What are the Top 9 Most Common Signs of Drug Abuse?

Drug abuse disorder can sometimes be difficult to spot, but several signs and symptoms may signal trouble.

Recognizing these symptoms can help a friend or family member to get the potentially life-saving treatment that a person needs. Here are nine of the most common signs that someone may be abusing drugs.

1. Changes in physical appearance

Once drugs have taken hold of a person’s life, they often start neglecting their personal appearance.

They may not be aware of the physical changes taking place. Some of these changes include:

• Bloodshot or glazed eyes
• Dilated or constricted pupils
• Sudden weight loss
• Slurred speech
• Appearing more down or more lethargic than usual
• Poor physical coordination
• Skin changes, such as jaundice, poor skin tone, or marks, scars or bruises on the arms
• Negative changes in a person’s hair, teeth, and nails
• No longer grooming or taking an interest in their physical appearance

2. Changes in behavior

Along with physical changes, behavioral changes are widespread with drug abuse disorder. Some of the behavioral signs are:

• Sudden paranoia or anxiety
• Negative outlook
• Depression
• Lack of motivation
• Declining performance at school or work
• Difficulty paying attention
• Difficulty remembering things
• Apathy
• Secretive behavior
• Mood swings
• Hyperactivity
• Irritability or anger

3. No longer participating in activities 

This is a common sign of drug abuse that can be easy to dismiss. Maybe they were passionate about sports or another hobby but then suddenly stopped. They may make excuses as to why they can’t participate or they may withdraw without any excuses at all.

They may start hanging out with an entirely different crowd of people, or they may stop hanging out with people altogether. Many times they isolate themselves from friends and family to keep their drug use a secret, especially if their appearance has changed.

4. Financial issues

Drug addiction can take a toll on a person’s finances. Not only are drugs expensive, but many addicts begin to have problems at work due to poor performance or poor attendance and job loss is a common occurrence.

An addict may start borrowing money from friends or family members, and some even start selling their belongings to pay for their habit.

5. Neglecting responsibilities

When someone is repeatedly high, it’s easy to disregard daily responsibilities. They may start neglecting daily chores and no longer take care of their home the way that they used to. They may start skipping school or work or neglecting previous commitments. When someone begins to choose drugs or alcohol over personal responsibilities, it’s time to seek help.

6. Developing a tolerance

Over time and with frequent use, a user will begin to develop a tolerance to the drug, meaning that the same amount no longer has the same effect.

A person will have to use higher, more frequent doses to experience the same high that they once did. As a person’s dosage increases, so does their risk of overdosing.

7. Withdrawal symptoms

When a person stops using suddenly, they may experience withdrawal symptoms which can sometimes be severe. This indicates that there is a physiological dependence.

There can be dangerous, sometimes fatal complications if a person does not have a medically supervised detox and proper treatment.

8. Physical dependence

Once someone becomes physically dependent on drugs, they start to feel as if they cannot function properly without them. Even just hours after the last dose, withdrawal symptoms can begin. People may spend a great deal of time finding their drug of choice to ensure that they don’t run out.

9. Wanting to quit but not being able to

Many of those who abuse drugs or alcohol eventually get to the point where they want to stop but just can’t.

They may start experiencing withdrawal symptoms or cravings may be too intense to handle, so they go back to using. If you have come to this point, it is imperative to seek help right away.

If you suspect that someone you or someone that you love may be struggling with substance abuse disorder, seek help immediately. It’s not too late to turn things around and get your life back on track. Contact Daybreak Treatment Solutions today and let us show you how we can help! You are not alone!

DayBreak is NOT just another drug rehab center – it is a treatment solution founded on the core principles of change. Relapse no longer needs to be a part of your story, call us when you are ready for a life rediscovered…844-447-3239