What Are the Physical Signs of Drug Abuse?

Question by JessaB: What are the physical signs of drug abuse?
My friend recently moved in with me and I’m worried he may be on something. He’s always fidgety, talks a lot about nothing, his eyes are always dilated, and when he goes into the bathroom he’s in there for quite a while. When he comes back out he says he’s having stomach troubles but (and I know this might seem nasty) it never smells so I’m thinking unless his business smells like roses he’s doing something else. Am I just being paranoid?

Best answer:

Answer by Angel_face
Physical Signs

* Loss of appetite, increase in appetite, any changes in eating habits, unexplained weight loss or gain.
* Slowed or staggering walk; poor physical coordination.
* Inability to sleep, awake at unusual times, unusual laziness.
* Red, watery eyes; pupils larger or smaller than usual; blank stare.
* Cold, sweaty palms; shaking hands.
* Puffy face, blushing or paleness.
* Smell of substance on breath, body or clothes.
* Extreme hyperactivity; excessive talkativeness.
* Runny nose; hacking cough.
* Needle marks on lower arm, leg or bottom of feet.
* Nausea, vomiting or excessive sweating.
* Tremors or shakes of hands, feet or head.
* Irregular heartbeat.

Behavioral Signs

* Change in overall attitude/personality with no other identifiable cause.
* Changes in friends; new hang-outs; sudden avoidance of old crowd; doesn’t want to talk about new friends; friends are known drug users.
* Change in activities or hobbies.
* Drop in grades at school or performance at work; skips school or is late for school.
* Change in habits at home; loss of interest in family and family activities.
* Difficulty in paying attention; forgetfulness.
* General lack of motivation, energy, self-esteem, “I don’t care” attitude.
* Sudden oversensitivity, temper tantrums, or resentful behavior.
* Moodiness, irritability, or nervousness.
* Silliness or giddiness.
* Paranoia
* Excessive need for privacy; unreachable.
* Secretive or suspicious behavior.
* Car accidents.
* Chronic dishonesty.
* Unexplained need for money, stealing money or items.
* Change in personal grooming habits.
* Possession of drug paraphernalia.

Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!

 


 

Knowing The Signs Of Drug Abuse / Educational Video – Knowing The Signs Of Drug Abuse / Educational Video. Public domain video.

 

Mass. Gov. signs prescription drug bill

Filed under: signs of drug abuse

Deval Patrick has signed into law a bill that aims to prevent the diversion of prescription drugs and decrease drug abuse and addiction. Patrick gave final approval to the bill Saturday. The Democratic governor raised concerns over the resources …
Read more on San Francisco Chronicle

 

Mass. Gov. signs bill that aims to decrease drug abuse and addiction

Filed under: signs of drug abuse

BOSTON — Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick has signed into law a bill that aims to prevent the diversion of prescription drugs and decrease drug abuse and addiction. Patrick gave final approval to the bill Saturday. The Democratic governor raised …
Read more on The Republic

 

From Twitter:

Know the signs of drug abuse and this will help your family avoid losing your love one. http://t.co/l7Rul6OG – by HawaiiSolarChef (Gloria Pondela)

 

From Twitter:

Deval Patrick signed bill that aims to prevent the diversion of prescription drugs, decrease drug abuse, addiction http://t.co/Wp8lgmNA – by BeWellBoston (Boston Health News)

 

From Twitter:

“Will you wonder ‘how could she be so blind & not recognize the signs of alcohol & drug abuse in her own daughter?’” http://t.co/c0XwDm8V – by sobrietyaddict (Rachael Ekinci)