Drug Awareness Signs and Symptoms of Drug Use

Substance use/misuse refers to occasional episodes of substance use rather than chronic, habitual or patterned use. The rate at which the substance crosses the blood-brain barrier and triggers the reward pathway in your brain. Prescription and non-prescription stimulants, such as Adderall®, cocaine and methamphetamine. Mental health and wellness tips, our latest articles, resources and more.

Also, it is important to understand that withdrawal symptoms arise when the body adjusts to the absence of familiar quantities of a drug. It is a natural process, butwithdrawal can be dangerous. These drugs are chemically related and interact with opioid receptors on nerve cells in the body and brain. Regular use—even as prescribed by a doctor—can lead to dependence and, when misused, opioid pain relievers can lead to overdose incidents and deaths. The symptoms of prescription drug abuse will vary depending upon the substance abused, frequency of abuse, other drug abuse, and length of addiction. The symptoms have been broken down into general symptoms and those specific to the drug of abuse.

What are the signs and symptoms of substance use disorder?

This disrupts normal functions and may cause a deficit in memory. Most people struggling with addiction are going to have some form of financial problems considering most, if not all, of their money is supporting their habit.

Others may be symptoms of depression or a host of other problems. Whatever the cause, they may warrant attention, especially if they persist or if they occur in a cluster. A mental health professional or a caring and concerned adult may help a youngster successfully overcome a crisis and develop more effective coping skills, often preventing further problems. If you think a loved one is misusing drugs, it’s important to look for signs of drug addiction that can help you determine what drug is being used.

What Are the Signs of Having a Problem With Drugs?

An intervention specialist will help your family approach the topic of addiction with clarity and understanding and can provide invaluable support and advice. When substance use takes hold of someone’s signs of drug use life, new priorities and feelings will control how they behave. Spending money to support drug use takes away money from other needs, could lead to debt, and can lead to illegal or unethical behaviors.

Understanding the science behind addiction can be complicated. Some people might think that people become addicted if they don’t have any willpower or good morals. In actuality, addiction is a complex and chronic brain disease that can affect people from all backgrounds. Expose your teen to healthy hobbies and activities, such as team sports and after-school clubs. Discovering your child uses drugs can generate fear, confusion, and anger. It’s important to remain calm when confronting your teen, and to only do so when everyone is sober. Explain your concerns and make it clear that your concern comes from a place of love.

Signs of Drug Abuse, Use, or Addiction

Depression, headaches, dizziness (from hangover/after effects), possession of pacifiers , lollipops, candy necklaces, mentholated vapor rub, vomiting or nausea (from hangover/after effects). Availability and consumption of alcohol becomes the focus of social activities. People who inject drugs will have marks or small wounds, usually on their arms. These may also appear on the legs, hands, or sometimes even feet.

In detoxification, you stop taking the substance, allowing them to leave your body. Depending on the severity of the SUD, the substance or an alternative may be tapered off to lessen the effects of withdrawal. You can go through detoxification in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Adolescents are especially at risk for developing SUD due to exposure. Adolescents who start using substances early are more likely to develop an SUD. About 70% percent of people who began using at age 13 have an SUD compared to 27% who started at age 17.

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Gradual development of difficulties, especially in schoolwork or job performance. Being “in the know” is extremely important and often ties to the longevity of success. That’s why, at Options, communication and transparency are the backbone of our relationship with patients, loved ones, and professional referral sources. We’d love the opportunity to help you during this overwhelming and difficult process. The Summit Wellness Group is located in Georgia and all of your calls will be directed to one of our local staff members. Our sincere passion is helping people recover so that they can live full, meaningful and healthy lives.