Drug abuse or drug addiction: the physical signs

Drug abuse or drug addiction produces significant and identifiable physical signs. Recognition of these is often the first step in helping this person get back on their feet.

The sooner these signs are recognized, brought to the fore and addressed, the more likely catastrophic consequences can be avoided. It is not a realistic option to ignore a drug problem and simply hope it will go away. Drug abuse and drug addiction is progressive, it will always get worse.

The following is a list of the physical symptoms of the most commonly abused substances:

Marijuana

Marijuana works on the parts of the brain that affect emotion regulation and memory. Symptoms will include being spaced out, glassy eyes, drowsiness. There is often loud talking or silliness and inappropriate laughter. There may be fatigue, reduced concentration and coordination. It is not uncommon to lose interest in hobbies or activities that were previously pleasurable. There may be a general loss of motivation along with weight gain or loss and altered perceptions.

Central nervous system depressants (includes barbiturates and tranquilizers):

Symptoms often include a slower rate of breathing, slow response time to conversation or activities, and difficulty concentrating along with confusion. There may be clumsiness and lack of coordination, drowsiness, memory loss, and depression.

central nervous system stimulants

Symptoms will include euphoria and increased activity, “becoming hyperactive or manic.” With prolonged use, it is very common for paranoia to develop. There is usually a decreased desire to eat and loss of appetite with significant weight loss. There are sleep interruptions, either from not feeling the need to sleep or from longer periods of time without sleep, seizures, increased heart rate, rapid heart rate, and depression, usually as the effect of stimulation wears off. the drug, the effects are higher, but the troughs are lower. Details on two common stimulants, cocaine and methamphetamine, are below.

Cocaine

Those who have been abusing or addicted to cocaine for a relatively short period of time will experience the immediate physical effects of increased blood pressure, increased energy, talking a lot, decreased appetite, and a need for sleep. Other physical symptoms may include: hypervigilance, rapid heart rate, and increased temperature.

People who have been abusing the substance for a long time will experience many of the above, such as increased mood swings and further impaired judgment and mental ability. The cumulative physical effects of these symptoms include heart attacks, respiratory failure, strokes, seizures, seizures, nausea, and coma.

methamphetamines

Those who abuse this substance will have similar symptoms, if not some of the same, as those listed above, but also hallucinations, jerking and jerking movements, and rotten teeth. Few drugs cause more physical damage than methamphetamines.

opioids

Symptoms of opioid abuse will include numbness to pain, lethargy, confusion, slowed breathing, anxiety, vomiting, constipation, and needle marks; symptoms such as infections of the lining of the heart, skin sores/abscesses, and breathing problems may also develop after prolonged overuse.

One final tip: People who abuse or are addicted to drugs become masters of cover-ups. They can provide plausible excuses for their behavior and physical state. The giveaway is that over time, physical symptoms will worsen, it’s important to stay alert to changes over time when trying to identify signs of drug abuse and drug addiction.