But taking them for a long time and not following directions raises the risk of misuse and opioid use disorder. signs of drug use If someone has symptoms of an SUD, they can talk with their healthcare professional. Some people with SUD engage in secretive behavior to hide their drug use. The severity of SUD symptoms and their impact on a person’s life can vary. If you’re depressed, have trouble paying attention, or worry constantly, you have a higher chance of addiction.
Prescription drug abuse
A person may have flushed skin and broken capillaries, particularly in the face. With severe alcohol use disorder, the hands may tremble, and the voice may take on a huskier tone. Long-term abuse of alcohol can lead to chronic diarrhea and even vomiting blood.
Emotions and Mood
Since opioids can slow the digestive system, users often experience constipation and other intestinal issues. When without the drug, users may become anxious and display flulike symptoms. Knowing the signs that someone is on drugs may help you identify when there is a problem. Taking steps to address this problem may save your loved one’s life.
- I’ve seen firsthand how stigma can block life-saving treatments.
- Thus, drug use causes changes in the brain that can result in a lack of self-control and poor decision-making and judgment.
- Symptoms of withdrawal range from sweatiness, shakiness, tremors, and seizures to upset stomach, diarrhea, and vomiting.
- If you suspect someone is using drugs, it’s recommended to seek professional help or support from addiction specialists who can provide guidance on the best course of action.
- Or a person might start consuming alcohol before a social event, or even early in the day.
- Some may forget they haven’t taken care of themselves because of the mental effects of their drug use.
Signs of Abuse Related to Specific Drugs
If you do start using the drug, it’s likely you’ll lose control over its use again — even if you’ve had treatment and you haven’t used the drug for some time. Physical addiction appears to occur when repeated use of a drug changes the way your brain feels pleasure. The addicting drug causes physical changes to some nerve cells (neurons) in your brain. Neurons use chemicals called neurotransmitters to communicate.
- You might need different types of treatment at different times during your recovery.
- Clients who attend our center follow personalized treatment plans that include counseling, resilience building, and medical detox.
- As drugs become the primary focus of someone’s life, they often spend more and more time using and obtaining drugs.
- Healthcare professionals may perform a medical exam and take a medical history when diagnosing an SUD.
She has worked in the hospital setting and collaborated on Alzheimer’s research. When an opioid overdose is suspected, naloxone hydrochloride should be administered as soon as possible. Naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray is currently available both over-the-counter and by prescription, under different brand names. Prescription options include Kloxxado (8 mg/spray), Rextovy (4 mg/spray), and Rezenopy (10 mg/spray). Narcan (4 mg/spray) and ReVive (3 mg/spray) are brand names available OTC. Know that doctors and other medical professionals will NOT turn you into the police or “tell” on you. They’re only there to help, so do not hesitate to go to the hospital or take a loved one.