Drug abuse causes physical and emotional changes in individuals, with signs varying depending on the type of drug. Addicts may change their appearance, behavior, and experience physical symptoms. Teenagers may exhibit changes in school performance, social circle, and behavior, indicating drug addiction.
When a person is in the throes of drug abuse, getting drugs becomes the main goal in life. The importance of family, friends and work fades into oblivion as the addict sinks into addiction. Signs of abuse may vary, as different drugs cause different effects on the mental and physical health of the user, but the overall signs of substance abuse remain the same.
Drugs like cocaine that act as stimulants, rev up the body. An addict who is addicted to drugs such as cocaine often cannot sleep. The abuser’s metabolism and blood pressure level may also increase. Other drugs that slow down the body, such as barbiturates, will lower blood pressure levels and mental alertness. The attacker’s breathing will also slow down.
People who are struggling with drug abuse will experience other physical symptoms depending on the type of drug being abused. Stimulant abusers may behave hyperactively or experience abrupt weight loss. People who abuse drugs such as barbiturates require excessive amounts of sleep or experience dramatic weight gain. They may move slower, show slower speech, appear disoriented or seem confused.
Addicts can suddenly start changing the way they dress. Those who inject drugs with needles may start wearing long-sleeved shirts all the time in hopes of hiding their arms. People who snort drugs may suffer from chronic nosebleeds or sinus problems.
Addicts who smoke drugs may have frequent cases of bronchitis or a chronic cough. Their cough can produce large amounts of blood or mucus. Addicts who abuse the drug methamphetamine can also be afflicted with serious dental problems.
The emotional signs of substance abuse are just as varied as the physical signs. For example, some drug addicts may have difficulty controlling their temper, becoming easily angry or agitated. They may even resort to violence.
Other employees may remain consistently cheerful, chatty, or energetic. On the other hand, some addicts may appear overly calm and emotionally distant, unaware of the world around them. Some addicts will appear depressed or suffer from hallucinations and delusions.
Teens dealing with drug abuse can exhibit drastic changes in behavior. They may suddenly start having difficulty in school or appear more withdrawn. Some drug-addicted adolescents may not be able to sleep or want to sleep all the time. Perhaps they have new friends that they have started hanging out with or have developed a habit of stealing. A combination of these factors may suggest that a teenager has developed a drug addiction.
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