There are common signs and symptoms that can help you determine if a person is on drugs, and knowing them can help you get treatment before it’s too late. If you or a loved one need treatment for a drug or alcohol use disorder, you can search recovery resources by zip code or call The Recovery Village. Representatives are available to take your call, answer your questions about addiction and treatment and guide you toward a program that meets your needs. To get started with comprehensive substance use disorder treatment, contact The Recovery Village today.
Resources and Information
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. Excessive use and abuse of these drugs can cause intense highs characterized by hyperactivity and periods of insomnia or intense lows that cause long periods of sleeping or drowsiness. Addictive substances alter the brain’s natural circadian rhythm which can actually cause sleep disturbances well after someone has stopped using the drug. When drug use becomes a priority in someone’s life, hygiene and outward appearance may become less and less important.
Communicate with Care and Concern
When you know your teenage son or daughter’s passions, interests and habits, the early warning signs of trouble will be more apparent Sober living home because you will sense when something seems off or amiss. It’s much easier to turn problematic behavior around when warning signs first surface, rather than when the situation escalates or an emergency occurs. Especially for kids who are at higher risk of alcohol or other drug addiction, paying attention to early signs of trouble can reduce the likelihood of a future problem. One of the most challenging aspects of addiction is that it is a progressive disease.
- Although there are many treatment options available for drug addiction, not everyone responds to treatment the same way.
- It’s important to note that mood swings alone may not confirm drug use, but they can be indicative of a problem that needs further exploration.
- Examples of prescription drugs teens may misuse include stimulants like Adderall and benzodiazepines like Xanax.
- Knowing the signs of drug use is the first step in identifying and helping someone who may be struggling with drug addiction.
- However, when combined with other signs of drug use, these behaviors may raise concerns and warrant further investigation.
- Whether the SUD is due to alcohol, stimulants, or opioids, the rewarding feeling gained from use — involving an abnormally high dopamine release — is often overpowering.
How drug abuse and addiction develops
If you notice that your loved one’s weight has changed without explanation, it could mean that they have begun to regularly use addictive substances. Millions of readers rely on HelpGuide.org for free, evidence-based resources to understand and navigate mental health challenges. If you go too long without drugs, you experience symptoms such as nausea, restlessness, insomnia, depression, sweating, shaking, and anxiety. People often try signs of drug use drugs for the first time in social situations with friends and acquaintances.
What Are the Four Stages of Drug Addiction?
- Others may benefit from outpatient services to increase their motivation for treatment.
- If necessary, seek professional help to address their drug use and guide them towards recovery.
- If you suspect that someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, it is crucial to approach the situation with care, empathy, and a desire to offer support and assistance.
- This ensures that both addiction and its physical effects are addressed.
- Keep an eye out for signs of financial instability, such as frequent borrowing of money, selling personal belongings, or unexplained expenses.
You may start abusing prescription drugs to relieve pain, cope with panic attacks, or improve concentration at school or work. If you are using drugs to fill a void in your life, you’re more at risk of crossing the line from casual drug use to drug abuse and addiction. To maintain a healthy balance in your life, you need to have positive experiences and feel good about your life without any drug use. Behavioral changes linked to drug abuse are often some of the earliest warning signs of addiction. Recognizing shifts in mood, habits, or priorities can help you identify when professional help is needed. If you or a loved https://ecosoberhouse.com/ one shows these signs, reaching out to addiction specialists is the first step toward recovery and reclaiming control.
Signs and symptoms of substance use disorder
Many rehabs like Lantana Recovery, outpatient rehab in Greenville, South Carolina can be a valuable step towards achieving long-term sobriety and improved well-being. For families noticing these signs, it’s important to approach the situation thoughtfully, avoiding accusations. Open and supportive conversations can help uncover potential substance use and encourage early action 1. Professional treatment centers are equipped to address both the addiction and its physical consequences. While the above behavioral signs of drug abuse are some of the initial red flags to look out for, these behaviors can also worsen or increase as drug abuse grows.
