Use of recreational drugs, over the counter medications or prescription drugs can lead to substance use issues. It can frequently lead to problems at work, home, school, and in relationships, and leave the user feeling isolated, helpless, or shamed. If you’re worried about your own or a loved one’s drug use, it’s helpful to know the warning signs and more importantly, that help is available and treatment works.
Common signs and symptoms of drug abuse
- Risk taking when you’re using, such as driving, having unprotected sex
- Neglecting responsibilities at school, work, or home
- Legal trouble, such as arrests for disorderly conduct, driving under the influence
Physical warning signs of drug abuse
- Bloodshot eyes, pupils larger or smaller than usual
- Changes in appetite, sleep patterns, physical appearance
- Unusual smells on breath, body, or clothing, or impaired coordination
Behavioral signs of drug abuse
- Drop in attendance and performance at work or school
- Engaging in secretive or suspicious behaviors
- Sudden change in friends, favorite hangouts, and hobbies
Psychological warning signs of drug abuse
- Unexplained change in personality or attitude
- Sudden mood swings, irritability, spaced-out, or angry outbursts
- Appears fearful, anxious, or paranoid, with no reason
Recognizing there’s a problem is the first step on the road to recovery, which often takes tremendous courage and strength. If you’re ready to face your addiction and are willing to seek help, you have the opportunity to build a satisfying, drug-free life for yourself.
For immediate help and information on treatment, contact the Redline
Phone: (800) 889-9789
FAQs
How to recognize and respond to the signs of addiction. Physical warning signs include small pupils; decreased respiratory rate; non-responsiveness; drowsy, loss or increase in appetite; weight loss or weight gain; Intense flu-like symptoms; and wearing long-sleeves or hiding arms.
Which of the following are early warning signs of addiction? ›
Psychological warning signs of SUD
- Appearing fearful, anxious, or paranoid, with no reason.
- Lack of motivation; appearing tired or "spaced out"
- Periods of unusual increased energy, nervousness, or instability.
- Sudden mood swings, increased irritability, or angry outbursts.
- Unexplained change in personality or attitude.
Having a strong desire or urge to use the substance. Having unsuccessful efforts to cut down on or control substance use. Spending a lot of time obtaining or using the substance or recovering from its effects. Having issues fulfilling responsibilities at work, school or home due to substance use.
What are four common signs and symptoms of prescription drug abuse? ›
Signs and symptoms of prescription drug abuse
- Constipation.
- Nausea.
- Feeling high.
- Slowed breathing rate.
- Drowsiness.
- Confusion.
- Poor coordination.
- Increased dose needed for pain relief.
Spending excessive amounts of money on the substance. Obsessing about the next dose, ensuring a consistent supply of the substance, and worrying about the next source of the substance. Performing risky behaviors while intoxicated. Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when unable to take the drug.
What are the 4 primary symptom clusters of substance abuse? ›
The symptoms associated with a substance use disorder fall into four major groupings: impaired control, social impairment, risky use, and pharmacological criteria (i.e., tolerance and withdrawal).
What is a typical symptom of substance dependence? ›
Signs of dependence include: Tolerance to or need for increased amounts of the drug to get an effect. Withdrawal symptoms that happen if you decrease or stop using the drug that you find difficult to cut down or quit. Spending a lot of time to get, use, and recover from the effects of using drugs.
What are the three main risk factors of drug use? ›
Risk Factors for High-Risk Substance Use
Family history of substance use. Favorable parental attitudes towards the behavior. Poor parental monitoring.
What is the connection between drug abuse and mental illness? ›
Chronic drug abuse by adolescents during formative years is a particular concern because it can interfere with normal socialization and cognitive development and thus frequently contributes to the development of mental disorders.
What are the 4 patterns of drug abuse? ›
The stages begin with experimentation, regular use, risky use, dependence, and then addiction. Each stage has similar warning signs, but remember it may be up to you to recognize these stages and seek help, regardless of whether you or your loved one is in the first stage or into the later stages of addiction.
Drug craving and the other compulsive behaviors are the essence of addiction. They are extremely difficult to control, much more difficult than any physical dependence. They are the principal target symptoms for most drug treatment programs. For an addict, there is no motivation more powerful than drug craving.
What are the academic indicators of drug abuse? ›
Academic problems such as skipping school or cutting class regularly, a decline in grades, or showing apathy toward school-related activities. Asking for money without stating a purpose or stealing valuables or cash from parents, friends, or family to fund their addiction.
What are the five common characteristics of addiction? ›
What are the signs and symptoms of an addiction?
- Secretive or dishonest behaviour.
- Poor performance and/or attendance at work or school.
- Withdrawing from responsibility and socialising.
- Isolation.
- Losing interest in activities, hobbies or events that were once important to you.
Other signs are physical, such as changes in sleeping and eating habits, poor hygiene, shaking, slurred speech, or poor coordination.
How can you tell if an employee has a drug problem? ›
Spotting the Signs of Employee Drug or Alcohol Abuse
- Changes in Behavior. One of the first signs of a substance issue is a change in an employee's normal behavior or demeanor. ...
- Decreased Quality of Work or Productivity. ...
- Increase in Absences. ...
- Constant Health Issues. ...
- Financial Concerns. ...
- Help for Employers.
