How Can I Tell if Someone is Addicted to Drugs and Needs Help?

How Can I Tell if Someone is Addicted to Drugs and Needs Help?

By: Rhea Rosier, Palm Partners Recovery Center

December 28th, 2011

Usually if you have been living with a person addicted to drugs you know what it looks like and you know what it feels like. Sometimes though if the person using is more adept they are able to hide the signs a bit better. If you want to know for sure how to tell if someone is addicted to drugs and needs help here are some basic guidelines and things you can look for.

Common signs and symptoms of drug abuse

You’re neglecting your responsibilities at school, work, or home (e.g. flunking classes, skipping work, neglecting your children) because of your drug use.
You’re using drugs under dangerous conditions or taking risks while high, such as driving while on drugs, using dirty needles, or having unprotected sex.
Your drug use is getting you into legal trouble, such as arrests for disorderly conduct, driving under the influence, or stealing to support a drug habit.
Your drug use is causing problems in your relationships, such as fights with your partner or family members, an unhappy boss, or the loss of old friends.

Common signs and symptoms of someone addicted to drugs.

“You’ve built up a drug tolerance. You need to use more of the drug to experience the same effects you used to attain with smaller amounts.”

You take drugs to avoid or relieve withdrawal symptoms. If you go too long without drugs, you experience symptoms such as nausea, restlessness, insomnia, depression, sweating, shaking, and anxiety.
You’ve lost control over your drug use. You often do drugs or use more than you planned, even though you told yourself you wouldn’t. You may want to stop using, but you feel powerless.
Your life revolves around drug use. You spend a lot of time using and thinking about drugs, figuring out how to get them, and recovering from the drug’s effects.
You’ve abandoned activities you used to enjoy,such as hobbies, sports, and socializing, because of your drug use.
You continue to use drugs, despite knowing it’s hurting you. It’s causing major problems in your life—blackouts, infections, mood swings, depression, paranoia—but you use anyway

Drug abusers often try to conceal their symptoms and downplay their problem. If you’re worried that a friend or family member might be addicted to drugs and needs help, look for the following warning signs:

Physical warning signs of drug abuse

Bloodshot eyes, pupils larger or smaller than usual.
Changes in appetite or sleep patterns. Sudden weight loss or weight gain.
Deterioration of physical appearance, personal grooming habits.
Unusual smells on breath, body, or clothing.
Tremors, slurred speech, or impaired coordination.

Behavioral signs of drug abuse

Drop in attendance and performance at work or school.
Unexplained need for money or financial problems. May borrow or steal to get it.
Engaging in secretive or suspicious behaviors.
Sudden change in friends, favorite hangouts, and hobbies.
Frequently getting into trouble (fights, accidents, illegal activities).

Psychological warning signs of drug addiction

“Unexplained change in personality or attitude.”

Sudden mood swings, irritability, or angry outbursts.
Periods of unusual hyperactivity, agitation, or giddiness.
Lack of motivation; appears lethargic or “spaced out.”
Appears fearful, anxious, or paranoid, with no reason

If your loved one is in need of addiction treatment, please give us a call at 800-951-6135.