If these signs feel familiar, it’s okay to trust your gut. Different substances produce distinct physical and behavioral effects. Recognizing these patterns can help you identify what someone might be using and determine the urgency of intervention. Experimenting with substances or behavior tends to be short-term and does not lead to long-term use. Active addiction continues, worsens over time, and continues despite negative consequences. If substance use generates conflict, missed responsibilities, riskiness, or encounters with the law that last, then it presents a disorder for professional intervention.
This guide gives you simple signs to watch for, explains what SUD is, and shows safe next steps. Illicit drugs are known for their ability to alter brain function. When you misuse them, you’ll experience changes in mood, level of awareness, thoughts, and feelings. It’s crucial to note that untreated emotional instability or irritability caused by drug use can lead to self-harm or harm towards others. Therefore, do not hesitate to contact medical professionals or emergency services if you feel your loved one is in immediate danger.
Signs of Drug Use in Relationships
How a person uses drugs can leave visible marks or change their appearance. Drugs that are snorted or administered intravenously may leave various physical signs. Dope drugs like heroin and oxycodone alter brain chemistry, causing addiction, health damage, and behavioral issues. It’s important to approach the conversation with empathy and understanding.
- Individuals who are using drugs may start associating with a new group of friends who are also involved in drug use.
- Individuals who are using drugs may experience difficulty concentrating, lack of motivation, and a decline in productivity.
- Addictive substances alter the brain’s natural circadian rhythm which can actually cause sleep disturbances well after someone has stopped using the drug.
- It usually impacts everything—especially relationships and money.
- It’s important to approach the situation with care and concern, seeking professional help and support when necessary.
- Being Dishonest or Sneaky, Hiding Things, or Needing Increased Privacy.
You might feel like you’re constantly on edge around them. Like you’re always guessing what version of them you’re going to get that day. Behavioral shifts often emerge before physical health problems become apparent. These changes can be subtle at first but tend to escalate over time. They might use mints, sprays, or air fresheners around entry points or in individual areas to conceal the odors of drugs. Early detection can make a significant difference in getting help sooner.
They may especially become defensive if you ask them about drugs or addiction. Flexible treatment option allowing clients to continue going to work or school. It usually impacts everything—especially relationships and money. We accept most major insurance plans and can verify your benefits before treatment, ensuring a straightforward and transparent process. Explore how to get sober from alcohol without rehab by using a holistic approach to recovery, focusing on mind, body, and spirit.
- Our sincere passion is helping people recover so that they can live full, meaningful and healthy lives.
- Addiction—to prescription and street drugs and alcohol —is a serious problem.
- Active addiction continues, worsens over time, and continues despite negative consequences.
- How a person uses drugs can leave visible marks or change their appearance.
- If you notice that your loved one has a drastic change in their usual mood, either they are extremely euphoric or drowsy, it could indicate drug use.
Sustained Recovery
By having an early intervention, you can improve their chances of a successful recovery. BetterHelp can connect you to an addiction and mental health counselor. These mood swings can be unpredictable and may not have an apparent cause. It’s important to note that mood swings alone may not confirm drug use, but they can be indicative of a problem that needs further exploration.
Remember, addressing drug use requires sensitivity and understanding. By approaching the situation with compassion, and seeking professional help and support, you can play a vital role in helping your loved one on their path to recovery. Remember, it’s important to prioritize your own well-being throughout this process. Supporting someone who is using drugs can be emotionally challenging, so consider seeking support for yourself as well. Together, with professional help and a supportive network, you can assist in the journey towards recovery.
Signs of Drug Addiction
If you believe that your loved one may be dealing with substance abuse or drug addiction, reaching out to them is the best way to start a conversation help. Substance abuse can be overcome, and the odds of long-term recovery increase when a person seeks help through a professionally trained recovery center. Knowing how to tell if someone is on drugs can help you recognize when professional help is needed.
What We Treat → Addiction Treatment
Knowing what withdrawal symptoms and overdose symptoms look like may save your loved one’s life. Recovery from drug use is a challenging journey, and the decision to seek treatment ultimately rests with the individual. However, you can play a supportive role by encouraging them to consider treatment options and highlighting the potential benefits of recovery. Highly addictive substances like fentanyl and methamphetamine can cause rapid deterioration in physical and mental health. Fentanyl, in particular, poses an extreme overdose risk even in tiny amounts.
They may also choose to spend more time than usual away from home to hide their use. Some drugs will suppress appetite while others may cause rapid weight gain. If you notice that your loved one’s weight has changed without explanation, it could mean that they have begun to regularly use addictive substances.
People often use drugs to change the way they feel, whether to increase pleasure or calm anxiety. If you notice that your loved one has a drastic change in their usual mood, either they are extremely euphoric or drowsy, it could indicate drug use. You may notice this person spraying areas such as their room or car, wearing very strong cologne or perfume, or even burning candles and incense to cover it.
Changes in sleep patterns are another red flag that may indicate drug use. Someone who is using drugs may experience disrupted sleep, insomnia, or other irregularities in their sleep-wake cycle. Drug use can interfere with the body’s natural sleep rhythms, leading to difficulties in falling asleep or staying asleep.
It’s essential to approach the situation with care and concern, focusing on providing support rather than judgment. By recognizing the signs of drug use and taking steps to address the situation, you can make a significant difference in helping individuals who may be struggling with drug use. Recognizing social and interpersonal signs of drug use is just one piece of the puzzle. If you suspect someone may be using drugs, it’s crucial to approach the situation with care and concern. If you suspect someone may be using drugs, it how to tell if someone is on drugs is crucial to approach the situation with care and concern. Open communication, seeking professional help, and providing support are pivotal steps in helping individuals overcome drug addiction.
Understanding the impact of drug use and being able to identify signs of drug use is an essential step in addressing substance abuse issues. Furthermore, recognizing drug use enables you to offer support and encouragement to seek professional help. It’s important to approach the situation with empathy and understanding, as drug addiction is a complex issue that requires sensitive handling. Recognizing the signs of drug use is crucial in identifying and addressing potential substance abuse issues. It’s important to approach the situation with care and concern when suspecting drug use in someone.
SUD ranges from mild to severe, all the way to active addiction with an inability to restrict use as well as powerful craving. Consider seeking help from medical professionals and addiction specialists. They can advise you on rehab facilities, treatment options, and resources for you and your loved one. Addiction—to prescription and street drugs and alcohol —is a serious problem. If you’re worried that you or a loved one may have an addiction, there are signs to help you know.