One of the scariest things about drug addiction and substance abuse is that it can affect literally anyone and everyone. There are no prerequisites that determine whether someone will be a drug addict or alcoholic. Anyone, no matter what their sex, age or socioeconomic status, can fall victim to addiction. Why do addictions interfere with so many people’s lives? First and foremost, tolerance and dependency can evolve extremely quickly. For most, there is no period of recognition that makes them wonder if it is perhaps time to give up a certain vice. Instead, addiction takes hold quickly, making it extremely hard for the person to cut off the pattern of abuse easily, or many times, at all.

When someone owns up to the fact that they have an addiction, outside help is almost always needed in order to break the pattern. When you realize that you or someone you know has a drug problem, it is imperative that you seek help as soon as possible. Below you can find a list of signs and symptoms that someone is suffering from a substance abuse problem.

Physical Symptoms of Substance Abuse

One of the most common symptoms drug addicts notice in themselves over time is the inability for the drugs to make as much of an impact on them over time. This means that they have to continually use more and more of a substance in order to get the desired high. Often, this increase of dosage will lead to overdose which can result in death.

Some other signs that you or someone you know may have a substance abuse problem are as follows:

• Eyes that are bloodshot or glazed over
• Pupils that are dilated or constricted
• Extreme and fast changes in weight
• Unexplained bruising, infections and other signs that a drug has entered the body some other way than orally.
• Dark circles or bags beneath the eyes.

Behavioral Symptoms of Substance Abuse

Not only does substance abuse take an extreme toll on a person’s body, but it also will change the way they normally behave. As an addict becomes more and more dependent on a substance, the brain begins to lose its ability to properly function. There are many behavioral symptoms that a person can exhibit depending on what substance they have become addicted to.

Some of the most common of these are:

• Extreme mood swings and changes in personality
• Inability to form coherent thoughts
• Extreme aggression or irritability
• Lethargy
• Uncharacteristic depression
• Changes to their social network, seeing old friends and family much less frequently
• Financial issues
• Sudden involvement in criminal activities

Do you need help with a substance abuse problem?

Whether you are the person suffering or you know someone who is, it’s imperative that the person who has a substance abuse problem seek help as soon as possible. At OUR Center, we have a support network that allows those who are trying to escape the grasp of substance abuse to move past their addiction. Learn more about how our support network can help you by calling us today for more information.