23 Signs of Substance Abuse

If prescription or over-the-counter drugs are taken for purposes other than those for which they are meant to be taken or if prescription or over-the-counter medications, alcohol, or illegal drugs are taken in excess, it can lead to substance abuse. 

Substance abuse develops from the misuse of legal and illegal substances. Examples of Illegal substances include marijuana, heroin, cocaine, or methamphetamine, while alcohol, nicotine, and prescription medicines are examples of legal substances.

Along with knowing the signs of substance abuse, it’s essential to be familiar with the substance itself. Substances most often abused include:

• Prescription medicines such as pain pills, stimulants, and anxiety pills
• Alcohol
• Marijuana
• Methamphetamine
• Cocaine
• Opiates
• Inhalants
• Hallucinogens

Substance abuse has a substantial impact on the user. It can lead to physical, social, and emotional harm. Not only does it affect the individual, but it also has a substantial impact on families and on communities as a whole.

The implications of substance abuse start when the chemical compounds from these substances enter the brain and bloodstream. Once it enters the brain, it causes a loss of impulse control and stimulates cravings.

The brain begins to crave the effects of the substance, so the use increases and addiction develops. The risk of becoming addicted and how fast someone becomes addicted depends on the substance.

As a tolerance level is reached, more and more doses are needed to achieve the same high as before. This keeps occurring until the individual can’t keep going without the drug. Even if they try to stop, they struggle with intense cravings and feel horrible physically and emotionally.

When it reaches this point, it’s time to try and get help for that individual because they likely can no longer help themselves. There are many resources out there willing to help, like doctors, family, friends, support groups, and/or a treatment program such as the ones at Hollywood Hills Recovery.

There are different types of treatment programs. These typically include either an inpatient detox treatment or intensive residential treatment. The residential intensive treatment program entails the following:

• Traditional counseling
• Dialectical behavioral therapy
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy
• Dual diagnosis therapy
• Holistic treatment options
• Group therapy

Since most users are caught up in a vicious cycle, it’s important for others to be able to recognize the warning signs. It can mean the difference between life and death. 

Substance abuse affects the body and mind. Signs of abuse vary depending on the substance, and effects are either short-term, long-term, or permanent. Some of these signs include the following:

Physical Signs

Physical signs are the body’s manifestation of side effects from the body’s interaction with the substance. The impact on the body depends on how the drug is delivered. The methods of delivery are either through injection, ingestion, or inhalation. Injections go directly into the bloodstream and have an immediate impact, whereas ingestion has a delayed effect.

The physical signs include:

1. Bloodshot eyes and/or pupils are either dilated or constricted
2. Changes in appetite
3. Changes in sleep patterns
4. Lack of personal grooming
5. Slurred speech
6. Impaired coordination
7. Tremors
8. Weight loss or weight gain

Psychological Signs

Chronic use of drugs leads to changes that completely rewire the brain. These changes can result in mental health issues.

The psychological signs include:

1. Unexplained changes in personality
2. Lack of motivation
3. Falling asleep or appearing spaced out
4. Paranoia
5. Anxiety

Behavioral Signs

Behavioral signs are a result of the brain becoming rewired. These signs are exhibited in how a person interacts with their environment or the people around them.

The behavioral signs include:

1. Relationships are strained with family & friends.
2. Secretive or suspicious behavior
3. Neglecting responsibilities at home, work, or school
4. Increased drug tolerance means having to use more frequently and with more significant amounts to experience the same effects once experienced with lesser amounts
5. Drugs are being used to avoid withdrawal symptoms such as restlessness, nausea, insomnia, sweating, depression, anxiety, and shaking
6. Unable to stop using substances or using more than is needed
7. Social withdrawal
8. Everything is planned around drug use
9. Risky behavior and illegal activities such as accidents and stealing money
10. Lying about use

Even the best intentions can get out of hand at times. When this happens, trained professionals aren’t the only ones who should be able to recognize the signs of substance abuse. Family and friends are usually the first line of defense who encounter these signs and are key players in getting someone help and into rehab. 

Recognizing these key signs is the first step toward a treatment plan. That’s why it’s so important to recognize the warning signs while there is still time to get help.