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Signs of Drug & Alcohol Abuse

Drug and alcohol abuse are serious issues that should be dealt with as soon as possible. Long-term abuse can lead to severe emotional and physical problems. Not only does it hurt the person abusing, but it also hurts those who care about them. There are major signs that can help determine if someone is abusing drugs or alcohol.

  1. Eating Habits

    • A sudden change in eating habits is a strong indicator of drug or alcohol abuse. People commonly eat much less when they are abusing drugs, but overeating does occur in some cases. Pay attention to their body weight to help determine if they have a problem. A rapid increase or decrease in weight is a warning sign.

    Mood Swings

    • Episodes of extreme depression, anger, nervousness or any other strong emotion should be a cause for concern. A person who abuses drugs will become irritable and angry when he is not under the influence. If you spend an entire day with an addict, you will notice him becoming more and more irritable throughout the day. He will return to normal only when he gets his "fix" or when his body stops craving the drug.

    Motivation

    • A sudden drop in schoolwork or job productivity is a sign of drug or alcohol abuse. A student may lose interest in schoolwork, which in turn means her grades will drop. Somebody who works full-time may lose interest in her job, which could ultimately lead to her being fired. Motivation to do simple chores around the house will also be diminished.

    Isolation

    • Addicts often like to be left alone. They may lock themselves in a room and not come out for hours at a time. It should cause concern if they stay locked up for a long time, then leave the house for a short period of time and then return back to the room. This could indicate that they are going out to buy drugs or alcohol and sneaking it back in.

    Financial Issues

    • People with drug or alcohol problems often have financial problems. Their addiction can become so important that they spend a significant portion of their money on it. The drugs and alcohol can become their top priority, even over food and paying for a place to live. It is a red flag if somebody you care about frequently asks you for money. Always ask him what he needs the money for and set a reasonable date for when he must pay you back. If he is unable to pay you back, there may be a serious problem.

    Physical Signs

    • Physical signs of drug or alcohol abuse can include red eyes, a puffy face, redness or paleness of the face, difficulty walking or maintaining balance, needle marks on the arms or legs, slurred speech and chronic health problems.

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