Drug Abuse Symptoms

Recognising the key signs and symptoms of drug abuse in yourself or a loved one is vital to determining drug rehab is needed. Although different drugs have very different effects, there is still a key set of symptoms that can suggest drug abuse across the range of possible substances. Learning about these symptoms allows you to determine when a person’s drug abuse is becoming a problem, and when you should consider a drug rehab clinic as a treatment option.

If you are concerned that you have a drug problem assessing your own use honestly can give you a clear idea of the extent of the issue. The easiest things to determine are whether your drug use is causing a problem with your relationships, causing you legal trouble or causing you to neglect your responsibilities. If you are frequently arguing with your loved ones, not attending school or work and getting in trouble for drug-related behaviour, then you may have a drug abuse problem.

Physical symptoms of drug abuse can help you determine your level of addiction. If you are finding that you need to take more of the substance to achieve the same effects or to feel “normal,” then you have developed a tolerance and probably an addiction to the substance. The degree to which your life revolves around drug use is another key symptom. If you can’t limit your own use and you are losing interest in things you used to enjoy, then your drug use is becoming the focal-point of your existence. This suggests a deeper problem with drugs, and you should consider drug rehab centres as an option.

Spotting symptoms of drug abuse in other people is more difficult, but you can still identify key signs to determine whether there is a problem. Physical symptoms such as changes in pupil size, sudden changes in weight, bloodshot eyes and a general disintegration of grooming habits or overall appearance are easiest to spot in other people. Unusual smells on the person might suggest drug use, as well as issues with coordination, tremors and speech.

Other problems are more difficult to spot or to differentiate from other behavioural problems, but they can provide valuable supporting symptoms of drug abuse. Worsening attendance and performance at school or work, a change in friend groups, secretive behaviour and getting into trouble could indicate drug use. The wide range of effects of drugs creates a plethora of possible psychological effects, but lethargy, irritability, paranoia, anxiety, anger, giddiness and mood swings are common in drug abusers. all of these symptoms and more could mean a drug rehab is necessary to arrest the problem.

If you are looking for symptoms of drug abuse in other people, it’s important to spot clusters of symptoms rather than individual ones. For example, if a person has bloodshot eyes and is irritable, it could suggest drug use, but it may also mean they are simply having trouble sleeping. The more symptoms you can spot, the more likely it is that your loved one is using drugs. If you spot a collection of behavioural, physical and psychological symptoms, drug use is much more likely to be an issue than if you only spot one type of symptom.

You should now be able to determine if you or a loved one has a problem with drug abuse, and should consider asking them about the problem. If you have definite confirmation, decide whether treatment at a drug rehab facility would be beneficial. We offer free advice on the different drug rehab centres and forms of help that are available. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, pick up the phone and get in touch with us! You don’t have to deal with this alone.