The Various Signs Of Drug Use

Woman's Sadness Could Be One of the Signs of Drug Use

Using drugs once or twice doesn’t necessarily mean that someone’s going to develop a drug addiction. Continuous or increased drug use, though, can cause some serious health and life problems that include addiction. Stopping drug use is the only way to prevent addiction. There are some signs of drug use that you can watch out for and ways to help your loved one if they seem to be struggling with substance abuse.

Recent Signs Of Drug Use

Even if drugs have only been used once, there are going to be signs that someone has recently used. What these signs are will vary depending on the substance involved but they can be easily spotted if you know what to look for.

Most addictive substances fall under one of four different classifications, which are hallucinogens, depressants, stimulants, and opiates. Although some recent signs of drug use will differ depending on how the drug is taken, each classification has a unique set of signs you may notice if a drug within that classification is taken. People who take hallucinogens like PCP or LSD, for instance, are likely to exhibit signs of use such as:

  • Mood Swings That Involve Aggression
  • Increased Blood Pressure
  • Increased Heart Rate
  • Tremors
  • Speaking Problems

Depressants, such as Xanax and Valium, can have some of the same signs as hallucinogens but there are other unique drug use traits that take place. People who use depressants won’t experience any hallucinations, for instance, but they can show signs of drug use that include:

  • Slurred Speech
  • Impaired Coordination
  • Strange Eye Movements
  • Slowed Breathing
  • Decreased Blood Pressure

Stimulants are the exact opposite of depressants. People who use meth or cocaine show far different signs than those who take depressants. Signs of recent stimulant use are:

  • Increased Energy
  • Mood Swings
  • Dilated Pupils
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Impaired Judgement
  • Insomnia

People who use opiates like heroin, morphine, or oxycodone will show drug use signs similar to those who use depressants. There are other symptoms of opiate use, though, which include:

  • Drowsiness
  • Constricted Pupils
  • Impaired Coordination
  • Constipation
  • Lack Of Awareness

Signs Of Drug Use Becoming A More Serious Problem

One-time drug users may not have lasting problems with drug use. Continuous or habitual drug users, on the other hand, may experience some life altering consequences after prolonged drug use. People who regularly use may start to develop drug abuse habits which can turn into an addiction. Before that happens you’ll notice signs of drug use becoming abusive, which can include:

  • Problems At Work Or School
  • Health Issues
  • Lack Of Interest
  • Mood Swings
  • Behavioral Changes
  • Changes In Appearance
  • Asking For Or Stealing Money

What To Do If You See The Signs Of Drug Use

One-time drug users may only need a single conversation and a helping hand. Habitual drug users or abusers will most likely need professional help. Healing Springs Ranch can help. At Healing Springs Ranch, our addiction treatment programs aim to get to the core of drug use problems by focusing on past traumas and a holistic full recovery.

If you or a loved one is struggling with drug abuse problems, don’t wait to get help. Call Healing Springs Ranch today at 866-656-8384.