These resources provide much-needed support to address substance use and facilitate reintegration into healthier social circles. It is important to note that the presence of these additional indicators does not guarantee that someone is using drugs. However, when combined with other signs and symptoms, they can contribute to a clearer picture of potential drug use. 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. If you or someone you care about is showing these physical signs of drug use, professional help is available.

These mood swings may be unpredictable and disproportionate to the situation at hand. Drug use can lead to noticeable changes in skin and hair health, often signaling underlying health issues caused by substance abuse. These changes are more than just surface-level concerns – they reflect the broader impact of drug use on the body. Both the substances themselves and the lifestyle factors tied to drug use play a role. By approaching the situation with open communication, seeking professional help, and encouraging treatment and recovery, you can provide valuable support to someone struggling with drug use. Your support can play a vital role in their path to healing and regaining control of their life.

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Drug addiction affects both the body and mind, making professional care essential. When these symptoms persist or occur together, they often signal the need for immediate help from trained professionals. Malnutrition, often caused by reduced appetite or digestive problems, can add to muscle weakness and fatigue 3. Withdrawal symptoms can make things worse, leading to muscle cramps and severe weakness. Ignoring these signs may point to deeper health problems that need urgent attention.

What to Do If You’re Struggling With Substance Abuse

Remember, addiction is a complex issue, and understanding the signs is just the first step towards helping those in need. Spotting the physical signs of drug use is just the beginning – getting professional help is the next step. Treatment options depend on individual needs and circumstances, and it’s important to choose the right level of care. Some noticeable signs include stumbling, swaying, or struggling with tasks that require precision, like writing or handling utensils 1. These movement issues, especially when paired with other physical symptoms, can be key indicators of substance use. Some drugs may cause impaired memory, inability to focus, or loss of time due to blackouts.

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  • They often let drug use get in the way of their relationships with friends, family members, and romantic partners.
  • By utilizing this service, individuals can find appropriate treatment options that meet their needs.
  • By being observant and understanding the behavioral and physical signs, you can take necessary steps to address the situation effectively.
  • Financial difficulties and unexplained expenses can also be indicative of drug use.

This may be because they got caught in possession of a drug, they were selling it, or they may drive while intoxicated and hurt someone. Your loved one may become defensive when asked about where they’ve been, what they’ve been doing, or who they’ve been hanging out with. They may especially become defensive if you ask them about drugs or addiction. Increased drug abuse can lead to anxiety or paranoia, especially if the drug has left their system and they are experiencing withdrawal. This article has been reviewed for accuracy by our peer review team which includes clinicians and medical professionals. Drugging a person is an act of battery, even when no sexual or physical assault occurs.

Identifying drug use also paves the way for offering support and assistance, guiding individuals towards treatment options, and helping them regain control over their lives. Understanding behavioral signs, such as sudden mood swings and changes in social behavior, can assist in recognizing potential drug use. By being vigilant and offering support, we can help those struggling with addiction find the necessary resources for recovery. Recognizing these signs of isolation and change in the social circle is crucial for early intervention and support. If you notice these indicators in someone you know, it is essential to offer understanding, empathy, and help. Encourage them to seek professional assistance, such as contacting SAMHSA’s national helpline or utilizing treatment referral services.

Detoxing from opioids at home can offer privacy and comfort but carries serious risks, so it’s essential to consult a medical professional and have a solid support system in place for safety and success. Opioid detox is a physically and emotionally grueling process with symptoms like muscle pain, nausea, anxiety, and insomnia, but with the right support, recovery is possible. It’s crucial to note that untreated emotional instability or irritability caused by drug use can lead to self-harm or harm towards others. Therefore, do not hesitate to contact medical professionals or emergency services if you feel your loved one is in immediate danger.

In order to get high or to hide their drug abuse, your loved one may miss school or work but have no good excuse as to why. You may not even notice this until the school calls or until they stop receiving paychecks. As drugs become the primary focus of someone’s life, they often spend more and more time using and obtaining drugs. 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.

Treatment programs focus on addressing these coordination problems through medical interventions and physical rehabilitation, helping individuals regain stability as they recover. These issues are often the result of direct harm to the nervous system caused by substance use, not simply exhaustion. Many people struggling with addiction cannot support healthy relationships because their priority is drug use.

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Opioid use can result in signs of respiratory depression, which may lead to frequent stomach cramps and potentially fatal overdose-related deaths. Borrowing money might be indicative of individuals trying to obtain opioids to address the pain caused by these frequent stomach cramps. Moreover, missing prescription drugs could be a red flag for potential opioid misuse. They may experience conflicts with loved ones, break trust, or engage in manipulative behaviors to sustain their drug use. These relationship challenges can further contribute to their social isolation and exacerbate their drug use.

  • SAMHSA’s national helpline is a dependable resource that provides valuable information and connects individuals with treatment referral services.
  • Opioid use can result in signs of respiratory depression, which may lead to frequent stomach cramps and potentially fatal overdose-related deaths.
  • Speaking with mental health professionals can also help you process the effects of the drugging event.
  • It’s essential to know the signs of drug use so you can get help for yourself or someone you love.
  • The type of drug taken, such as alcohol or methamphetamine, will determine the specific effects experienced.
  • Different substances impact the body’s relationship with food and hunger in various ways.

If you think you’ve been drugged, there are things you can do during and after the incident to take care of yourself, mentally and physically. Sometimes the only sign you’ve been drugged is waking up and having no recollection of how the night went down. You might feel like you mysteriously lost a chunk of time or only remember what happened up until a certain point. Although it depends on the substance, common symptoms of being drugged include fatigue, dizziness, nausea, feeling drunk or intoxicated, disorientation and just not feeling well, according to Rowland. With that in mind, HuffPost asked experts like Michonski to describe some of the most common signs that someone has been nonconsensually drugged.

However, learning the symptoms of the most common date rape drugs can help you tell when you’ve been drugged so you can seek help before things get worse. We cultured CD8+ signs i was drugged T-cells that recognize a specific antigen expressed by breast cancer cells and monitored their ability to kill tumor cells in the presence of each of the compounds. They may try to cover up the physical signs with makeup or clothing, and they may become secretive or lie about their behavior.

By recognizing these signs, individuals and their loved ones can take necessary steps to address the issue and seek appropriate help. Understanding the importance of identifying drug use and being aware of common signs and symptoms can make a significant difference in helping someone with addiction. Understanding the impact of drug use and being able to identify signs of drug use is an essential step in addressing substance abuse issues. By being aware of the physical, psychological, and social consequences of drug use, individuals can take proactive steps to support those affected and help them on their journey to recovery. Recognizing the signs of drug use can help you intervene and support your loved ones or students who may be struggling with substance abuse.