While there are no hard and fast rules that can help you to spot signs of drug abuse, there are a number of tell-tale signs that typically appear when someone is using drugs, report counselors at Phoenix House, a drug rehabilitation center. Many of the signs of drug abuse are like those associated with other mental disorders such as stress, anxiety disorders or depression.
Step 1
Watch for drastic changes in behavior. Things such as eating and sleeping patterns change abruptly for no apparent reason when people begin using drugs. Many people change the kinds of activities they like to do as well as the people with whom they spend time.
Step 2
Become aware of a drop in performance at work or school. Poor grades are common indicators in teens, while adults may start going through a series of jobs, unable to consistently stay at one workplace.
Step 3
Consider unexplained sicknesses. People on drugs begin to lose their health and may contribute their poor health to other conditions like the flu or headaches. A drug test for illegal substances or alcohol can provide answers and direct your medical attention.
Step 4
Look for physical signs of drug abuse such as pin-sized or dilated pupils, continued fatigue or drowsiness, impaired speech or mobility and a puffy or bloated face. People who are becoming addicted to drugs often experience withdrawal symptoms before they get high. You'll see them sweat and shake or become overly irritable. Nausea, vomiting, runny nose or a hacking cough may indicate current drug use.
Step 5
Be on the lookout for disappearing or mismanaged funds. Whether you begin to see cash disappear from your wallet or rapid declines in your household bank accounts, you may be dealing with someone whose drug use has gotten out of control.
Step 6
Watch for paraphernalia indicators. Counselors at OHS, Inc., a drug testing company, report that paraphernalia is almost always drug-specific and could include hypodermic needles, glass pipes or short straws. Finding any kind of unexplainable items like small mirrors or lighters possessed by nonsmokers can indicate a person is using drugs.
Tips and Warnings
- While one variance in behavior or instance of missing money could be easily explained, when signs of drug abuse are found in two or more areas of a person's life, the chances are stronger that he is abusing drugs.
- It may be better to confront a person with the information you do have than let him continue until you have more proof of the substance abuse. The earlier the drug intervention begins, the better chance you have of preventing more severe physical, emotional and legal consequences.
