EXPLAINED
The use and abuse of drugs are serious issues that should not be ignored or minimized and we should not sit back and hope they just go away. If left untreated, use and abuse can develop into drug dependence. As a result, it is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of drug abuse early. If you’re worried that a friend or family member might be abusing drugs, here are some of the warning signs to look for:
-
Physical and health warning signs of drug abuse
-
Eyes that are bloodshot or pupils that are smaller or larger than normal.
-
Frequent nosebleeds--could be related to snorted drugs (meth or cocaine).
-
Changes in appetite or sleep patterns. Sudden weight loss or weight gain.
-
Seizures without a history of epilepsy.
-
Deterioration in personal grooming or physical appearance.
-
Injuries/accidents and person won’t or can’t tell you how they got hurt.
-
Unusual smells on breath, body, or clothing.
-
Shakes, tremors, incoherent or slurred speech, impaired or unstable coordination.
-
Behavioral signs of drug abuse
-
Drop in attendance and performance at work or school; loss of interest in extracurricular activities, hobbies, sports or exercise; decreased motivation.
-
Complaints from co-workers, supervisors, teachers or classmates.
-
Unusual or unexplained need for money or financial problems; borrowing or stealing; missing money or valuables.
-
Silent, withdrawn, engaging in secretive or suspicious behaviors.
-
Sudden change in relationships, friends, favorite hangouts, and hobbies.
-
Frequently getting into trouble (arguments, fights, accidents, illegal activities).
-
Psychological warning signs of drug abuse
-
Unexplained change in personality or attitude.
-
Sudden mood changes, irritability, angry outbursts or laughing at nothing.
-
Periods of unusual hyperactivity or agitation.
-
Lack of motivation; inability to focus, appearing lethargic or “spaced out.”
-
Appearing fearful, withdrawn, anxious, or paranoid, with no apparent reason.
People experiment with drugs for many different reasons. Many first try drugs out of curiosity, to have a good time, because friends are doing it, or in an effort to improve athletic performance or ease another problem, such as stress, anxiety, or depression. Use doesn’t automatically lead to abuse, and there is no specific level at which drug use moves from casual to problematic. It varies by individual. Drug abuse and addiction is less about the amount of substance consumed or the frequency, and more to do with the consequences of drug use. No matter how often or how little you’re consuming, if your drug use is causing problems in your life—at work, school, home, or in your relationships—you likely have a drug abuse or addiction problem.
Why do some drug users become addicted, while others don’t?
As with many other conditions and diseases, vulnerability to addiction differs from person to person. Your genes, mental health, family and social environment all play a role in addiction. Risk factors that increase your vulnerability include:
-
Family history of addiction
-
Abuse, neglect, or other traumatic experiences in childhood
-
Mental disorders such as depression and anxiety
-
Early use of drugs
-
Method of administration—smoking or injecting a drug may increase its addictive potential
Drug addiction and the brain
Addiction is a complex disorder characterized by compulsive drug use. While each drug produces different physical effects, all abused substances share one thing in common: repeated use can alter the way the brain looks and functions.
-
Taking a recreational drug causes a surge in levels of dopamine in your brain, which trigger feelings of pleasure. Your brain remembers these feelings and wants them repeated.
-
If you become addicted, the substance takes on the same significance as other survival behaviors, such as eating and drinking.
-
Changes in your brain interfere with your ability to think clearly, exercise good judgment, control your behavior, and feel normal without drugs.
-
Whether you’re addicted to inhalants, heroin, Xanax, speed, or Vicodin, the uncontrollable craving to use grows more important than anything else, including family, friends, career, and even your own health and happiness.
-
The urge to use is so strong that your mind finds many ways to deny or rationalize the addiction. You may drastically underestimate the quantity of drugs you’re taking, how much it impacts your life, and the level of control you have over your drug use.
