Drug abuse is a serious and growing problem that affects individuals from all walks of life. It can have disastrous effects on a person’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It is essential to recognize the warning signs of drug abuse and also its symptoms to prevent long-term health consequences and help individuals get the help they need.
Physical warning signs of drug abuse
- Changes in appearance: Drug abuse can cause physical changes in an individual’s appearance. They may lose or gain weights rapidly, has disheveled hair or an unkempt appearance, or develop dark circles under their eyes. They may also have sores or bruises on their skin.
- Slurred speech or impaired coordination: Drugs can impair an individual’s ability to speak or coordinate their movements. They may have difficulty speaking clearly, may slur their words, or stumble when walking.
- Bloodshot eyes dilated or constricted pupils: Certain drugs can cause an individual’s pupils to become dilated or constricted. This can cause bloodshot eyes and difficulty focusing.
- Changes in appetite or sleep patterns: Using drugs can alter one’s appetite and sleeping habits. The individual may sleep more or less than usual and may have a reduced or increased appetite.
- Involuntary movements or twitches: Certain drugs can cause involuntary movements or twitches in an individual’s body. This may indicate drug abuse.
- Poor hygiene or appearance: Individuals who abuse drugs may neglect personal hygiene and grooming. This can lead to an unkempt or unclean appearance.
- Needle marks or other evidence of injection drug use: Individuals who inject drugs may have needle marks on their arms, legs, or other areas of their body. They may also have syringes or other drug paraphernalia.
Early drug use can change the developing brain and increase the risk of becoming addicted to drugs. Addiction may form more quickly with stimulants like amphetamine, cocaine, or opiate medications than with other drugs. Smoking or injecting drugs while using them increases the chance of addiction.
Behavioral signs of drug abuse
- Secretive behavior or lying: Individuals who abuse drugs may become secretive and start lying to cover up their drug use. They may also start hiding their drug paraphernalia or drugs.
- Mood swings or erratic behavior: The usage of drugs might alter one’s mood and conduct. They may become more irritable, aggressive, or moody. They may also exhibit erratic behavior.
- Withdrawing from family or friends: Individuals who abuse drugs may start to withdraw from their family and friends. They may start spending more time alone or with a new group of friends.
- Sudden changes in job or school performance: Drug abuse can cause an individual’s job or school performance to suffer. They may start missing work or school, have a decline in grades, or be fired from their job.
- Financial problems or selling possessions: Individuals who abuse drugs may start experiencing financial problems. They can start to sell their belongings or ask relatives and friends for financial assistance.
- Legal problems or involvement in risky behaviors: Drug abuse can lead to legal problems and risky behaviors. The person might start driving while intoxicated, stealing, or doing other unlawful things.
- Lack of interest in activities previously enjoyed: Individuals who abuse drugs may lose interest in activities they once enjoyed. This can include hobbies, sports, or spending time with family and friends.
Understanding the physical and behavioral indications of drug use might assist stop the issue from getting worse. Peer pressure, especially among young people, is a significant contributor to drug use and abuse. A lack of parental supervision, difficult family dynamics, or a lack of connection to your parents or siblings may also increase your risk of developing an addiction.
Psychological warning signs of drug abuse
- Hallucinations or delusions: Certain drugs can cause an individual to experience hallucinations or delusions. They might perceive or hear unreal things, as well as hold untrue beliefs.
- Agitation or aggression: Drugs can cause an individual to become agitated or aggressive. They may become easily irritable and lash out at others.
- Changes in social behavior: Drug abuse can also lead to changes in social behavior. An individual may withdraw from social situations, avoid friends and family, and exhibit signs of isolation.
- Poor decision-making: Drug use can affect one’s judgement and capacity for logical decision-making. They might take part in unsafe or hazardous activities like stealing, driving while intoxicated, or having sex without protection.
- Loss of interest in activities: An individual struggling with drug abuse may lose interest in activities that they once enjoyed or stop participating in activities altogether. They may also neglect responsibilities at work or school.
- Depression: Many people turn to drugs as a way of coping with depression or other negative feelings. However, drug abuse can exacerbate existing symptoms or lead to new ones, including feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, and suicidal thoughts.
- Increased anxiety and paranoia: Drug use can also cause a sense of heightened anxiety, paranoia, or nervousness. The individual may appear agitated, restless, or have difficulty relaxing or sleeping.
- Mood swings: Drug abuse can lead to extreme and sudden changes in an individual’s mood, such as feeling overly euphoric or irritable. The person may also appear emotionally unstable and react inappropriately to certain situations.
In conclusion, drug abuse can have a range of negative psychological effects on an individual, affecting their mood, anxiety, depression, interest in activities, social behavior, decision-making, and cognitive function. If you or someone you know is having problems with drug misuse, get treatment right away from a professional.
When should one see a doctor?
If your drug use is out of control or causing problems, seek help. The sooner you seek treatment, the better your chances are of making a full recovery. Speak with your physician, a healthcare provider with expertise in addiction psychiatry or addiction medicine, or make an appointment with a licenced alcohol and drug counsellor. Also, you can take treatment from Nasha Mukti Kendra which is situated in Delhi.
Make an appointment to see a doctor if any of the following apply:
- Drug use is impossible to stop
- You continue to use the drug despite knowing it harms you
- You have engaged in risky behaviour because of the drug, such as sharing needles or having uncovered sexual activity
- You stopped using drugs and think you may be experiencing withdrawal symptoms
When should one seek immediate help?
If you or someone you know has consumed drugs and:
- Potential overdose
- Demonstrates shifts in consciousness
- Has respiratory issues
- Demonstrates convulsions or seizures
- Exhibits signs of a potential heart attack, such as pain or pressure in the chest
- Experiences additional detrimental physical or psychological side effects while taking the medication
Moreover, you should don’t delay in taking help from professionals. You should take help from Nasha Mukti Kendra because they provide drug and alcohol abuse treatment to people who need it. They got experienced physiotherapists and psychiatrists who can help you get drug-free.
Nasha Mukti Kendra gives uncompromised 24*7 care. They got customized plans for you and your loved ones. They also have a more than 95% recovery rate in addiction treatment. They give counseling and meditation sessions every day. They also keep your treatment private and confidential. And after you are done with your treatment, they also provide post-treatment health support.