Abuse of various legal and illegal substances has been a national health concern for many decades. Drug abuse is devastating to an individual's life and the lives of family and friends. It is responsible for increased crime and increased financial concerns for communities. According to The US National Library of Medicine, each year drug abuse results in about 40 million serious illnesses, injuries or deaths in the United States. There are a wide variety of substances that are abused and each has different effects and different consequences. Most are highly addictive and damaging to your health. There are many common symptoms that help others recognize substance abuse in an individual.
Immediate Physical Signs
There are several signs of drug abuse that are immediate, meaning they occur mostly when the drug is being used. According to Narconon.org, each drug has its own unique set of physical symptoms, but many drugs have several in common. Often drugs affect the central nervous system and will cause pupils to either be dilated or overly constricted. Drugs can cause instability when walking and lack of physical coordination. Many drugs will cause the eyes to become red and puffy or possibly glassy in appearance. Many abused substances are stimulants that cause an individual to be excited or wired and unable to slow down, relax or sleep. Drug abuse can lead to hallucinations, aggressive or violent behavior, decrease or increase in sexual desire and a feeling of delusion or paranoia.
Longer-Term Physical Signs
In addition to the immediate physical signs, there are physical signs that occur over a longer period of abuse. Very often, people who are addicted to and frequently uses drugs will become careless about their appearance and personal grooming, appearing sloppy or disheveled. Drug abusers often will appear tired and unable to complete activities of daily living. They are unable to sleep because of the constant highs and lows in their physical stimulation. Continued drug use can lead to changes in heart rate and blood pressure that are constant and not related to immediate drug activity. Drug abusers may have a either an increase or decrease in appetite.
Behavioral Changes
When an abuser becomes addicted to drugs he will often experience behavioral changes. The American Council for Drug Education reports that family and friends of drug abusers may notice a change in personality or attitude, a change in activities and hobbies, poor school performance, a general lack of motivation or self-esteem, moodiness or paranoia. Drug abuse can lead to illegal behaviors such as stealing and behaviors that are risky and dangerous, all in an attempt to get drugs.
