Many people don’t know the signs or symptoms of alcohol or drug abuse because they’ve never gone through the issue themselves, so they may be blind to some what’s going on right in front of their face. We know the signs and symptoms of a fever or the stomach flu because we’ve all either gone through it ourselves or cared for someone who has had these health conditions, but not everyone has dealt with or helped a loved one with alcohol or drug addiction. Below, we take a look at some of the signs of a substance abuse disorder so you know what symptoms you may be missing.
Signs Of A Substance Abuse Issue
Signs and symptoms of a substance abuse disorder can physical, behavioral or psychological in nature. We look at some of the symptoms for all of them below:
Physical Signs
- Bloodshot eyes or pupils that are smaller or larger than normal
- Frequent nosebleeds that may be related to snorted drugs (meth or cocaine)
- Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
- Sudden weight loss or weight gain
- Seizures, without a history of epilepsy
- No longer cares about personal grooming or physical appearance
- Injuries, yet they won’t or can’t tell you how they got hurt
- Unusual smells on breath, body, or clothing
- Shakes, tremors, incoherent or slurred speech, impaired or unstable coordination
Behavioral Signs
- Drop in attendance and performance at work or school; loss of interest in extracurricular activities, hobbies, sports, or exercise; decreased motivation
- Complaints from co-workers, supervisors, teachers, or classmates
- Unusual or unexplained need for money; financial problems- borrowing or stealing- missing money or valuables
- Silent, withdrawn, or engaging in secretive or suspicious behaviors
- Sudden change in relationships, friends, favorite hangouts, and hobbies
- Frequently getting into trouble (arguments, fights, accidents, illegal activities)
Psychological Signs
- Unexplained change in personality or attitude
- Sudden mood changes, irritability, angry outbursts, or laughing at nothing
- Periods of unusual hyperactivity or agitation
- Lack of motivation; inability to focus; appears lethargic or “spaced out”
- Appears fearful, withdrawn, anxious, or paranoid, with no apparent reason
If you’ve begun to notice any of the above symptoms in a friend or family member, don’t ignore the warning signs. Help your loved one get the help they need by contacting Appelman Law Firm today. We have a wide range of resources at our fingertips to help your loved one break out of the cycle of substance abuse. Don’t wait until they hit “rock bottom,” contact us today for more information about the services available to you.
