You may think spotting drug use is easy, but identifying dangerous drugs is a lot harder than it seems. It’s not as simple as checking out the user’s eyes; in fact, there’s a high probability that the user has already masked them.
Drug users often try to hide the signs of drug use. In instances like this, it’s up to the rest of us to be more perceptive of risky behavior.
The following guide outlines everyday signs that could mean someone has substance misuse.
Change in Appearance
Change in appearance can be a strong indicator when trying to understand if someone is messing with dangerous drugs. The most apparent change in appearance would be a decrease or increase in weight. A change in complexion is also noticed, or they may look pale and have dark circles under their eyes.
Other changes to look for might be sores along the arms, signs of injection sites, and increased sensitivity to heat and cold. Someone messing with dangerous substances can look messy, unkempt, and have poor hygiene.
It would be best to consider changes in dress code and behavioral patterns. Someone using drugs may start to isolate themselves, lack motivation, and display strong emotions.
Noticeable Loss of Interest in Activities
Substance abuse can make a person want a drug more than anything else. It can stop them from doing things they used to enjoy. This means they might not care about spending time with family or friends, doing their job, or having fun with hobbies and sports.
When someone gets caught up in drug use, their interest in activities they once loved can fade away. It’s like their hobbies, spending time with loved ones, and even work become less important, and this change can be evident to those around them. They might stop going to family gatherings, skip sports they used to enjoy and lose their enthusiasm for work or school.
It’s like the things that used to make them happy slowly disappear. This is a sign that they might need help to break free from drug addiction and rediscover the joy in their life.
Sometimes, it’s tough for the people close to someone using drugs to see this change happening. But watching how they act and feel about the things they once loved is crucial. This way, we can help them return to a healthier and happier life.
Deteriorating Physical Health
Opioid addiction strains the heart, lungs, and brain, increasing the chance of addiction. It puts individuals at risk of severe and long-term health problems. Muscle weakness and pain can develop, as can a lack of coordination.
Cardiac and respiratory issues can worsen, and organ damage is a potential consequence. Those on dangerous drugs may find themselves losing weight or developing nutritional deficiencies. This damages their immune systems and their ability to fight infection.
Changes in Sleep Habits
Dangerous drugs like opiates and amphetamines disrupt regular sleep cycles. These drugs also interfere with the body’s natural production of hormones like melatonin. The soothing properties of opiates can result in lengthy and deep periods of sleep. It’s also associated with difficulty waking up and grogginess during the day.
Stimulants like amphetamines can result in trouble falling asleep and reduce the total amount of sleep. Both types of drugs can cause your body to become dependent on the substance. It leaves you feeling lethargic and sleep-deprived if the drug is unavailable.
Long-term use of these dangerous drugs can permanently affect your sleep and health. It’s essential to get help from a detox center to address the underlying issues with drugs and to get proper help treating opioid addictions.
Secretive Behavior and Lying
Secretive behavior and habitual lying are two of the most common symptoms of drug addiction. A person who suffers from this type of addiction will go to great lengths to hide their potential use from friends and family. They may tell stories about where they’ve been or what they’ve been doing, fabricating truths to avoid telling the whole story.
Besides being a habitual liar, a person with a drug addiction may show sudden outbursts of aggression or anger. They may also become paranoid and suspicious. Difficulty focusing and remaining attentive are common side effects, too.
Sudden Changes in Social Network
Drug addiction can cause significant changes in addicts’ social networks. People may withdraw from relationships with family and friends. Abrupt changes in social plans, disappearing from social media for days or weeks, and having secretive conversations are red flags of drug addiction.
People who suffer from drug addiction may also adopt new social circles. It could include individuals who don’t participate in conventional or legal activities.
Involvement in Criminal Activity
Drug addiction and criminal activity are often closely related. Drug addicts frequently commit criminal acts to pay for drugs or get funds to purchase them. They may steal items of value, commit break-ins or robberies, deal drugs, or engage in other activities to obtain money.
Drug addiction can also cause people to become violent and volatile or make bad decisions that lead to criminal behavior. Addicts often lack judgment and rational thinking abilities that discourage them from engaging in illegal activity. Substance abuse can lead to impaired driving, public drunkenness, and numerous other offenses. The combination of addiction and criminal activity can have a devasting impact on addicts and their families.
Finding Burnt Tin Foil or Hypodermic Needles
It is important to remain observant if you suspect someone you know may be messing with drugs, mainly if you see the telltale signs of drug abuse. Burnt tin foil and hypodermic needles are two of the most obvious signs that someone you know is experimenting with dangerous drugs.
If burnt tin foil is found, chances are that someone is using drugs such as crack or heroin, as they use the foil to heat and melt the drug substances. Empty hypodermic needles, such as syringes, are signs that someone has been using drugs like heroin. If these signs are found, it’s a good idea to speak to the person in question and ask them directly.
Know the Telltale Signs of Dangerous Drugs Use
Drug misuse is a severe issue. If you suspect that someone you know is using dangerous drugs, seeking advice from their health care provider and a mental health professional is essential. Constant conversation and understanding about drugs and addiction are necessary to help those affected.
Do your part to end the abuse of dangerous drugs. Talk to someone today.
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