Recognising Drug Abuse in a Loved One

Recognising Drug Abuse in a Loved One

By Dr.Fourkan Ali

Drug abuse so often leads to drug addiction and the effects that this can have on the individual, their family and their friends can be extremely damaging and long lasting. Recognising the signs of drug abuse in a loved one can help prevent addiction.

·         Drastic changes in mood and behaviour – extreme highs and lows, periods of depression, irritability, constant moods changes, excessive energy and an inability to sleep, could indicate a problem.

·         Paraphernalia – pay attention to possible drug equipment such as pipes, syringes, smoking devices and medicine bottles.

·         Withdrawal from friends and family – hobbies and activities with friends and family that were once important may now be neglected.

·         Grooming and clothing – drugs often affect a person’s hygiene as drugs consume lifestyle. Also, look out for an unusual change in clothing (i.e. long sleeved shirts to cover possible track marks).

·         Health issues – drugs have a serious impact on health. Depending on how it is consumed, a user may be affected by sudden weight loss or gain, glassed-over eyes, sinus infections, nosebleeds, running nose, dental problems and track marks. Mental health can also be affected with confusion, disorientation, psychosis, and hallucinations all common.

Behavioural signs and symptoms of drug use

Behavioural signs and symptoms of drug use

It is important to remember that many of these signs may simply be normal signs of adolescence or may be due to some other cause rather than drug use. Therefore, it would be wise to speak to us before reaching conclusions.

• Marked and uncharacteristic mood swings.
• Truancy and lateness for school, college, work etc.
• Deterioration in personal hygiene and dress.
• Covering suspicious behaviour by lying, being vague etc.
• Unusual conflict with authority figures.
• Sudden and marked change of habits.
• Loss of purpose in life.
• Lack of motivation or goals.
• Excessive borrowing of money.
• Stealing from family friends, schools, shops, work etc.
• Selling of own property with little or nothing to show for it.
• Furtive telephone calls and use of drug slang.
• Many short visits from new or older friends and many short excursions away from home.
• Wearing dark glasses, even in dull weather.
• Short term memory loss and deterioration in performance.
• Loss of concentration and co-ordination.
• Poor appetite, weight loss or eating binges.
• Suffering a succession of colds and episodes of flu which may persist for an unusually long time.
• Depression, shyness and poor self-image.
• Spending time away from home, usually overnight.
• Excessive sleeping, usually after time away from home.
• Drunken behaviour and slurred speech.

From: Understanding street drugs, 2nd edition. David Emmett and Graham Nice.

Sources: website