confused
- Exhibiting psychosis
- Repeating physical actions (like picking)
Signs of Ecstasy Use
Ecstasy changes the way someone processes physical and mental stimulation.
Someone on ecstasy will have:
- Decreased appetite
- Increased energy levels
- High body temperature
- Clenching teeth
- Muscle cramps
- Nausea
- Blurred vision
- Dilated pupils
- Abnormal social actions (overly friendly or talkative)
- Oversensitivity to lights and sounds
- Alternating sweating and chills
Signs of Cocaine Use
Cocaine is also a highly addictive stimulant.
Someone who is using cocaine will have:
- Confusion
- Anxiety
- Sleeplessness
- Scratching
- Lack of appetite
- Increased energy levels
- Lowered sex drive
- Paranoia
- Dilated pupils
- Panic attacks
- Impaired thought processes
- Moodiness
- Depression
- Aggression
- Hallucinations
- Runny Nose V
- Nose Bleeds (if snorting)
- Track marks (if injecting)
- Burned fingers or lips (if smoking)
Stimulant After-Effects
Someone who uses stimulant drugs like methamphetamine, ecstasy or cocaine will exhibit very different symptoms after prolonged use or a binge.
Someone who is “coming down” after using these drugs will be:
- Depressed
- Agitated
- Craving more of the drug
- Apathetic
- Exhausted
- Sleeping for long periods of time
Signs of LSD Use
Lysergic acid, also called LSD or “acid,” is a hallucinogen.
Someone “tripping on acid” will have:
- Hallucinations
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Anxiety
- Distorted sense of time and space
- Dilated pupils
- Dizziness
- Rapid heart rate
- Paranoia
Signs of PCP Use
PCP, known as Phencyclidine, was originally used as a medical anesthetic. Taken recreationally, it has mind-altering effects and can lead to dangerous behavior.
Someone who is taking PCP will exhibit:
- Violent or strange behavior
- Paranoia
- Anxiety
- Aggressive behavior
- Fear
- Red skin
- Sweating
- Disorientation
- Numbness
- Hallucinations
Signs of Inhalant Use
Inhalants, like spray paint, glue and solvents, are easily obtained and highly destructive. Any long-term use can cause permanent brain damage.
Someone who is using inhalants experiences:
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Fainting
- Memory loss
- Tremors
- Slurred speech
- Eye twitches
- Impaired cognitive function
- Emotional instability
Signs of Heroin Use
Heroin produces a dream-like state. The user “nods off” for minutes or hours.
Someone using heroin will have:
- Slow breathing
- Red skin
- Scratching
- Vomiting
- Slurred words
- Small pupils
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Poor hygiene
- Inability to stay awake
Signs of Marijuana Use
Someone who is using marijuana will have:
- Dry mouth
- Droopy eyelids
- Red eyes
- Compulsive eating
- Lack of energy
- Lack of motivation
- Lost interest in usual activities
- Memory loss
- Slow body movements
- Lack of coordination
- Confusion
Signs of Prescription Pill Use
Depressants slow down motor functions.
Someone who is abusing prescription pain or anxiety medication will have:
- Lethargy
- Slurred Speech
- Dilated Pupils
- Staggering
- Disorientation
- Sleepiness
- Dizziness
- Memory loss
“The key to relaxation is peace of mind. The relaxation gained from alcohol, drugs or just listening to music may seem attractive, but it doesn’t last.”
-Dalai Lama
