How To Identify Signs And Symptoms Of Drug Abuse

At some point in each person’s life they are given a discussion about identifying drug abuse signs and the consequences that they can have. Most of us had been taught in school health lessons that the effects of alcohol and drugs can be physical and emotional and that it could have an enormous effect on the individuals who revolve around us as well as on our individual bodies. While this is definitely true, what most people do not understand – until they’re in the cycle of dependence – is precisely how disastrous the physical and emotional affects of substance abuse addiction can be.

Physiological Effects

As a person falls deeper and deeper into the throes of alcoholism and drug abuse, their loved ones will start to observe that the abuser is physically changing. Internally, your body is going to be managing intense urges for the addict’s drug of choice (or any drug at all, depending on the addiction). Outwardly, a drug addict can present with any (or all) of the upcoming signs and symptoms:

a. Loss of dexterity or unexplained drowsiness

b. Bloody nose

c. Smokey odor or other drug smells on clothing

d. Eyes moving to and fro swiftly and unable to concentrate on anything

e. Infection of the skin

f. Not able to sit still

g. Alopecia

h. Irregular pupil size

i. Coughing for no reason

j. Physical markings on the skin (rashes, track marks, etc)

k. Bloodshot or reddish colored eyes

l. Incessant scratching or rubbing

m. Excessive carefulness of one’s physical appearance and behavior when the person normally is not quite so meticulous (could possibly be considered a sign of a cover up)

n. Drug paraphernalia in pockets or usually within close proximity to the person

Emotional Effects

Emotional effects of alcohol and drug addiction aren’t constantly as evident as the physiological effects can be. The truth is that drug and alcohol addictions are usually closely linked to an emotional dilemma which has persisted for a long time. Though the reality is that an addiction can be physiological, the triggers for this addiction are usually psychological. Here are several of the psychological effects drug addiction can have, both on the addict and the people in an addict’s life:

a. Anger at those who “don’t get it”

b. Increased feelings of ostracism and loneliness

c. Inability to focus

d. Increased exhaustion

e. The fear of being rejected if addiction is uncovered

f. Anxiety from strained marriages

g. Concern that even if the addict gets sober, they will no longer be acknowledged by their social group

h. Inexplicable tension

i. Increased irritability

j. Concern that the addiction is out of control

k. Feelings of desertion (for the abuser and the people in the addict’s life)

In a alcohol and drug rehabilitation program, both the person with the dependency and the individuals surrounding the addict should go through counseling consultations that can help face and deal with the psychological ramifications of drug addiction or alcohol. Experts recognize that these consultations are essential for the addict’s continued sobriety once his or her time in drug rehabilitation has concluded and he (or she) has to continue to be sober in the “regular world.” The experts and practitioners can also assist an addict deal with the different effects of drug abuse, physical dependence on drugs and alcohol and the withdrawal process the abuser will deal with after being accepted to the facility.