It can be difficult to know whether or not someone close to you is abusing drugs or alcohol – particularly when school or work can take them out of your daily life. If you are concerned that your child may be suffering from addiction or alcoholism, consider the major indicators discussed here as a warning sign – and learn what you can do about it.
Nearly everyone who becomes addicted to drugs or alcohol gives off at least several signs of this addiction. However, all of these signs can be boiled down to three major areas: physical changes, emotional changes, and social changes.
Of course, some signs of substance abuse and addiction vary depending on the type of substance being used. We've broken down the signs of abuse and withdrawal symptoms below for each of the major drug types. Click on the drug type to expand the section.
Sign #1: Physical Changes
Dependency on drugs and alcohol is almost certain to change a person’s physical appearance – a less healthy look in their face and body, and a deterioration in personal hygiene. According to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, some of the major physical and health signs of substance abuse include:
Eyes that are bloodshot or pupils that are smaller or larger than normal
Frequent nosebleeds (a sign of meth or cocaine use)
Altered appetite and sleep patterns – also extreme weight loss or gain
Seizures (with no prior history of epilepsy)
Deterioration in physical appearance and personal grooming
Impaired coordination, with injuries or bruises of unknown origin
Unusually bad breath or body odor
Tremors, shakes, incoherent speech, and impaired coordination
Sign #2: Emotional Changes
In addition to the physical effects, drug and alcohol dependency can cause a major change the psychology of an addict or alcoholic. In some extreme cases parents are unable to even recognize their child as the same person, due to their mood swings and changes in personality. The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence highlights some of the main psychological warning signs of alcohol or drug abuse:
Unexplained and even confusing change in personality and attitude
Sudden, extreme mood swings, such as irritability, angry outbursts, or even laughing at nothing
Sustained periods of hyperactivity or agitation
A marked lack of motivation and an inability to focus
General lethargy to daily tasks
Withdrawn behavior
Anxiety or paranoia with no apparent cause
Repeated dishonesty
A loss of interest in the family
Sign #3: Social Changes
While addicts tend to be secretive about their drug or alcohol abuse, addiction is difficult to hide completely. If someone you love is abusing drugs or alcohol, you will likely see a change in their behavior with physical and emotional change. Some of the behavioral signs of alcohol or drug abuse, as outlined by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, include:
Skipping class, lower grades, or getting in trouble at university
A marked loss of interest in social activities, hobbies, exercise, or sports
Complaints of unusual behavior from friends, classmates, and co-workers
Clashes with family values and beliefs
A sudden change in friendships, relationships, and chosen hobbies
Isolated, withdrawn, secretive behavior
Sudden requests for money from family members (or even stealing)
Obsession with drug or alcohol paraphernalia
Drinking increasing amounts of alcohol in a social setting
Opiate Drug Abuse
VICODIN, LORTAB, OXYCONTIN, PERCOCET, HEROIN, ETC.
Barbiturate & Tranquilizer Drug Abuse
XANAX, VALIUM, SOMA, KLONOPIN, ATIVAN, ETC.
Hallucinogen Drug Abuse
LSD, MUSHROOMS, ECSTASY, ETC.
Stimulant Drug Abuse
COCAINE, METHAMPHETAMINE, ETC.
Inhalant Drug Abuse
GLUES, AEROSOLS, VAPORS, ETC.
ADD / ADHD Medication Drug Abuse
RITALIN, ADDERALL, ETC.
Marijuana Drug Abuse