If you are not sure about the possibility that someone you know may be abusing drugs, this may be of some help. Listed below are the most common drugs abused and the signs to look out for. Don’t, as many parents or spouses have told us, be caught completely unaware when small signs have gone unnoticed and a catastrophe occurs. The police knocking on the door or a phone call from a hospital are not the times to realize that someone has a drug addiction.
It is sometimes difficult to imagine that a loved one is using drugs and the signs of drug addiction can range from seemingly harmless lapses in judgment to involvement with law enforcement. Very often when clients go for treatment it is clear that there have been many warning signs, sometimes spanning years, which have simply been missed by the addict’s loved ones. Often if these signs had been noticed earlier the addict would have suffered fewer consequences from their drug use.
In all instances of substance abuse, watch for a tendency on the part of the abuser to refrain and shun conversation and face-to-face meetings with others. You are watching for behaviour that represents a somewhat dramatic change in character from previous experience. The signs of drug abuse and drug addiction can be and will be explained away by the person using the drugs.
Don’t be fooled. As painful as it may be, detecting the signs of drug abuse, learning about the different types of drugs and getting help can possibly save someone’s life.
If you notice any of these signs, don’t wait. Get Help! A drug addiction won’t go away by talking or wishing it away.
Call us for more information!
Warning Signs;
Prescription Drug Abuse
Drug Addict Mannerisms or Behaviour
- Acts intoxicated
- Slurred speech
- Stumbling gate
- Droopy eyes
- Un-warranted sleep episodes –fall asleep at dinner etc
- Listlessness
Drug Addict items around or hidden in the house, bedroom, etc.
- Bottles of prescription medicines, pills, blister packs
Signs of Cocaine, Crack Abuse and Addiction
Drug Addict Physical Appearance
- Glassy eyes
- Very very large pupils (hidden by sunglasses on occasion)
- A nose that appears raw and red (if they sniff the drug)
- Needle marks in arms, behind knees, or ankles
- Do they wear long sleeve shirts even in hot weather to cover their arms
- Scabs/burns on mouth, burn marks on fingers or arms
- Scabs on arms, face, legs from picking
- Teeth that are weak/broken
- Loss of weight
Drug Addict Mannerisms or Behaviour
- Erratic, restless, anxious behaviour, irritable
- Trouble sitting still or relaxing, nervous, aggressive
- Do they itch and scratch often picking at parts of their arms, legs, or face
- Long periods of no sleep
- After being up for extended periods of times will “crash” and sleep for extended periods of time
- Tends to move fast, often repeating the same action for hours (cleaning, fixing something)
- May have no appetite or interest in food
- Ramble in their conversation, jumping from one subject to the next
- Constantly sniffing, despite lack of cold or allergies
- Constantly licking lips, extremely thirsty
- May sweat profusely
- Sudden change in appetite or weight
Signs of Marijuana Abuse
Drug Addict Physical Appearance
- Irritated, bloodshot, red eyes
- Dazed or expressionless appearance
- Dry lips or “cotton mouth”
- Strong odour of burnt rope or grass on person or clothes
Drug Addict Mannerisms or Behaviour
- Walking around in a daze or euphoric stupor
- Lack of emotion, “whatever” attitude
- Staring out into space or at nothing
- May go into fits of laughter or laugh when there is nothing to laugh about.
- Putting clothes in wash immediately upon coming home
- Taking a quick shower before being around other
- Suddenly very hungry, “munchies”
Signs of Methamphetamine Abuse
Methamphetamine Addict Physical Appearance
- Dilated pupils and rapid, darting eyes
- Frequent sweating
- Tooth decay
- Skin lesions and frequent sores that take a long time to heal
- Weight loss
Drug Addict Mannerisms or Behaviour
- Obsessive, fidgety behaviour
- Repeatedly performing the same task over and over again.
- Constant, rambling conversation
- Wakefulness that lasts for days
- Absence from work or daily routine
- Depression during withdrawal stages
- Sleeping for days after coming down off meth
- Dangerous sexual promiscuity.
- Frustration that they can’t seem to focus or think
- Hallucinations, paranoia
