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The Signs of Drug Dependence

If an employer suspects drug use in an employee, the employer should look for physical and other signs of its presence: blood-shot eyes, irrational behavior, a change in work performance, glassy eyes and vacant staring. The signs of drug dependence must be visible in some way to an observer. Drug dependence can manifest itself in physical, emotional, mental and even financial ways.

  1. Physical Signs of Drug Dependence

    • When someone in the workplace begins to exhibit an unusual amount of energy or a significant lack of energy, it can be a potential sign of drug dependence, especially if it is coupled with other drug dependence signs. Other physical signs of drug dependence can include blood-shot or glassy eyes, dilated pupils or vacant stares, twitching hands, arms and legs, excessive twirling or brushing of hair, unusual hair loss or brittle appearance of the hair, excessive tooth decay and loss, multiple scabs appearing on the face, arms and hands, and a growing disregard for personal hygiene or drastic change in appearance or clothing.

    Emotional Signs

    • Emotions are a good indicator of drug dependence because the ability of a person on drugs to maintain a calm and rational demeanor diminishes drastically when a drug fix is needed, but unattainable. Persons who exhibit sudden bursts of anger without any obvious exterior provocation are obviously responding to an internal problem.

    Mental Signs

    • In normal situations at work or school, it isn't uncommon for workers or students to maintain a consistent work ethic, job performance or educational achievement level, even if it isn't necessarily a great one. However, someone who is drug-dependent will show signs of great fluctuation in these areas of mental capability. One day they might be able to perform at their previous level, or even surpass it, but the next day they might be unable to perform at even the most basic level, resulting in poorer grades or overall work performance than ever before.

    Anti-socialization Signs

    • Withdrawal from peers, friends and family is common with drug dependence. As the drug-dependent individual seeks to feed his addiction, his behavior becomes alienating to those around him because of his inability to control his temper and moods, maintain his work and home responsibilities, and function in a productive way. In addition, he can become paranoid as well, choosing to separate himself from others without cause.

    Financial Signs

    • Drug-dependent people typically use up all of their financial resources to purchase drugs, usually to the point of not paying their own bills for housing, transportation, and even child or food needs. Therefore, it is not uncommon for them to seek financial assistance from others, but if that assistance is not forthcoming, they might resort to stealing money or possessions from family and friends.

    Warning

    • Those addicted to hard drugs such as heroin, meth and cocaine are also a danger to the lives of those around them because they can become violent when unable to locate or afford to buy their drug.

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