What Are Some Characteristics/behaviors of Drug Use in a Person.?
Question by Princess: What are some characteristics/behaviors of drug use in a person.?
I know there are obvious ones such as lying, avoiding friends, and being secretive.
Best answer:
Answer by Y’Luna
What are the signs and symptoms of drug addiction and 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.
For more signs and symptoms of drug addiction, see the table below.
Substance Abuse Signs & Symptoms
Tolerance
Needing to use more of the drug to achieve the same effects.
Withdrawal
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms (e.g. nausea, restlessness, insomnia, concentration problems, sweating, tremors, anxiety) after reducing or stopping chronic drug use. Taking a drug in order to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
Doing more drugs than intended
Taking a larger amount of a drug than planned. Using a drug more frequently or for a longer period of time than intended.
Unable to stop using
Desire or unsuccessful attempts to cut down or stop drug use.
Preoccupation with drug
Spending a lot of time getting, using, and recovering from the effects of a drug.
Giving up/reducing other activities
Abandoning or spending less time on previously-enjoyed activities, such as hobbies, sports, and socializing, in order to use drugs.
Failure to fulfill obligations
Neglecting school, work, or family responsibilities (e.g. flunking classes, skipping work, neglecting your children) because of drug use.
Risky drug use
Using a drug under dangerous conditions, such as while driving or operating machinery. Taking risks while high, such as starting a fight or engaging in unprotected sex.
Drug-related physical or psychological problems
Continuing to use despite physical problems (e.g. blackouts, flashbacks, infections, injuries) or psychological problems (e.g. mood swings, depression, anxiety, delusions, paranoia) the drug has caused.
Drug-related legal problems
Legal troubles because of drug use, such as arrests for disorderly conduct, driving under the influence, or stealing to support drug habit.
Drug-related social or interpersonal problems
Losing
Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!
early signs of drug use – anette edens.