Substance Abuse Common Signs

Using alcohol or drugs does not mean that a person has a substance use disorder.  But, if a person’s use leads to problems at work or at home, or causes damage to their health, has probably become a problem and they should consider professional help.

Alcohol

Men who drink five or more standard drinks in a day and women who drink 4 or more in a day are at increased risk for alcohol-related problems.  About 3 out of every 10 American adults drink at levels that increase their risk, which may include hypertension, bleeding ulcers, sleep disorders, depression, stroke, cirrhosis of the liver, and some cancers.

There are two main alcohol disorders: alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence.  Alcohol abuse is less severe, but can lead to physically risky behavior, interpersonal problems, inability to function appropriately at home or work, and legal troubles.  Alcohol dependence is more severe and is characterized by preoccupation with drinking, inability to cut back, and symptoms of physical need and withdrawal, including increased tolerance.

Symptoms of alcohol dependence can include: drinking alone or in secret; being unable to limit the amount of alcohol you drink; not remembering conversations or commitments, blacking out; making a ritual of having drinks before, with or after dinner and becoming annoyed when this ritual is disturbed or questioned; lack of interest in activities and hobbies that used to bring pleasure; feeling a need or compulsion to drink; irritability when your usual drinking time nears, especially if alcohol isn't available; keeping alcohol in unlikely places at home, at work or in the car; legal problems or problems with relationships, employment or finances; having a tolerance so that you need an increasing number of drinks to feel the effect; physical withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, sweating and shaking.

People who abuse alcohol may experience many of the same signs and symptoms, however alcohol abusers don't feel the same compulsion to drink and usually don't experience physical withdrawal symptoms.

There are many signs, both physical and behavioral, that indicate drug use. Each drug has its own symptoms or side effects. Some signs of drug abuse are:  sudden change in behavior; sudden mood swings; withdrawal from family members and/or longtime friends; carelessness about personal grooming; loss of interest in hobbies, sports, and other favorite activities; changes in sleeping patter; red or glassy eyes; runny nose

Marijuana some signs are: a heightened sense of visual, auditory and taste perception; poor memory; increased blood pressure and heart rate; red eyes; decreased coordination; difficulty concentrating; increased appetite; slowed reaction time; paranoid thinking.

Barbiturates and Benzodiazepines may show as:  drowsiness; slurred speech; lack of coordination; memory impairment; confusion; slowed breathing and decreased blood pressure; dizziness; depression

Amphetamines, methamphetamine, cocaine are all stimulants. Signs and symptoms of use and dependence on these drugs include:  euphoria; decreased appetite; rapid speech; irritability; restlessness; depression as the drug wears off; nasal congestion and damage to the mucous membrane of the nose in users who snort drugs; insomnia; weight loss; increased heart rate, blood pressure and temperature; paranoia

 Synthetic compounds, such as Ecstasy, which has both amphetamine-like and hallucinogenic effects, are included in this category.  Signs and symptoms of designer drug use vary depending on the drug. The symptoms and signs vary according to the drug abused.

Use of hallucinogens produces different signs and symptoms depending on the drug. The most common hallucinogens are LSD.
Signs and symptoms of LSD use include:  hallucinations; greatly impaired perception of reality, such as hearing colors; permanent mental changes in perception ; rapid heart rate; high blood pressure; tremors; flashbacks, a re-experience of the hallucinations — even years later

Signs and symptoms of PCP use include: hallucinations; euphoria; delusions; panic; loss of appetite; depression; aggressive, possibly violent behavior

Inhalants

The signs and symptoms of inhalant use vary depending on what substance is inhaled. Some commonly inhaled substances include glue, paint thinners, correction fluid, felt tip marker fluid, gasoline, cleaning fluids and household aerosol products.  When inhaled, these products can cause brief intoxication and a decreased feeling of inhibition. Long-term use may cause seizures and damage to the brain, liver and kidneys. Inhalant use can also cause death.

Narcotic, painkilling drugs produced naturally from opium or made synthetically, including heroin, morphine, codeine, methadone and oxycodone.  Signs and symptoms of use and dependence on these drugs include:  reduced sense of pain; sedation; depression; confusion; constipation; slowed breathing; needle marks (if injecting drugs)

While these are not all of the signs and symptoms they are enough to see if there is a chance of substance abuse and or addiction.  If you or someone you know show any of these signs it is imperative to seek professional help.  Substance3 addiction can lead to serious health complications and or death.  If you see any of the see any of these signs in a family member or friend consult an authority figure and seek help for the individual.  Treatment for substance3 abuse is available and the results are favorable if caught in time recovery can be complete and the individual can live a rewarding life free from addiction.