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Diagnosis is also more complex for people with both a substance use disorder and a mental health condition — known as a dual diagnosis. That’s because it’s often difficult to disentangle overlapping symptoms, such as withdrawal and mental illness symptoms. Talk to a healthcare provider if you are struggling with substance use. Remember, recovery is a journey, and each person’s experience is unique. Your support can play a vital role in their path to healing and regaining control of their life.
Decline in Performance at Work or School
If you’re worried that you or a loved one may have an addiction, there are signs to help you know. As drugs become the primary focus of someone’s life, they often spend more and more time using and obtaining drugs. You may notice that their school work or participation in school starts to decrease. They may stop caring about their grades and choose to neglect the work they need to do to improve academic performance. The areas of the brain affected and changed by drug abuse are the same areas of the brain that control cognition and include learning, memory, and higher reasoning. This disrupts normal functions and may cause a deficit in memory.
There is often a direct link between chemical alterations of the Sober living home brain becoming visible through the eyes. Some drugs will cause redness or bloodshot eyes, while some will alter pupil size. It is important to pay attention to your loved one’s eyes, as that is usually a very telling indicator that they may be using drugs. Some drugs will suppress appetite while others may cause rapid weight gain.
At Harmony Place, decades of clinical expertise meet genuine compassion and individualized care, because recovery isn’t just about sobriety; it’s about rediscovering who you are. If someone you love is using drugs, taking thoughtful, supportive, and safe action is essential. The following are things to consider when approaching a loved one about addiction. Everyone experiences stress, emotional ups and downs, or health issues from time to time.
Social Isolation or Change in Friend Group
Remember, it’s crucial to gather sufficient evidence and observe other behavioral and physical changes before jumping to conclusions. If you notice that someone is experiencing sudden and significant changes in their sleep patterns, it may be worth considering the possibility of drug use. However, it’s essential to keep in mind that sleep disturbances can also be caused by other factors such as stress, mental health issues, or medical conditions. Therefore, it’s important to approach the situation with care and gather additional information before making any assumptions.
Co-curring Services
Symptoms and signs of drug abuse vary depending on the specific drug, but typically seen across all drugs is the exclusion of activities in order to use the drug. When the person no longer participates in anything but drug use, it is a clear sign of drug abuse. Further decreased performance in work or school and a vast change in mood and sleep are also signs of drug abuse.
- Trying drugs doesn’t always turn sinister, but it’s normal to be concerned about your child’s safety.
- By being observant and understanding the behavioral and physical signs, you can take necessary steps to address the situation effectively.
- These changes signal the potential onset of drug addiction or misuse.
- This withdrawal from social activities can be a result of the person prioritizing their drug use over other aspects of their life.
If addiction runs in your family, you’re starting with a different baseline than someone without that genetic history. At Addiction Helpline America, our team of experienced addiction specialists, counselors, and recovery advocates understands What are the signs of addiction? And is dedicated to helping individuals and families steer these complex challenges. We believe that with the right support, recovery is always possible.
Our Drug Intervention Services can guide you through this process if it seems right for your situation. Sometimes just hearing “I care about you, and I want to help you find solutions” can crack open a door that seemed permanently shut. This doesn’t mean accepting the addiction or pretending everything is fine—it means separating the person from their disease. When someone develops an addiction, their brain chemistry actually changes.
A noticeable decline in work or school performance may indicate the presence of drug use. Being alert to these behavioral and psychological signs can allow for early intervention and support. Recognizing the signs of drug use early can be a critical step in helping someone get the support they need. While noticing these signs can be concerning, approaching the situation with care, empathy, and patience can make a meaningful difference.
- If you’ve noticed ongoing changes in behavior, mood, or health, especially in combination, it’s worth getting a professional opinion.
- These signs can help identify potential hallucinogen use, but a professional evaluation is necessary for a definitive diagnosis.
- They may also exhibit unpredictable behavior or become distant, causing conflicts and challenges within their relationships.
- Recovery from drug use is a challenging journey, and the decision to seek treatment ultimately rests with the individual.
- However, it has trained information specialists who can transfer callers to state services or appropriate intake centers to connect them with local assistance and support.
- Severe dental decay, often called “meth mouth,” is common due to dry mouth, poor hygiene, and teeth grinding.
These movement issues, especially when paired with other physical symptoms, can be key indicators of substance use. Occasional recreational use of alcohol or other substances isn’t necessarily a sign that a person has a substance abuse disorder. However, if a person finds themselves indulging regularly, binge drinking or concealing their behavior from loved ones, this could be a sign of an unhealthy dependency developing. It’s about recognizing that recovery requires treatment, not just willpower. When we frame addiction as a disease, we open the door to compassion, effective treatment, and real hope for recovery. While it’s sometimes seen as less harmful, it can absolutely be addictive.