Signs and Symptoms of Drug Abuse and How to Identify it
How to tell when someone is on drugs.
It can be challenging to tell if someone is on drugs just by their appearance or behavior alone, as the effects of different drugs can vary widely. However, there are some signs that may indicate drug abuse:
- Changes in behavior: A person who is using drugs may exhibit sudden and unexplained changes in their behavior. They may become more agitated, aggressive, or lethargic than usual.
- Physical signs: Certain drugs can cause physical symptoms that can be easy to spot. For example, dilated pupils, bloodshot eyes, or unusual odors on the person’s breath or clothing can indicate drug use.
- Changes in sleep patterns: Drug use can cause changes in a person’s sleeping patterns. They may stay up all night or sleep excessively.
- Changes in appetite: Drug use can also cause changes in appetite. The person may eat more or less than usual or crave specific food types.
- Neglecting responsibilities: A person who is using drugs may neglect their responsibilities, such as work or school, and may withdraw from social activities they once enjoyed.
It’s important to remember that some of these signs can also be caused by other factors, such as stress or mental health issues. If you suspect someone is using drugs, it’s important to approach the situation with empathy and understanding and encourage them to seek professional help.
The picture below shows a sequence of photographs of how substance abuse and its long-term effects can affect you or a loved one. These people were Methamphetamine abusers.
There are ways to start some detective work by checking around the home for signs of drug paraphernalia, pills, or powder using a Surface or Residue drug test. They can be instrumental in detecting and identifying the smallest amounts of drug residue, unknown powder, and pills.
Guidance on Identifying Drug Abuse.
Identifying abuse can be a difficult task, but here is some guidance to help you recognize the signs of drug use:
- Physical signs: Look for physical signs such as dilated pupils, bloodshot eyes, trembling hands, slurred speech, impaired coordination, or unusual smells on their breath, clothes, or belongings.
- Behavioral changes: Watch for changes in behavior such as sudden mood swings, irritability, agitation, unexplained paranoia, or becoming withdrawn or isolated.
- Neglect of responsibilities: Take note of a person who may be neglecting responsibilities, such as work, school, or social activities.
- Change in appearance: Note any significant changes in appearance, including weight loss or gain, hygiene, or physical appearances such as scabs or bruises.
- Financial struggles: Keep an eye out for financial struggles such as borrowing or stealing money, sudden financial problems, or requests for money.
- Secretive behavior: Observe if the person becomes more secretive or evasive in their conversations or whereabouts.
- Drug paraphernalia: Keep an eye out for drug paraphernalia, such as needles, syringes, pipes, or rolling papers.
It’s important to note that these signs do not necessarily mean that someone is abusing drugs and that some signs may be indicative of other issues. If you are concerned that someone you know may be abusing drugs, it is best to approach the situation with empathy and compassion and encourage them to seek professional help.
We have produced a downloadable questionnaire sheet that can be used to help identify reasonable suspicion of drug abuse. Reasonable suspicion checklist. We have designed a form for employees or for anyone needing to check.
How do you tell when a teen is on drugs?
Identifying drug use in teens can be particularly challenging, as many of the signs of drug use can be attributed to normal teenage behavior. However, here are some signs to look out for:
- Changes in behavior: Teens who are using drugs may exhibit sudden and unexplained changes in their behavior. They may become more irritable, moody, or aggressive than usual. They may also suddenly lose interest in their hobbies or social activities.
- Changes in appearance: Teens who are using drugs may experience changes in their appearance. They may have bloodshot eyes, be uncharacteristically unkempt, or suddenly lose or gain weight.
- Changes in sleeping or eating habits: Teens who are using drugs may experience changes in their sleeping or eating habits. They may stay up all night or sleep excessively, or have an unusual appetite or sudden weight loss.
- Poor performance in school: Teens who are using drugs may suddenly have poor academic performance and missed classes or assignments.
- Secretive behavior: Teens who are using drugs may become more secretive or evasive in their conversations or whereabouts. They may also be reluctant to let parents or guardians into their lives.
- Physical symptoms: Physical symptoms such as tremors, slurred speech, or unusual odors on their breath or clothing can also be signs of drug use.
Drug Abuse – Questions to ask yourself:
- Has your child lost interest in school?
- In extracurricular activities, especially sports?
- Have you noticed your child’s grades dropping?
- Have any teachers complained about your child?
- Has your child changed friends or started hanging out with a drugging group?
- Are you missing any money?
- Have neighbors, friends, or others talked to you about your child’s behavior?
- Has your child been involved with the law?
- Does your child actively defend his or her right to use alcohol or drugs?
- Has your child been in fights with other kids?
- Have you noticed your child lying to you and others?
- Does your child usually stay alone in the bedroom, coming out occasionally?
- Does your child resent questions about their activities and destinations?
- Has your child’s relationship with other family members deteriorated?
- Does your child avoid family gatherings that they once enjoyed?
- Has your child been caught dealing drugs or giving them friends?
If you answered yes to any of the questions above, then oversee them, make notes, keep a diary and if you think they may be abusing drugs, then ask them to do a simple test.
Let the results speak for themselves. Refusing to take a drug test may also be a sign.
Parents have found that taking a hair drug test can sometimes give them the answers they are looking for as it’s possible to see a history of abuse for up to 30 days. One of the benefits is It’s difficult to fake and may tell you what you need to know. The disadvantage is it’s not possible to tell when abuse may have started or finished.
If you suspect that a teenager is using drugs, it’s important to approach the situation with empathy and understanding and encourage them to seek professional help. Remember to be supportive and non-judgmental, and try to create an open and honest dialogue with the teen.
More help can be found at the Drug-Free World website or for teen help click here.