Signs of Drug Abuse

As many as 8.3 percent of Americans used illegal drugs in 2006, according to statistics from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. The effects of ongoing drug use can affect every area of a person's life from friends, to family and even in the workplace. Signs of continued drug use can be seen in a person's appearance, thought processes and behaviors.

Identification

• The effects of drug abuse take a toll on a person's ability to function mentally, and physically, according to the American Council for Drug Education. Te addiction process increases in intensity as drugs continue to alter mind and body processes. And while the effects of different drugs varies, the same addictive process applies to all. The longer this behavior continues, the more preoccupied a person will become with obtaining and using drugs. With continued use, the signs of drug abuse become the very issues that begin to impact the major areas of a person's life.

Drug Effects

• Addiction can result from the use of illegal or prescription drugs. Some drugs increase, or stimulate a person's energy levels, while others work to relax or calm. Alcohol, marijuana and depressant medications induce a calming effect. Stimulant drugs like amphetamines and cocaine have the opposite effect, providing a rush of energy and feelings of euphoria. Regardless of the type of drug used, a person will have to ingest increasing amounts in order to achieve the same effects. The signs of drug abuse may vary depending on the type of drug used.

Physical Signs

• Physical signs of drug abuse become apparent in the changes that take place in a person's appearance. Sudden changes in a person's weight may result from the change in activity level that results from drug use. Unusually slow, or unusually fast movements and gestures demonstrate the effects had on a person's motor skills and sense of balance. Individuals who ingest drugs through their nose may experience sudden sinus, or congestion problems. Nose bleeds are also a possible sign. Those who use injections may be seen wearing long-sleeved clothing on a regular basis, regardless of the weather conditions.

Thought Processes

• One of the areas where signs of drug use can be seen is in a person's thinking processes and emotional displays. The effect of drugs on brain processes creates an imbalance in the brain's chemistry, causing normal functions to breakdown. This results in mood swings, depression, irritability and bouts of anger, or rage. Individuals may become extremely talkative, or unusually withdrawn. Effects on thought processes can appear in nonsensical speech, feelings of paranoia, or a person can lose touch with the reality of here and now.

Behavioral Signs

• Behavioral signs of drug abuse result from the brain's inability to regulate processes that require a mind-body coordination. Slurred speech may result from a person who's having difficulty converting thoughts into speech, whereas someone who stutters may be unable to keep up with the number of thoughts going through his mind. Changes in sleep patterns where a person sleeps for longer periods of time, or sleeps little are common signs as well. Individuals may also exhibit restless or anxious behavior during periods when drugs are unavailable.