According to the 2008 national survey on drug use, reported by the Office of Applied Studies, an estimated 20 million Americans over the age of 12 engage in illicit drug use such as marijuana, cocaine and non-prescribed pharmaceuticals, in any given 30 day time-frame. Addiction to drugs begins as minor experimentation at any age typically through casual and social use. Not everyone who experiments with drugs becomes a drug addict, however, during the experimentation period progression of a serious problem can occur, causing detriment in daily functioning, health and relationships. Significant signs of drug use impact behavior, mood stability and a user's physical appearance.
Physical Warning Signs
Physical indicators refer to observable changes in a person's movements, appearance and self-care habits. The American Council for Drug Education explains that significant changes in appetite, coordination and ability to walk may signify intoxication. Marijuana intoxication often shows in the face with bloodshot eyes that appear nearly closed, or as delayed motor skills, such as hand/eye coordination. A person intoxicated on cocaine might have dilated pupils, be more talkative than usual and show a lack of appetite consistently. According to Narconon International, careless hygiene habits such as body odor from lacking showers or wearing the same clothes over and over without washing may signify drug use. Additional physical indicators of stimulants also include excessive sweating, shaking and skin flushing.
Behavior Changes
MayoClinic.com explains that drastic behavior changes such as spending money impulsively or engaging in illegal acts to obtain money to buy drugs indicates progression toward addiction. Irritability with loved ones, sudden anger outbursts and extremes in mood or talking excessively may also accompany drug use. During intoxication a person might express having grandiose ideas that never come to fruition such as starting a new project or changing careers. However, regular drug use tends to cause the opposite by decreasing motivation for going to work or school, loss of interest in activities with family or friends and increasing isolation from others. A change in social scenes and friendships that support drug-using behavior may also occur as a result of use.
Thoughts and Memory
Cognitive processes change in the course of using drugs. Thoughts become impaired, confused or delusional. Delusional thoughts are extreme and refer to irrational beliefs that are not normally plausible or real, yet the person experiencing the thoughts believes otherwise. Narconon International explains that, with use of stimulants, marijuana or hallucinogens, this form of thinking also connects to feeling paranoid of being harmed by others, although no evidence substantiates the thought process. According to MayoClinic.com, short-term memory is impaired and concentration becomes difficult when using drugs.
References
- National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence: Substance Abuse Symptoms Checklist
- Narconon: Signs and Symptoms of Drug Use
- American Council for Drug Education: Signs and Symptoms of Drug Use
- MayoClinic.com: Drug Addiction Symptoms
- Office of Applied Studies: Results from the 2008 National Survey on Drug Use--National Findings
