Learn the Signs and Symptoms of Substance Abuse Disorder

By Brian McAlister

When it comes to recognizing the signs and symptoms of substance abuse disorder, many red flags exist. Addiction is a physical, emotional and spiritual disease. Experts universally agree on three warning signs that drug abuse, misuse or addiction is occurring. They are

1) in the eyes

2) in the wallet

3) in the attitude

Simply stated a drug, is a medicine or substance that has physical, emotional and mental effects when ingested or otherwise introduced into the body. Drugs can cause a physical reaction and a possible change in consciousness depending on the substance.

Therefore, when a drug is misused, reactions are heightened or outcomes occur that were not intended for the approved use and dosage.

The physical signs and symptoms of substance abuse disorder, drug misuse and addiction are varied. Some symptoms can signal immediate and life-threatening danger, such as the respiratory depression that happens during an opioid overdose or the rapid heart rate caused by synthetic drugs (i.e. bath salts). Other life-threatening symptoms may develop over time, such as damage to the liver of an alcoholic.

Some signs are obvious, such as needle marks in a heroin user. Other signs are subtler, such as forgetfulness or a lack of energy.

Be Alert for Warning Signs Abuse or Addiction

The eyes don’t lie. When it comes to drug misuse, the eyes often are a giveaway. To a medical expert, the eyes provide a remarkable reflection of our health, and even can reveal a risk of diabetes, high blood pressure and stroke. Red or bloodshot eyes may indicate alcohol or marijuana use; dilated pupils may indicate use of methamphetamine or cocaine. The sedative effects of opioids also are visible in the eyes.

The experts at the Mayo Clinic and elsewhere advise watching for these other physical symptoms.

• Changes in energy levels (either a lack of energy or sudden bursts of productivity)
• Weight loss or gain
• Changes in sleep patterns, either insomnia or oversleeping
• Unusual smells on breath, body or clothing
• Slurred speech, confusion, tremors

 Follow the Money

A drug habit is expensive. Anyone who is misusing drugs may show a sudden, inexplicable interest in extra money. You may also notice that he or she is going through money as fast as it comes in. If you are a parent or a spouse with access to the same bank account, you may see frequent withdrawals of small or large sums of money, sometimes on the same day. In fact, many drug dependencies are discovered when money, jewelry, property or other items go missing.

Recognize Other Behavioral Clues of Substance Abuse Disorder

For loved ones, friends or family members who are paying attention, other clues can be just as revealing.

One common symptom to the misuse of many drugs is a marked change in mood and behavior. This is because the physiological changes introduced by drugs also prompt changes in mental functioning and behavior. Examples include:

• An extrovert who now doesn’t want to leave the house
• A student whose grades have suddenly dropped
• A curious person who’s lost interest in hobbies, activities
• A productive employee who now can’t seem to get anything done, or an industrious type who is now spending days on the couch
• A generally cheerful person who is suddenly moody or brooding
• A person who is suddenly neglecting his appearance, showing no interest in clothing, grooming or looks

Experts warn such changes are often signs of a significant problem.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse outlines more than a dozen important behavioral warning signs. A compulsion is problematic, experts say, when drug use continues despite negative consequences, such as after a DUI or when misuse has created a rift among friends. Another red flag is when tolerance levels increase, i.e. when a higher dosage of a drug is required to achieve the same effect.

Secrecy is also a clue. Be wary of the teenager who is suddenly barring entry to his room, or the drinker who is now hiding liquor all over the house.

Warning Signs and Symptoms of Opioid Misuse

Opioid abuse is the No. 1 national health concern, and has caused heartbreak for millions of families across the nation. According to Understanding Opioids, a report by Harvard Medical School, sales of prescription opioids in the United States have nearly quadrupled since 1999.

According to the Mayo Clinic, the symptoms of opioid misuse include drowsiness, slurred speech, confusion and constipation. The Cleveland Clinic offers a number of red flag behaviors that identify a likely dependency and addiction to opioids.

• Taking drugs not as prescribed, for example, every three hours instead of every six hours
• Taking medication as a coping mechanism, rather than for pain
• Running out of medication early
• Becoming preoccupied with the next dosage
• Boosting the drug for greater effect (by mixing it with alcohol, for example)

The appeal of opioids is extraordinary. Opioids offer an immediate release, and a deep sense of euphoria. Withdrawal symptoms are often severe. This combination makes the drug especially dangerous. According to the Federal Drug Administration, the symptoms of withdraw from opioids include:

• Anxiety
• Agitation
• Sleep problems
• Runny nose
• Sweating
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Diarrhea

Warning Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol Use Disorder

Alcohol use is prevalent in modern society. Drinking often is viewed as an important element to any celebration or get-together – which can make it difficult to recognize abuse. On many university and college campuses, for example, binge drinking is encouraged, and blackouts, a frightening symptom of misuse, are often a party goal.

The Centers for Disease Control notes that one in 10 deaths of working-age adults in the United States is alcohol related. One in 10. This of course has a devastating impact on family, friends, coworkers and businesses.

Warning signs of alcohol disorder include excessive drinking and binge drinking. What do those terms mean? The CDC offers an explanation.

Binge Drinker

• Woman who drinks four or more drinks during a single occasion
• Man who drinks five or more drinks during a single occasion

Heavy Drinker

• Woman wo drinks eight or more drinks per week
• Man who drinks 25 or more drinks per week.

One drink, according to the CDC, is 12 ounces of beer (5% alcohol content), 8 ounces of malt liquor (7% alcohol content), 5 ounces of wine (12% alcohol content) and 1.5 ounces of 80-proof (40% alcohol content) distilled spirits or liquor (e.g., gin, rum, vodka, whiskey)

Symptoms of alcohol abuse include dizziness and blackouts. Experts also say it’s important to watch for symptoms of withdrawal. Such symptoms include shakiness, nausea, sweating, a racing heart or even seizure. Those who suffer such withdrawal symptoms likely have a problem.

Learn the Warning Signs for Use of Other Drugs

The Mayo Clinic offers a number of warning signs and symptoms for the misuse of other popular drugs.

• Hallucinating, vomiting, confusion (bath salts)
• Drowsiness, slurred sleep, dizziness (depressants, such as Ambien, Xanax, Seconal)
• Paranoia, aggression, increased heart rate (stimulants, such as methamphetamine and cocaine

When it comes to drug and alcohol use, it’s often difficult for the individual who may be actively using to admit a problem exists. Because addiction is a progressive and potentially terminally illness, it always gets worse over time. My goal is to help individuals and loved ones recognize a substance abuse disorder as early as possible. Why wait to hit rock bottom to get better, to take- action.

Even with all this information, it’s not only tough to be a detective, it’s likely just going to cause you more worry. The Freedom 365 Virtual Recovery System offers individuals a free assessment to help them know if they have a substance abuse problem. The assessment is secure and respects your anonymity.

Freedom 365™ aims to put addiction recovery support and strategy in reach of everyone who needs help, no matter where they are and on any device. Find out more here.

Brian McAlister is the President and CEO of Virtual Recovery System™ Freedom 365 and Full Recovery Wellness Center. He is Best-selling author of Full Recovery, The Recovering Person’s Guide to Unleashing Your Inner Power. Sober date: August 2, 1990