Alcohol or drug abuse is sometimes easy to spot. However in most situations substance abuse is difficult to notice. The abuse of substances is a disease which presents itself through a variety of physiological and psychological symptoms. Part of the disease of addiction is the fact that the alcoholic or addict goes to great lengths to disguise their illness. The addict realizes the consequences of their behavior and in an effort to minimize their behavior’s negative effect on their life they will develop elaborate rituals, deceptions and manipulations to be able to continue using. Though an individual may not exhibit stereotypical symptoms they may still be suffering from a serious addiction.
If you suspect that a family member, friend, co worker or other loved one is in a sate of addiction to drugs or alcohol there are some signs and symptoms which you can look for over time to help you determine if your suspicions are correct. Different drugs and alcohol have slightly different physical symptoms of abuse, however the baseline signs of addiction are common to all addictions. Read on for some symptoms to look for if you are trying to determine if you need to take further action to help your loved one.
Psychological signs of addiction
- Reclusive behavior, long periods spent alone or isolated from others.
- Extended unexplained absences
- Lying or stealing
- Involvement in the law, arrests or jail time
- Deteriorating personal relationships
- Obvious intoxication, slurred speech, odor of drugs or alcohol
- Changes in behavior or attitude
- Decrease in work or school performance.
Physiological signs of drug abuse
Physical symptoms of alcohol or drug abuse are outward signs which can be observed in the physical reactions of an individual while under the influence of drugs or alcohol or shortly after as the effects are wearing off. These symptoms are more specific to the chemical being used and may also be caused by other environmental influences such as prescription drugs, normal social drinking, tiredness or stress and other factors. The key is to look for these symptoms in combination or recurring over time. These factors may not be indicative alcoholism or addiction, this is best determined by a professional. One or more of these symptoms is a good sign of a problem and should prompt further action and questioning.
Alcohol
- Dehydrating Effect
- Decrease in the time it takes to fall asleep
- Loss of muscular coordination
- Slowed reaction time
- Slurred speech
- Reduction in some social inhibitions
- Exaggerates current emotional state
Marijuana
- Rapid talking, loud speech and burst of excessive laughter
- Sleepy or stuporous in the later stages
- Losing track of conversation and loss of memory
- Red eyes or dry eyes
- Odor similar to burnt rope on clothing or breath
- Time distortion, tendency to overestimate time intervals
- Use or possession of paraphernalia including roach clip, packs of rolling papers, pipes or bongs
Stimulants (cocaine, amphetamines, methamphetamines)
- Dilated pupils (when large amounts are taken)
- Dry mouth and nose
- Excessive activity, difficulty sitting still, lack of interest in food or sleep
- Irritable, argumentative, nervous
- Talkative, but conversation often lacks continuity; changes subjects rapidly
- Runny nose, cold or chronic sinus/nasal problems, nose bleeds
- Use or possession of paraphernalia including small spoons, razor blades, mirror, little bottles of white powder and plastic, glass or metal straws
Depressants (barbiturates, benzodiazepines)
- Similar symptoms as alcohol without the characteristic odor of alcohol on the breath or body
- Lack of facial expression or animation
- Flat affect
- Flaccid appearance
- Slurred speech
Narcotics (heroin, codeine, morphine, Vicodin)
- Drowsiness, lethargy, random sleep “nodding out”
- Constricted pupils
- Scars (tracks) on inner arms or other parts of body, from needle injections
- Use or possession of paraphernalia, including syringes, bent spoons, bottle caps, eye droppers, rubber tubing, cotton and needles
- Slurred speech
Dissociative Anesthetics (PCP)
- Unpredictable mood swings
- Disorientation; agitation and violence if exposed to excessive sensory stimulation
- Fear, terror
- Rigid muscles
- Deadened sensory perception (may experience severe injuries while appearing not to notice)
- Pupils may appear dilated
- Floating pupils, appear to follow a moving object
- Comatose (unresponsive) if large amount consumed; eyes may be open or closed
Sources:
HelpGuide.org
http://www.helpguide.org/mental/drug_substance_abuse_addiction_signs_effects_treatment.htm
Addictions.org
http://www.addictions.org/signs.htm
