Drug and alcohol abuse are serious behaviors that, if left untreated, can develop into drug dependence or alcoholism. Abusing drugs that are addictive, such as heroin, can quickly lead to a drug addiction, according to the Mayo Clinic. It is important, therefore, to recognize the signs and symptoms of drug and alcohol abuse before it is too late.
Drinking Alone
Drinking alone is one of the first indicators of alcohol abuse, according to the Mayo Clinic. Hiding alcohol around the house or drinking in secret are two signs of more advanced abuse that may turning into dependency. An alcohol abuser may also drink at inappropriate times, or order doubles instead of singles. Someone who is merely abusing, however, does not usually feel the same compulsion to drink as someone who is truly addicted.
Developing Tolerance
Another indicator of both alcohol and drug abuse is when a person's tolerance increases significantly. The Mayo Clinic reports that someone who abuses alcohol will progressively require more drinks to show any effects. A person who is abusing recreational or prescription drugs may also require more of the substance in order to achieve the high they seek. Unlike someone who is addicted to alcohol and drugs, however, an abuser generally does not experience withdrawal when she stops drinking or taking drugs.
Problems at School or Work
The National Institutes of Health reports that one of the common patterns among all drug abusers is a decline in school or work performance. In the early stages of abuse, this may happen only periodically. However, as drug abuse continues and develops into dependence, school and work problems occur more often, and become more obvious to outsiders. At school, a person abusing drugs may have a decline in his grades. At work, he may face disciplinary action, or frequently call in sick.
Relationship Problems or Changes
Abandoning old friends to hang out with a new crowd is common in people who abuse both drugs and alcohol, according to the National Institutes of Health. Old friends may notice a problem, and may disapprove of the abuser's lifestyle. Often, a drug or alcohol abuser may start to hang around people who have a similar lifestyle. She may also show signs of family strain, or relationship or marital problems.
Mood Swings
Because of the substances they take, drug and alcohol abusers may demonstrate serious mood swings. They may be happy one minute, and crying the next. They may be quick to anger, and may over-react to things. According to the National Institutes of Health, this is most common in people who abuse stimulants. However, it can happen to any class of drug or alcohol abuser, especially when confronted about their substance use.
Behavioral Changes
People who abuse drugs and alcohol may also demonstrate unusual behaviors, according to the National Institutes of Health. For example, a person abusing narcotics may have episodes of confusion and drowsiness. A person abusing alcohol may frequently demonstrate disorganized thinking, and may exercise poor judgment. A marijuana abuser may seem paranoid, and may have trouble with problem solving. If abuse develops into dependence, these symptoms may begin to appear more frequently.
