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Warning Signs of Substance Abuse

If you have a friend or family member that you suspect of substance abuse, it is extremely important to know the signs. If this scary situation goes unnoticed too long, it can lead to long-term health problems, so it is important to acknowledge the problem and get the user the proper help. If you do determine that there is a problem, seek the counsel of a professional to learn the next appropriate step.

  1. Neglect

    • A common sign of substance abuse is that a person begins to neglect his responsibilities. This can include skipping work, neglecting his children or flunking out of classes in school. Additional signs of neglect include reduced attention to hygiene and overall care in appearance. These habits may mean that a person is spending available time using substances instead of focusing on other responsibilities.

    Changes in Behavior

    • A person who is abusing substances may undergo a major change in behavior. A substance user may become depressed and emotionally unstable. He can become hyper-aggressive and start going out every night with a new group of friends. The user may avoid direct eye contact, start lying to cover things up and act like he will do anything to get his hands on new drugs.

    New Items

    • A substance user may obtain several new items that correspond to the substance he is using. New mouthwash may be used to cover up the smell of alcohol and bottles of eye drops may relieve dilated pupils or bloodshot eyes. The user may obtain strange wrappers and containers and he will not explain where he got them. A substance abuser may purchase a new lock for his door and personal items when he never had such protection before. Lastly, the user may have obtained new valuables that may be stolen to fuel a drug habit.

    Changes in Activity

    • The person with a substance abuse problem may begin to receive complaints at work of reduced attentiveness or intoxication. The user may abandon activities he used to love like sports, socializing and hobbies. All the user talks about may be drug related and he spends most of his time recovering from use. He may even continue this drug use despite knowing that it hurts him with mood swings, paranoia, infections and blackouts. Some users experience withdrawal symptoms like restlessness, insomnia, sweating, nausea, depressing, anxiety and shaking. If the user has a problem with abuse he may also get into trouble in the form of accidents, illegal activities and fights.

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