Do you suspect someone is doing drugs?
If you're concerned that a friend or family member might be using drugs, there are some signs to look out for. Of course, it's possible that your suspicions are wrong, so don't jump to conclusions without evidence first! The most important thing is making sure the person gets the help they need as soon as possible if they have a problem with drug use. That way, we can prevent any long-term damage from occurring before it's too late!
The following tips on how do you know that someone is doing drugs will help steer you in the right direction.
Notice a Change in Appearances
When somebody is doing drugs, their appearance will change. Appearing unkempt is a significant sign that someone might be abusing drugs. The person may start wearing different clothes, or they might get a different haircut. On the other hand, they might not bother about their attire like before. If you are doing drugs, thinking about your appearance might be the last thing you do.
They might have a change in the color of their skin or may have other side effects. Unusual odor or smell can be another thing to be aware of. It won't be surprising if they are not taking care of their hygiene.
Drugs certainly affect people's bodies. Loose weight, hyperactivity, or dullness will reflect on their appearance. So keep an eye on your beloved one's appearance or dressing. Sudden and dramatic changes might be a sign. Note that all drug abusers won't lose weight; some might become (look) more healthy.
Notice Changes in Moods
Drug abusers undergo rapid mood swings. For example, you may notice that they are unusually happy or angry. During drug withdrawal, mood swings can be a major sign.
On the other hand, people who are high on drugs speak differently than normal. When using stimulants like meth, crack, or cocaine, their voices may be quick and loud due to the dopamine rush in the brain.
Adrenaline rushes will make them over-enthusiastic about anything they might not interest them after the drug wears off. For example, they might feel like cleaning the house and may leave cleaning halfway.
In withdrawal, they might be angry and sad. It is your job to look for certain patterns of behavioral changes.
Eating Habit
Notice that your loved one is not eating well and has lost interest in their favorite foods. You might notice a change in their appetite and behavior patterns. Usually, when someone abuses a certain drug may not be hungry until they have used it. When they use it again, their appetite may return.
If you can notice that their appetite is not usual, you might have something to worry about. Also, you can tell by a specific act, like if s/he loves turkey or ice cream but declining the meal even if they are supposed to be hungry.
People who do drugs tend not to eat as much and may even forget what it's like to be hungry. This is especially normal during the first few weeks of addiction, but sometimes it continues for months or years after sobriety has been achieved – this is called anorexia nervosa.
Changes In Behaviour
Drug abusers will undoubtedly have changes in their attitude and behavior. They might become more irritable and impatient with others. They might have a lot of uncharacteristic mood swings that don't correspond with what is actually happening in the real world. A person under the influence of drugs may exhibit excessive behavior such as hyperactivity or restlessness.
Some abusers also show physical signs, especially when they are under the influence of stimulants, cocaine, or crack. For example, an abuser who is high on amphetamine will have a constricted pupils with dilated blood vessels in the eyes. This symptom is called "mydriasis." On the other hand, people addicted to opiates like heroin tend to have constricted pupils that react slowly to changes in light. The person would also seem drowsy most of the time.
Depressants like alcohol or heroin cause people to sound slow and sluggish because of sedative effects. Slurred speech could indicate intoxication with marijuana, opiates (heroin), or barbiturates (Valium).
Changes in Sleep Patterns
Watch for changes in sleeping habits (consistent with intoxication and withdrawal). People on drugs tend to have a disrupted sleep pattern. If you notice that your friend is staying up later and later, then this could be a sign of drug use. It's also common for drug users to have more extreme sleeping cycles – going from being awake 24/7 to being asleep for upwards of 18 hours at a time.
When they are in withdrawal, it becomes extremely difficult to sleep. They might not be able to sleep without taking the drug. Drugs like meth will keep them awake. On the other hand, drugs that make people drowsy, like heroin, will slow the activity of the user. They might doze off now and then. Drug abusers can be up all night and then sleep all day after using something like cocaine.
Keep an Eye Out for Excessive Spending
People who do drugs need money. A lot of money. They might also steal money and other kinds of stuff. This fact can mislead people into thinking that their friend or family member is stealing from them, but it's usually just the reality of addiction. They can't help it. It is the drug that made them like this.
You might notice them talking about needing more money here and there, even if they have a job or other means of income.
On the other hand, if you see that they have tons of money with them, it might be a sign that they are dealing drugs. Often abusers start to deal drugs just to keep up with the expense. So if your loved one tries to spend more than they should and they're not trying to buy drugs, then there may be a bigger problem than you originally thought.
They Start to Use More Excuses
When someone has a drug addiction, you will become very familiar with the excuses they make up to cover themselves. If you notice someone making more of these excuses, it could be because their drug abuse is catching up with them.
If they are asking for money, showing weird reasons, or flunking school and giving excuses, don't take it lightly.
If your friend is constantly late for everything, all of a sudden, something is going on. When someone switches from always being on time (or even early) to always running behind schedule, it may mean they've started keeping odd hours or staying out late.
Bad Grade and New Friends
If the person you used to count on for good grades suddenly comes home with a bad grade, it could be because they are doing drugs. It could also be that they stopped studying or never studied. You would be able to tell by yourself. For example, your son was always good at math; now he is failing miserably.
If your friend is suddenly hanging out with new friends, with s/he had no chances whatsoever to be a friend in the first place. These people may influence them to do drugs. If you ask them about it, they might not answer smoothly or try to skip the question.
Withdrawal Signs
One of the easiest and less reliable ways to determine whether someone is doing drugs is by looking for physical signs of drug withdrawal. The three most common drugs that people will experience drug withdrawals from are alcohol, cocaine, and heroin. Withdrawal symptoms vary from person to person. But if your beloved one is undergoing many of these together, it might be a reason to worry.
Some of the common symptoms of withdrawals are:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Muscle cramp
- Excessive Sweating
- Runny nose
- Hot and cold flushes
- Teary Eyes
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Excessive Yawning
- Frequent Urination
- Stomachache
- Shaking and shivering
- Goosebumps
- Sleeplessness
- Muscle and bone pain (Restless leg)
- High temperature and/or chills
- Fatigue and exhaustion
- Restlessness
- Vivid, unpleasant dreams
- Flu-like symptoms
- Headaches
- Excessive Heartbeat
Conclusion
This article only outlines some common ways to detect if someone is using drugs or not. But I think the most useful one is your instinct. If your gut feeling is telling you something, I would recommend you to honor that feeling.
Drugs and violence often go hand-in-hand. Unfortunately, the only way to protect yourself from that violence is by knowing how to spot it when someone is on drugs before it's too late.
Which of these ways do you think is the most appropriate one? Let me know.