Signs and Symptoms of Drug Abuse - Physical Changes
Once drug use has started, behavioral changes will be the first flags.
However, after a while, changes in physical appearance and health will begin to show up.
When drug abuse has gotten to the point of changing the addict's physical appearance, it is well on the way to being a dangerous addiction.
Waiting for red nostrils or weight loss or some other physical sign of abuse before taking action is waiting too long.
Damage has already occurred on a physical and mental level.
Here is a short list of signs and symptoms that might indicate drug abuse.
Remember, these are indications of possible drug abuse in the individual.
These symptoms can be the result of other factors.
However, the greater number of these symptoms present, the greater the chance that the person is addicted to, or at least abusing drugs.
Physical Signs of Drug Abuse and Addiction: · Continued sniffing and blowing of the nose without other flu-like symptoms · Frequent nosebleeds · Trembling of the hands and feet or facial muscles · Smell of volatile substances like alcohol or solvents · Flushed or very pale complexion · Open sores on arms, face or neck · Pupils dilated or constricted · Sudden change in sleep habits, insomnia or oversleeping · Uncharacteristic hyperactivity Be alert to changes in appearance of eyes and facial expressions, a blank stare as well as darting of eyes and watery red eyes can mean several types of illegal drug use.
Some symptoms of abuse of specific drugs include: Heroin - Needle marks at veins, long-sleeved shirts in all climates, sleeping habits changed drastically, missing money Stimulants - Lack of appetite, talkativeness, sleepless or occasional oversleeping, coughing, sweating, irritable or excessively cheerful, weight loss Inhalants - Acting drunk, weird smells, drowsiness, nausea, headaches, red around nose and mouth, irrational behavior Alcohol - Oversleeps, staying out all night, missing Monday work or school, dilated pupils and slurred speech Marijuana - Loss of motivation, argumentative, change of friends, giggling, sleepy, red eyes, blank stare, pointless laughter These are a few of the many physical signs and symptoms that a person is abusing drugs.
These are useful in detecting drug abuse but are no replacement for good, open communication.
When a friend or colleague is abusing drugs, the best action you can take is to intervene.
Without any make-wrong attitudes, help them to see the light of what they are invariably doing to their bodies, the long and short term.
If they are unable to completely stop, refer them to a reputable rehab facility that does not use drugs for rewards or punishments, and certainly not for therapy.
Helping someone to overcome a deadly addiction feels great and can be done with a tiny bit of practice.
Well worth the effort!
However, after a while, changes in physical appearance and health will begin to show up.
When drug abuse has gotten to the point of changing the addict's physical appearance, it is well on the way to being a dangerous addiction.
Waiting for red nostrils or weight loss or some other physical sign of abuse before taking action is waiting too long.
Damage has already occurred on a physical and mental level.
Here is a short list of signs and symptoms that might indicate drug abuse.
Remember, these are indications of possible drug abuse in the individual.
These symptoms can be the result of other factors.
However, the greater number of these symptoms present, the greater the chance that the person is addicted to, or at least abusing drugs.
Physical Signs of Drug Abuse and Addiction: · Continued sniffing and blowing of the nose without other flu-like symptoms · Frequent nosebleeds · Trembling of the hands and feet or facial muscles · Smell of volatile substances like alcohol or solvents · Flushed or very pale complexion · Open sores on arms, face or neck · Pupils dilated or constricted · Sudden change in sleep habits, insomnia or oversleeping · Uncharacteristic hyperactivity Be alert to changes in appearance of eyes and facial expressions, a blank stare as well as darting of eyes and watery red eyes can mean several types of illegal drug use.
Some symptoms of abuse of specific drugs include: Heroin - Needle marks at veins, long-sleeved shirts in all climates, sleeping habits changed drastically, missing money Stimulants - Lack of appetite, talkativeness, sleepless or occasional oversleeping, coughing, sweating, irritable or excessively cheerful, weight loss Inhalants - Acting drunk, weird smells, drowsiness, nausea, headaches, red around nose and mouth, irrational behavior Alcohol - Oversleeps, staying out all night, missing Monday work or school, dilated pupils and slurred speech Marijuana - Loss of motivation, argumentative, change of friends, giggling, sleepy, red eyes, blank stare, pointless laughter These are a few of the many physical signs and symptoms that a person is abusing drugs.
These are useful in detecting drug abuse but are no replacement for good, open communication.
When a friend or colleague is abusing drugs, the best action you can take is to intervene.
Without any make-wrong attitudes, help them to see the light of what they are invariably doing to their bodies, the long and short term.
If they are unable to completely stop, refer them to a reputable rehab facility that does not use drugs for rewards or punishments, and certainly not for therapy.
Helping someone to overcome a deadly addiction feels great and can be done with a tiny bit of practice.
Well worth the effort!
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