Drug abuse affects people physically, emotionally and legally. A drug abuser often puts aside her responsibilities and her own personal safety to use the drug. The Mayo Clinic notes that certain illegal drugs, such as hallucinogens, can cause delusions in users.
Delusions
When a person has a delusion, he has a false belief that involves everyday situations. The Merck Manual Home Edition points out that five types of delusions exist: somatic, erotomanic, persecutory, grandiose and jealous. With a somatic delusion, the person becomes preoccupied with a body part. For example, the user might think he has a physical deformity. People who have erotomanic delusions think someone is in love with them when it is not the case. With a persecutory delusion, the person believes that someone is plotting against him. When a person has a grandiose delusion, the person believes that he has an important talent, such as that he is an award-winning singer. The last type of delusion, jealous delusion, has the person thinking that someone, like a spouse, is being unfaithful to him.
Changes in Mood
People who abuse drugs often have noticeable changes in mood. A drug abuser can be pleasant one moment, then become irritable and argumentative. Users can be easily agitated. If the drug of abuse causes euphoria, users might become giddy. Drug abusers can also have a lack of motivation.
Physical Signs
Loved ones might notice changes in physical appearance in people who abuse drugs. Helpguide.org notes that drug abusers often have bloodshot eyes and changes in the size of their pupils. When walking, abusers can have coordination problems. They might also have tremors as a result of the drug abuse. Abusers can have problems with personal hygiene and sudden changes in weight. Slurred speech can occur in drug abusers as well.
Changes in Behavior
Drug abusers can have changes in behavior. Helpguide.org points out that drug abusers might change the people and places they associated with. Teenagers who abuse drugs can have problems with school, such as a drop in grades or attendance. Drug abusers become more secretive in order to hide their drug abuse. They might start asking for money from friends and family, but not reveal what they need the money for.
