Author: Alex Thompson

Substance Use Disorder SUD: Symptoms & Treatment

You may notice this person spraying areas such as their room or car, wearing very strong cologne or perfume, or even burning candles and incense to cover it. This is concerning especially if this is a new behavior. Increased drug abuse can lead to anxiety or paranoia, especially if the drug has left their system and they are experiencing withdrawal.

In the past, healthcare providers, organizations and members of the public often used the terms “addiction/addict,” “abuse/abuser” and “dependence” when referring to substance use. The use of most substances will produce noticeable signs and symptoms. These may include physical or behavioral symptoms—most likely both.

Recognizing an addiction problem in someone you know can be harder than it seems. The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) defines addiction as a chronic disease that affects the brain’s reward, motivation, and memory functions. Someone with an addiction will crave a substance or other behavioral habits. They’ll often ignore other areas of life to fulfill or support their desires. Addiction—to prescription and street drugs and alcohol —is a serious problem. If you’re worried that you or a loved one may have an addiction, there are signs to help you know.

About 70% percent of people who began using at age 13 have an SUD compared to 27% who started at age 17. Substances send massive surges of dopamine through your brain, too. Substance use disorder can be mild, moderate or severe. It involves continued substance use despite negative consequences. Addiction to substances happens when the reward system in your brain “takes over” and amplifies compulsive substance-seeking.

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About 20% of people in the U.S. who have depression or an anxiety disorder also have a substance use disorder. Consider how a social drinker can become intoxicated, get behind the wheel of a car, and quickly turn a pleasurable activity into a tragedy that affects many lives. Occasional drug use, such as misusing an opioid to get high, can have similarly disastrous effects, including impaired driving and overdose. Similar events can occur in the lives of people without an addiction problem. But these can become more common when an addiction is present. Before approaching someone you think may have an addition, determine if the problem is a result of a single incident or a growing problem with the addiction.

They may also choose to spend more time than usual away from home to hide their use. People often use drugs to change the way they feel, whether to increase pleasure or calm anxiety. If you notice that your loved one has a drastic change in their usual mood, either they are extremely euphoric or drowsy, it could indicate drug use. Some drugs will suppress appetite while others may cause rapid weight gain. If you notice that your loved one’s weight has changed without explanation, it could mean that they have begun to regularly use addictive substances.

When should I see my healthcare provider?

Substituted cathinones, also called “bath salts,” are mind-altering (psychoactive) substances similar to amphetamines such as ecstasy (MDMA) and cocaine. Packages are often labeled as other products to avoid detection. Signs and symptoms of drug use or intoxication may vary, depending on the type of drug. They may have difficulty remembering details of important appointments or blatantly ignore pressing deadlines or obligations.

1. People who inject drugs will have marks or small wounds, usually on their arms.
2. As drugs become the primary focus of someone’s life, they often spend more and more time using and obtaining drugs.
3. They may try to sneak in or out of the house, try to hide their drugs in their room or car, and they may spend more time alone in their room with the door locked.

This class of drugs includes, among others, heroin, morphine, codeine, methadone, fentanyl and oxycodone. Despite the name, these are not bath products such as Epsom salts. Substituted cathinones can be eaten, snorted, inhaled or injected and are highly addictive. These drugs can cause severe intoxication, which results in dangerous health effects or even death. Synthetic cannabinoids, also called K2 or Spice, are sprayed on dried herbs and then smoked, but can be prepared as an herbal tea. A liquid form can be vaporized in electronic cigarettes.

What other factors increase the risk of addiction?

Knowing how to tell if someone is on drugs can help you recognize when professional help is needed. When someone misuses drugs or alcohol, they may look and act in uncharacteristic ways. They may also think and feel differently than they normally do.

Behavioral Signs of Drug Addiction

People who become addicted to opioids are often prescribed prescription drugs, such as painkillers, often following something like an accident or surgery. They can then start taking higher doses of those prescription drugs, which can lead to abuse. They may also seek cheaper forms of opioids, such as heroin. Overall, 75% of heroin users report that the first opioid they took was a prescription drug. Drug addictions can be extremely costly, depending on the substance used. A person may repeatedly ask to borrow money from friends or family members or sell their possessions to maintain their drug addiction.

You may not even notice this until the school calls or until they stop receiving paychecks. Outbursts, Resentful Behavior, Intense Irritability, or Mood Swings. They may become moody and not want to talk to you or anyone that may notice changes due to drug use. The best way to prevent an addiction to a drug is not to take the drug at all. If your health care provider prescribes a drug with the potential for addiction, use care when taking the drug and follow instructions. Drug use can have significant and damaging short-term and long-term effects.

Psychological signs of drug abuse can include changes in a person’s thought patterns, attitudes, beliefs and priorities. A single test can’t diagnose substance use disorder. Instead, healthcare providers rely on a thorough evaluation of your medical history and behaviors surrounding substance use.

Signs of Drug Addiction

But with continued use, a person’s ability to exert self-control can become seriously impaired. This impairment in self-control is the hallmark of addiction. People with an addiction tend to surround themselves with others who encourage their habits. When confronted, they may make excuses and try to justify their behavior to you. No matter the type of addiction, it’s important to recognize warning signs and seek help if necessary. A healthy person can usually identify a negative behavior and get rid of it.