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Signs & Symptoms of Alcohol & Drug Abuse

Signs and symptoms of alcohol and drug abuse are very similar. Many times signs and symptoms of alcohol and drug abuse can go unnoticed. Often they are very obvious, yet are mistaken for depression or other illnesses. While different drugs and alcohol may have different effects on an individual, if it is known what signs to look for, they are quite easy to spot.

  1. Physical Signs

    • Drugs and alcohol affect both the mind and the body. Some common symptoms of drug and alcohol abuse are inability to sleep, slow speech or reaction time, nosebleeds, severe dental problems and excessive coughing with mucus.

    Mental and Emotional Signs

    • Drug and alcohol abuse also affect an individual in mental and emotional ways. Signs and symptoms of this are irritability, agitation, calmness, depression, apathy, hallucinations, and behavior that is energetic and talkative or unresponsive and paranoid.

    Tolerance

    • Another sign of alcohol or drug abuse is tolerance of the substance. If an individual is abusing drugs or alcohol, he will constantly need more of that substance to reach the desired state of mind.

    Withdrawals

    • Withdrawal is also a sign of drug or alcohol abuse. If an individual is abusing drugs or alcohol, she might show signs of withdrawal such as shakes, aches, chills, hallucinations, agitation and difficulty sleeping or excessive sleeping.

    Warnings

    • According to Help Guide.org, an individual who is abusing alcohol or drugs when confronted may say he can stop anytime he wants to. He might say he has gotten sober before and can do so again if he chooses to. It is important to remember that the key to recovering from drug or alcohol abuse is staying sober.

    Recovery and Rehabilitation

    • An individual trying to quit abusing alcohol or drugs may need professional help to do so. Some need groups such as AA or NA, some need inpatient rehabilitation while some individuals can actually get sober on their own.

      According to Help Guide.org, someone who has been abusing alcohol or drugs is masking underlying issues and emotions. Once the individual gets sober, other issues might surface. Some of these issues may be painful memories. She will need to learn new ways to deal with her depression and issues since she will no longer be able to rely on alcohol or drugs to do so.

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