It is estimated that around 8.3 percent of Americans have used drugs at least once in their lifetime. Surprisingly, only half of the addicts get the proper treatment they need to recover from the disease. The main reason is the lack of knowledge about the signs of drug abuse and the ways to recognize them at an early stage. The fact that ‘denial’ forces an addict to deny their problem emphasizes the need for a thorough understanding about these signs to help your loved ones recover from addiction. Look out for the following signs if you suspect drug abuse in your loved ones.
Identifying the Signs of Drug Abuse
Drug abuse affects a person’s ability to function properly both physically and mentally. The intensity of addiction increases as it starts to alter your body and mind processes. Although the effect of different drugs varies, the way in which they change your physiological and behavioral patterns are the same. The tolerance that is developed overtime makes an addict obsessed with the particular drug. Also, you will spend more time obtaining and using the drugs. The addict will also start to show the signs of drug abuse that can have a long term impact on the individual. Early identification of these signs is necessary to get the right treatment at the right time. Most signs are common with all types of drug addiction. However, some drugs exhibit certain typical signs. For example, ‘doctor shopping’ is a typical sign of prescription drug abuse and is not associated with any other type of drug addiction.
Physical Signs of Drug Abuse
Physical signs of abuse include the changes that you may notice in an addict’s physical appearance. Sudden loss of weight is one such sign that may be caused by a change in the activity level and nutrition. People who abuse often tend to withdraw from social and physical activities, and spend more time alone. They may not be even interested in spending time with their family. The drugs can affect the addict’s motor skills resulting in unusually slow or fast movements and gestures. Even balance and co-ordination may be affected making it difficult for them to perform everyday activities. Sinus and nasal congestion problems are other signs of drug abuse, and is commonly seen in people who snort drugs. Another possible sign of snorting is nose bleeds. You should also look for injection marks on arms, ankles, and knees. Individuals who inject drugs wear long sleeved clothing despite the weather conditions.
Behavioral Signs of Drug Abuse
Addicts often fail to co-ordinate their body and mind to regulate activities. Some may find it difficult to convert thoughts into speech resulting in slurred speech. Stuttered speech, another sign of drug abuse is caused by any disruption in the normal flow of speech leading to repetitions. Some addicts sleep for longer periods of time, while some others suffer from insomnia or sleeplessness. Obsession with the drug can cause restlessness when the particular drug is not available.
Drug abuse can also cause disturbance in the thought process and emotional displays. It alters the normal functions of the brain, and the addict exhibits signs of depression, mood swings, rage, anger, and irritability.
Questionnaire to Identify Signs of Drug Abuse
A questionnaire was developed by Narcotics Anonymous to help people to recognize the signs of substance abuse.
- Do you use drugs when you are alone?
- Have you ever replaced one drug with another to solve your addiction problem?
- Have you ever seen different doctors to get access to prescription drugs?
- Have you ever noticed any decline in your job or school performance due to drug use?
- Have you ever been involved in criminal activities after using drugs?
- Does using drugs interfere with your normal behavioral patterns?
- Have you ever felt guilty about your drug use?
If you provide honest answers to the above questions, it will be easier for you to identify the signs of drug abuse and take measures to recover from it.
