Signs and Symptoms of Drug Abuse

There are many signs of drug abuse and they all vary according to the individuality of the user. The most important thing to look for is change in normal behavior of the individual. To spot the early substance abuse you usually have to monitor changes in behavior, which may be difficult since the process is gradual.

Sometimes, it is easier for someone else to note the changes, however, it is very unlikely that they would ever make their observations public. This is why frequent drug testing is the best indicator for early substance abuse. There are also many other signs that usually manifest themselves through the process of drug usage.

Physical Characteristics of Drug Abuse

• Redness of eyes, too much eye scratching, too dilated or constricted pupils, always wearing sunglasses...
• Weight loss, loss of appetite, irregular eating...
• Frequent sniffles, stuffy nose, & cough...
• Some individuals experience lethargy, lack of energy and vitality, especially if using "downer" drugs...
• Conversely, hyperactivity can also be a symptom if stimulant drugs are abused...
• Tobacco smell on person or clothes...
• Secretive phone calls / callers refuse to identify themselves / hang up when you pick up the phone... Request for cell phones with prepaid cards - usually do not provide call statements... Disappearance of money or items of value... Periods of unexplained absence from home...

Behavior Changes consistent with Drug Abuse:

• Loss of motivation and enthusiasm...
• Change in personal values, ideals, beliefs.
• Change in sleep patterns, such as insomnia, napping or sleeping at inappropriate times...
• Refusing food / lying about eating...
• Sudden appetite swings, especially for junk food...
• Neglect of personal appearance, poor grooming, dirty / same clothes...
• Unexplained periods or reactions of moodiness...
• Symptoms of anxiety, depression, irritability, over sensitivity, or hostility...
• Very inappropriate overreaction to mild criticism or simple requests....
• Avoidance in interacting and communicating with family...
• Preoccupation with self, less concern for the feelings of others...
• Loss of interest in previously important activities such as hobbies, sports, outings...
• Loss of ability for self-discipline and assuming responsibility...
• Changes in friends / colleagues, unwillingness to introduce friends...
• Spending too much time in the bedroom, going immediately to their bedroom...
• Sudden, unexplained over reaction...
• Lying constantly and excuses about their behavior...

Performance Deterioration characteristics consistent with Drug Abuse:

• Reduced short-term memory, concentration, attention span...
• Loss of motivation, interests, does not participate in school activities....
• Frequent tardiness and absenteeism....
• Less interest in participating in group activities...
• Sleeping in class / at work...
• Untidy appearance, dress, personal hygiene...
• Slow to respond, forgetful, apathetic...
• Increased discipline, behavioral problems...
• Decline in academic / work performance... NOTE: Drug users, and particularly chronic marijuana users, have lost the capacity to perceive many of the listed signs and symptoms in themselves.

Objects to look for if you suspect drug abuse with your loved one:

• Capsules, pills or tablets, cotton swabs, caps.
• Cigarette rolling papers.
• Pipes, pipe fittings, small screens.
• Roach clips (sometimes look like alligators).
• Odor of marijuana (like burnt rope) in room, on person, or on clothing.
• Incense or room deodorizers.
• Eye drops (Visine), mouthwash, fresh gum always on hand.

Drug Specific Symptoms in Substance Users

DRUG USED	PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS	WHAT TO LOOK FOR	DANGERS
MARIJUANA (pot, dope, grass, weed, herb, hash, joint)	Altered perceptions, red eyes, dry mouth, reduced concentration and coordination, euphoria, laughing, hunger.	Rolling papers, pipes, dry plant material, odor of burnt hemp, roach clips.	Panic reaction, impaired short term memory, addiction.
COCAINE (coke, rock, crack, base)	Brief intense euphoria, elevated blood pressure and heart rate, restlessness, excitement, feeling of well-being followed by depression.	Glass vials, glass pip, white crystalline powder, razor blades/syringes, needle marks.	Addiction, heart attack, seizures, lung damage, severe depression, paranoia (see stimulates)
STIMULANTS (speed, uppers, crank, bam, black beauties, crystal, dexies ,caffeine, nicotine, cocaine, amphetamines)	Alertness, talkativeness, wakefulness, increased blood pressure, loss of appetite, mood elevation.	Pills and capsules, loss of sleep/appetite irritability/anxiety weight loss, hyperactivity.	Fatigue leading to exhaustion, addiction, paranoia, depression, confusion, possible hallucinations.
DEPRESSANTS (Barbiturates, sedatives, tranquilizers, downers, tranks, ludes, reds, Valium, yellow jackets, alcohol)	Depressed breathing and heartbeat, intoxication, drowsiness, uncoordinated movements.	Capsules & pill, confused behavior longer periods of sleep, slurred speech.	Possible overdoes, especially in combination with alcohol, muscle rigidity, addiction, withdrawal and overdose require medical treatment.
HALLUCINOGENS (acid, LSD, PCP, MDMA, Ecstasy, psilocybin, mushrooms, peyote)	Altered mood and perceptions, focus on detail, anxiety, panic, nausea, synaesthesia (ex: smell colors, see sounds).	Capsules, tablets, "microdots", bloter squares.	Unpredictable behavior, emotional instability, violent behavior (with PCP).
INHALANTS (gas, aerosols, glue, nitrites, rush, white out)	Nausea, dizziness, headaches, lack of coordination/control.	Odor of substance on clothing/breath, intoxication, drowsiness, muscle control.	Unconsciousness, suffocation, nausea and vomiting, damage to brain and central nervous system, sudden death.
NARCOTICS (heroin, junk, dope, black tar, China white, demerol, dilaudid, D's, morphine, codeine)	Euphoria, drowsiness, insensitivity to pain, nausea, vomiting, watery eyes, runny nose (see depressants).	Needle marks on arms, needle/syringe, spoons, pinpoint pupils, cold moist skin.	Addiction, lethargy, weight loss, contamination from un-sterile needles (hepatitis, AIDS), accidental overdose.