Author: John Carter

How To Tell If Someone Is On Cocaine Signs of Cocaine Use & Addiction

how to know if someone's on drugs

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. 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.

Some drug users snort or “huff” them directly up the nose. Hallucinogens are diverse drugs that can alter your awareness and perception. They can distort your surroundings, thoughts, and feelings. BetterHelp can connect you to an addiction and mental health counselor.

There are common signs and symptoms that suggest a person is on drugs. In addition to the physical signs, there are several behavioral signs of drug addiction. Generally, someone who has a drug addiction will not be “themselves.” Think of all the times someone said they were an “angry drunk” as an example. This is because alcohol changes the way they process information and react to it. 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.

  1. Also check for puncture marks on the person’s arms, as some users inject cocaine intravenously with a syringe.
  2. It is important to pay attention to your loved one’s eyes, as that is usually a very telling indicator that they may be using drugs.
  3. You may notice your loved one is lying about where they are or who they’re with.
  4. These may also appear on the legs, hands, or sometimes even feet.

Someone who experiences painful physical withdrawal symptoms may be incredibly irritable and lash out at others in anger unexpectedly. However, like other substance-induced changes in mood, feelings of irritability can be addressed by a therapist in individual counseling. Drug abuse leads to unhealthy behaviors that can ruin your life. However, knowing the signs and symptoms of drug use can help you get help before it’s too late. If you believe that your loved one may be dealing with substance abuse or drug addiction, reaching out to them is the best way to start a conversation help. Substance abuse can be overcome, and the odds of long-term recovery increase when a person seeks help through a professionally trained recovery center.

Signs and Symptoms of Hallucinogen Drug Abuse

There is often a direct link between chemical alterations of the brain becoming visible through the eyes. Some drugs will cause redness or bloodshot eyes, while some will alter pupil size. It is important to pay attention to your loved one’s eyes, as that is usually a very telling indicator that they may be using drugs. Drug use can make depression worse in those who already have it, or cause it in people who didn’t have it previously. Their pupils might be affected as well, either being extremely dilated or so small they look like pinpoints.

how to know if someone's on drugs

Over 14 million people (5.4 percent of the population) have tried meth at least once. We’d love the opportunity to help you during this overwhelming and difficult process. The Summit Wellness Group is located in Georgia and all of your calls will be directed to one of our local staff members. Our sincere passion is helping people recover so that they can live full, meaningful and healthy lives.

Depending on the drug they use, the whites of their eyes may be bloodshot and the eyes may be watery. Here are some physical, behavioral, and psychological signs of drug use. Keep in mind that not everyone reacts in the same way and this list is not all-inclusive. Some individuals may demonstrate signs as described below while others may show none.

Behavioral Signs of Drug Addiction

Most people are not going to be very public about their drug use, especially if it’s to an illegal substance. You may notice your loved one is lying about where they are or who they’re with. Maybe their story keeps changing, and they can never seem to be honest about what they’ve been up to.

Social, emotional and mental isolation are common signs that someone needs help for a drug or alcohol addiction. People who face a substance use disorder may isolate themselves from their partners, friends or family members to keep their addiction a secret. They’ll try to avoid questions about unexplained physical changes, like track marks or weight loss, or odd behaviors. If you think someone is abusing cocaine, look for physical symptoms like dilated pupils and nasal issues. Since many cocaine users snort it, someone who is abusing cocaine will likely suffer from nosebleeds, a decreased sense of smell, and damaged nostrils.

Not everyone who uses drugs or alcohol has a substance abuse problem. However, about 10% of Americans struggle with substance abuse. Understanding the signs and symptoms of drug addiction is the first step towards getting help.

Other Physical Signs

If you or a loved one live with cocaine addiction or are using cocaine recreationally and want to stop, it’s time to seek professional help. The Recovery Village provides care to those struggling with substance use. Reach out to one of our knowledgeable representatives today to learn how you can start on your path to recovery.

Someone who smokes cocaine may show physical signs of use such as burned fingers or lips. It is currently estimated that about 10% of adults struggle with a substance abuse disorder. Though your loved one may not admit to having a drug problem, it is important to be able to recognize the signs of drug abuse. For some individuals, substance abuse begins when they start socially experimenting with various substances.

They may stop caring about their grades and choose to neglect the work they need to do to improve academic performance. Forgetfulness, Trouble Concentrating, or Paying Attention. Some drugs may cause impaired memory, inability to focus, or loss of time due to blackouts.