In many cases, these drugs are much easier for teens to procure, yet they can have dangerous, even lethal, side effects. Although different drugs have different physical effects, the symptoms of addiction are similar. If you recognize yourself in the following signs and symptoms, talk to someone drug addiction treatment about your drug use. With the right treatment and support, you can counteract the disruptive effects of drug use and regain control of your life. The first obstacle is to recognize and admit you have a problem, or listen to loved ones who are often better able to see the negative effects drug use is having on your life. As drug abuse takes hold, you may miss or frequently be late for work or school, your job performance may progressively deteriorate, and you may start to neglect social or family responsibilities.

Care at Cleveland Clinic

• They are typically viewed as a sign of entrenchment of the addiction process.
• Prescription medications such as painkillers, sleeping pills, and tranquilizers can cause similar problems.
• Other signs include skin infections on the injection sites and wearing long-sleeved shirts to cover track marks.
• It’s important to note that the signs of hallucinogen use may vary depending on the specific substance used and the individual.
• Over time, drug use alters the chemical and functional structures of the brain.

However, drug use can cause or worsen feelings of worry, fear, or panic not related to any specific situation or event. In some cases, anxiety may be so severe that it affects one’s ability to function normally. A runny nose and nosebleeds can possibly be one of the signs of cocaine use. Other drugs like methamphetamine, heroin, or prescription pills, which are also https://anbudankidsworld.com/alcohol-use-disorder-what-to-expect-when-you-quit/ snorted, can cause a runny nose. Some opioids can cause the nasal lining to dry out and crack, leading to nosebleeds. Stimulants like methamphetamine and cocaine can cause the pupils to dilate, while heroin and other opioids can cause them to constrict.

• Benzodiazepines and sedative-hypnotics both fall under the broader category of depressants, which are substances that slow down brain activity.
• Treating stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamine addiction involves a combination of pharmacological and behavioral interventions.
• He obtained his medical degree from West Virginia University where he also completed his residency training, finishing as chief resident.
• Recovery often requires addressing the guilt and shame people feel over their own addictive behavior.
• They’re often used and misused in search of a “high,” or to boost energy, to improve performance at work or school, or to lose weight or control appetite.

Signs of Drug Addiction

When you’re wondering how to tell if someone is using drugs, physical signs can be your first indicator, followed by behavior and psychological changes. Many drug users have made many promises to themselves to stop—and broken them as well, leading them to believe they are incapable of stopping. Substances of abuse deliver an intense sensation that creates a neurochemically driven motivation to repeat the experience again and again. They can be set in motion by past memories or current environmental cues relating to substance use and are thought to be a force behind relapse, although they are not a clinically consistent predictor of relapse.

How to Tell if Someone Is on Drugs

Research indicates that individuals with at least one close relative grappling with addiction are more susceptible to developing a drug dependency. At Narconon, we strive to provide the most up-to-date and accurate medical and clinical information on the web so our readers can make informed decisions about drug and alcohol rehabilitation. While these factors don’t guarantee addiction, they do increase the risk, which is why substance use prevention efforts are critical. Edmund has an extensive background in SUD research and medical writing, symptoms of drug use working collaboratively with doctors, substance use disorder specialists, and clinical experts across all content on Recovered. Similar events can occur in the lives of people without an addiction problem.