Characteristics of Substance Abuse

Knowing the characteristics of substance abuse is the first step in determining if you or someone you know may be abusing drugs or alcohol. According to Helpguide's Drug Abuse and Addiction, many drug abusers try to conceal their habit from friends, family and medical professionals. Being aware of the characteristics to look for is helpful when you suspect someone you know may be abusing drugs or alcohol.

Internal

• Internal characteristics of substance abuse include a feeling of having to use your drug regularly, ensuring you always have access to the drug, having difficulty when trying to stop taking the drug, and feeling like you need the drug to help you with problems, according to the Mayo Clinic. In addition, you may be having relationship trouble, neglect your responsibilities, make dangerous decisions and forgo activities you used to enjoy, according to the Helpguide website. Regardless of the substance, the internal characteristics of substance abuse are often similar, and as they increase, so does the likelihood of substance abuse becoming an addiction, notes the Helpguide website.

External

• While all commonly abused substances have specific signs and symptoms, there are external characteristics of substance abuse that are often present, regardless of the drug. Family and friends often note physical, behavioral and psychological symptoms if someone they know is a drug abuser, according to Helpguide. Substance abusers may display physical characteristics such as bloodshot eyes, pupils that appear too large or small, a deteriorating appearance and lack of personal hygiene, a shift in weight and impaired coordination.

  Behavioral characteristics typically include a decrease in work performance, a change in interests or friends, a sudden need for money, secretive behaviors and an increase in dangerous incidents such as fights or traffic accidents.

  Psychological changes that are often seen in substance abuse include sudden personality changes, mood swings, outbursts and periods of increased or decreased activity.

In Teens

• Determining what is normal teenage behavior and what is a characteristic of substance abuse is often challenging, according to the Helpguide website. Some possible symptoms of substance abuse in teens include an increase of incidents at school, including lower grades and skipped classes, the use of air fresheners and other products in an attempt to mask a scent of drugs, and missing money or prescriptions. The Mayo Clinic website adds that sudden changes in behavior, appearance and health issues are also characteristics of teen substance abuse.

At a Doctor's Office

• Many drug abusers visit many different doctors' offices to get prescriptions for their drug without being detected. According to the U.S. Department of Justice's Office of Diversion Control, characteristics of drug abusers often include agitated waiting room behavior, an aggressive or assertive personality and an unusual appearance. When talking to medical professionals, characteristics of substance abusers often include requests for a specific drug, extensive knowledge of controlled substances, vague or exaggerated answers about symptoms and medical history and a lack of concern over a diagnosis.