In the first and second parts of our series, we have discussed the many signs of substance abuse and addiction. Now we tackle the drug-specific signs of substance abuse.
Aside from physical, psychological, and behavioral effects of drugs, there are also other signs that you should look out for in your loved ones in order to find out exactly what kind of drug they are on.
Below are drug-specific signs of substance abuse or addiction:
Alcohol Addiction Signs
Perhaps one of the most widely abused substances is alcohol. This is probably because alcohol is legal and easily obtainable anywhere. It is also often association with celebrations
- Frequent hangovers
- Driving while under the influence
- Bringing alcohol at work or in school
- Being under the influence while working or in school
- Constantly smelling of alcohol
- Frequent binge-drinking (five or more servings in a single sitting)
- Rarely being without a drink in any occasion
- Rarely without a drink at home, in restaurants, or practically anywhere
- Making usually non-alcoholic beverages alcoholic by adding spirits or liquor
Inhalants
Inhalants can be made of items and chemicals found around the house, such as aerosol sprays, cleaning products, contact cement, and many more. Upon inhalation, these bring forth brief effects but can still pose health risks.
Signs that your partner may be abusing inhalants are:
- Runny eyes
- Glassy eyes
- Nausea
- Light-headedness
- Unusual and usual paint stains on the hands, face or clothing
- Smell of chemical on breath, skin or clothes
- Spots or sores around the mouth
- Rags hidden among partner’s belongings
- Small, portable containers of chemicals lying around among partner’s belongings
- Excessive amounts of empty household items used for inhaling
Prescription Drug Abuse
Prescription drugs are also widely abused by many. These drugs, whether prescribed by doctors or obtained over-the-counter are seen as less dangerous, yet this is a misconception. These drugs affect the central nervous system and may cause an overdose.
- Going to multiple doctors for various ailments only to get prescriptions
- Taking prescribed medications but not following doctor’s dosage instructions
- Taking unmarked pills
- Possessing unmarked pill canisters
- Stealing medication from other people such as family and friends
- Drowsiness
- Lethargy
- Low blood pressure
- Slow breathing
- Dizziness
- Clumsiness
- Low sense of pain
- Constipation
Abuse or Addiction to Ecstasy or Other Club Drugs
Club drugs come in various forms, such as pills, powders, strips, and liquids. They are commonly known as party drugs as well, as it is popularly used to achieve a sense of euphoria and lowered inhibitions while enhancing the experience while at clubs, concerts, and parties.
Many people, usually teenagers and young adults, use ecstasy and end up in hospital emergencies due to side effects and overdoses.
The signs of party drug abuse or addiction are:
- Lower inhibition
- Feeling of euphoria
- Poor judgment
- High or increase in libido
- Alertness or strong focus
- Boost in energy
- Inability to get sleep or fall asleep
Hallucinogen Abuse
Many people also use PCP and LSD, as well as magic mushrooms to take their psyches to another level and to achieve hallucinatory experiences. Often, these are linked to boosting creativity, but then again, there are many side effects of abusing hallucinogens.
To find out if your loved one is addicted, look for these signs:
- Hallucinations
- Delusions
- Psychosis
- Poor perception of reality
- Inability to tell reality and hallucinations apart
- Flashbacks
- Terrors
Methamphetamine Abuse and Addiction
Commonly known as meth or locally as “shabu,” meth is also highly addictive and can cause people to feel more energized, more confident, and more alert. Methamphetamine-based drugs include crystal meth, cocaine, and prescription drugs such as Adderall.
Signs of meth abuse are:
- Periods of intense alertness and focus
- Periods of lethargy
- Periods of wakefulness followed by unusual periods of sleep
- Increase in confidence
- Sense of euphoria followed by periods of depression
- Sense of well-being
- Rotting teeth
- Twitching
- Grinding of teeth
- Violence and aggression
- Unusually high body temperature
- Having meth marks
- Feeling of bugs crawling under the skin
- Convulsions
- Panic attacks
- Paranoia
- Fast speech
- Fast walk
- Restlessness
- Disorientation
- Forgetfulness
Heroin Addiction
Heroin is a highly addictive drug that is commonly used by injecting the substance. The signs of heroin addiction are the following:
- Needle marks
- Collapsed veins
- Inflammation and infection in injection sites
- Dry mouth
- Lethargy
- Grogginess
- Disorientation
- Shortness of breath
- Possession of burned foil, gum wrappers, and spoons
- Traces of white powder in room or belongings
- Possession of ropes or wires for tourniquet
- Possession of other paraphernalia such as needles, syringes, pipes, and plastic bags
- Wearing long-sleeved clothing even in hot weather to hide needle marks and scars
- Loss of menstrual cycle in women
Help Your Loved One
If you believe that your partner is struggling with substance abuse or are using any of the substances mentioned above, seek help. Call our rehab specialists today for a free assessment: 09175098826.
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