6 Major Signs of Substance Abuse
Are you concerned about a friend, spouse, or child, or you may be suffering the effects of substance abuse? This is a huge problem that affects countless people. If left untreated, the issue will only worsen. Luckily, there are signs of substance abuse you can look out for. The sooner you spot these, the sooner you can resolve this issue.
In this post, we’ll go into more detail about the red flags of substance abuse. We’ll go into not only the major signs but how to recognize the minor ones, too.
Read on to find out more!
1. Physical Signs of Substance Abuse
Substance abuse is a serious issue that can take a toll on the user’s physical health. Physical signs of substance abuse may include bloodshot eyes, sudden weight loss, interrupted sleep patterns, change in complexion, and poor personal hygiene.
Bloodshot Eyes
Bloodshot eyes are caused by enlarged blood vessels in the sclera, which can be caused by heavy drinking, smoking cigarettes, or using drugs. Chronic dry eye and blotchy reddish/reddish-brown discoloration can also be indicative of recent drug or alcohol use.
Sudden Weight Loss
Sudden weight loss can be caused by a decrease in appetite or an increase in energy from drug-induced hyperactivity. It can lead to neglect of proper nutrition, digestive issues, and further weight loss.
Anyone who has noticed sudden weight loss in a friend or family member should be aware of the possible causes and seek help from an addiction recovery center if necessary.
Interrupted Sleep Patterns
Interrupted sleep patterns are a major sign of substance abuse. This pattern can lead to common sleep disturbances, difficulty falling asleep, and sleeping excessively.
It can also result in cognitive and physical impairments during the daytime. It makes it difficult to complete day-to-day activities. And it is also important to be on the lookout for any changes in someone’s sleep patterns.
Change in Complexion
Substance abuse can lead to a change in complexion, ranging from an unhealthy, dull grey complexion to discoloration in certain areas. Long-term users may develop an ashen-hued pallor due to the depletion of nutrients.
Other signs of substance abuse include inflammation of the nose and decreased hydration. Injection drug users can also develop scars and infections on the skin.
Poor Personal Hygiene
Poor personal hygiene is a sign of substance abuse, which can be seen in the form of greasy hair, bad breath, discolored teeth, and body odor. If someone is struggling with poor hygiene, it may be time to pay attention and consider substance abuse as an underlying cause.
2. Emotional Signs of Substance Abuse
Emotional signs of substance abuse can include a wide range of reactions. It is important to recognize these signs to identify potential problems. Individuals may exhibit withdrawal from social activities, especially when their usual drug of choice isn’t available.
They may become anxious, depressed, and irritable because of the addiction. It is common to see those amid an addiction to substance use act out in anger at family, friends, or strangers.
Low self-esteem and a lack of motivation may also occur. Loss of control over the behavior or emotions associated with drug use is another major sign of substance abuse. It is important to take note of these signs and get help as soon as possible.
3. Behavioral Clues of Substance Abuse
Behavioral clues of substance abuse will often involve drastic changes in everyday routines. A person may become less social and more tired or lethargic than usual. It is also common to see an abrupt change in relationships with family and friends.
They may also become aggressive, secretive, and withdrawn. Other hallmarks of substance abuse include lying or stealing to gain or sustain the ability to take the substance and seeming distracted or disoriented.
4. Cognitive Ramifications of Substance Abuse
Substance abuse is a common problem that can have a wide variety of negative consequences on mental health. Major signs of substance abuse can include lack of motivation and concentration, impaired judgment, and recklessness. Substance abuse also has cognitive ramifications, including changes in memory, learning difficulty, and difficulty in decision-making.
They has also been linked to the development of mental illnesses like depression and anxiety, as well as psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia. Substance abuse can even go as far on alter neural pathways in the brain, effectively leading to permanent damage.
It is vital that if someone you know is exhibiting signs of substance abuse, they should take action immediately to ensure any long-term damage can be minimized.
5. Financial Impact of Substance Abuse
Substance abuse is a major issue with significant social and economic consequences. Financial impacts of substance abuse can range from increased expenditure on illicit substances to erosion of savings and increased debt due to ineffective financial management.
In some cases, legal trouble can also result in significant financial repercussions. It includes incurring court costs or paying fines.
The loss of employment due to problems associated with substance use can create further financial difficulties. Thus, those who experience or witness major signs of a drug problem should take immediate steps to address it to prevent more costs from accumulating.
6. Transforming Habits in Substance Abuse
People suffering from the effects of substance abuse can often become resistant to change, exhibiting an unwillingness to admit their problem and make any efforts to change their behavior. Neglecting responsibilities is also a major sign of substance abuse.
Those attempting to transform habits in substance abuse must be willing to identify these patterns and create an environment for positive change. This could involve support from friends and family, psychotherapy, medications, and other lifestyle changes. With the appropriate resources, a person can turn their drug issues into success stories and make improvements in their lives.
Learn More About Signs of Substance Abuse
Substance abuse can have serious effects on a person’s life and health. Some signs of substance abuse include changes in behaviors, changes in physical health, and changes in mental health.
If you or someone you know exhibits any of these signs, it is important to go to rehab to seek help immediately. Do not ignore these signs; reach out for help now.
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Yvan Lebrun is a trusted expert in the field of product & service reviews. With over a decade of experience analyzing and comparing services online, he shares his valuable experience with readers at GoodSitesLike so consumers can make educated decisions before making a purchase.
