There are many signs of substance abuse. Here are ten of them to be on the alert for. If you recognize a loved one in these signs, or perhaps, even yourself, then you need to seek help now.
Personality changes
A person’s mood swings can go from one extreme to another when on drugs. Their excitement level is high, their depression level lower than you have ever seen. This is one of the first and most prominent signs of substance abuse and not to be taken lightly.
Different friends, especially in teenage circles
You haven’t seen your son’s childhood best friend around lately and you are not really impressed with this new crowd he is hanging out with. Follow your instincts and check it out more thoroughly.
Excessive sleep patterns
Someone has their sleep schedule all messed up, perhaps sleeping more than ever before. Sometimes staying up till all hours of the night? Changes in sleep patterns are a warning that something is off with this person.
Work problems
The person loses their job, interest in their job and has complaints coming in about his work performance. With a teenager or college student, it will show up in grades and absences from class. Another prominent sign of substance abuse.
Weight problems
A person with a substance abuse problem will either lose a lot of weight suddenly or gain some from excessive eating. Changes in diet and eating are also one of the first signs that someone is on drugs and should be acknowledge.
Money problems
All the money of someone on drugs goes for one thing: drugs. If it is an adult, he or she could end up losing his home, writing bad checks, draining all accounts and ruining his credit. A teenager may steal from his parents, siblings and friends. Actually, so could an adult. If money is missing, consider the very real possibility of substance abuse.
Physical problems
A person on drugs can start to suffer from medical problems, even something such as nausea, sweating, having the shakes, always being hot or cold. Seek help for a medical situation before it is too late as drug use can lead to permanent damage.
Privacy issues
A person can become secretive. Maybe he is wearing long sleeves when it is obviously hot outside. He could be hiding needle marks from you. Maybe he has withdrawn and does not open up to you as he once did. Something is wrong. Pay attention to your instincts on this as well.
Drug items
You go put your son’s clothes away and accidentally uncover a needle or a bag of weed. There can be no greater “hit me in the head” sign of substance abuse than finding drug paraphernalia in your child’s drawer. Wake up call.
Paranoia
Your loved one’s attitude has totally changed. He seems to have this feeling that everyone is against him. He is too sensitive about well, just about anything. He could even be having delusions.
Do a little research and see if any of these ten warning signs of substance abuse can be attributed to your loved one and then take the proper actions to help them, speak with a substance abuse counselor.
