Signs & Symptoms of Drug Use & Abuse

"The more drug use begins to affect and control a person's life, the more likely it is that he or she has a drug problem. Unfortunately, substance abusers are often the last ones to recognize their own symptoms of dependence and addiction. If you suspect that a friend or loved one is abusing drugs, it's important to remember that drug abusers often try to conceal their symptoms and downplay their problem. But there are a number of warning signs you can look for:

* Inability to relax or have fun without doing drugs.
* Sudden changes in work or school attendance and quality of work or grades.
* Frequently borrowing money, selling possessions, or stealing items from employer, home, or school.
* Angry outbursts, mood swings, irritability, manic behavior, or overall attitude change.
* Talking incoherently or making inappropriate remarks.
* Deterioration of physical appearance and grooming.
* Wearing sunglasses and/or long sleeve shirts frequently or at inappropriate times.
* No longer spending time with friends who don't use drugs and/or associating with known users.
* Engaging in secretive or suspicious behaviors, such as making frequent trips to the restroom, basement, or other isolated areas where drug use would be undisturbed.
* Talking about drugs all the time and pressuring others to use.
* Expressing feelings of exhaustion, depression, and hopelessness.
* Using drugs first thing in the morning."