Observable Signs of Drug Use in Others

You can observe and recognize the signs of drug abuse in those around you by paying attention to an individual’s behavior.

Some of the symptoms of a drug problem include alienation from others, severe changes in behavior, and increased defensiveness.

Drug addicts typically will give up previously enjoyable activities that they would normally participate in. Their lives will become consumed with two things, getting the drugs and using the drugs.

Their physical appearance will change drastically. They will start missing work or school and the quality of their work will suffer.

To help you identify what type of drug the person might be using, here are some common outward signs of specific drugs:

Marijuana

1. Rapid or loud talking with frequent bursts of laughter in the early stages of intoxication
2. Always sleepy or in a state of stupor in the later stages
3. Frequent forgetfulness in conversation
4. Inflammation in whites of eyes. The pupils are unlikely to be dilated
5. An odor similar to burnt rope on clothing or from their breath
6. Tendency to drive slowly, well below the speed limit
7. Distorted sense of time passing, there is a tendency to overestimate time intervals
8. Use or possession of certain paraphernalia

Stimulants

(Cocaine, Amphetamines, Methamphetamines)
1. Dilated pupils (if large amounts are consumed)
2. Dry mouth and nose, foul breath, and frequent lip licking
3. Excessive hyperactivity, difficulty sitting still, lack of interest in food or sleep
4. Being very irritable, argumentative, and nervous
5. Talkative, but the conversation often makes no sense and changes subjects rapidly
6. Chronic sinus/nasal problems, nose bleeds
7. Use or possession of paraphernalia

Depressants

(Barbiturates, Benzodiazepines)
1. Symptoms of alcohol intoxication with no alcohol odor on breath (Depressants are frequently used with alcohol)
2. Lack of any meaningful facial expression or animation
3. Maybe in a daze
4. Flaccid appearance
5. Slurred speech

Narcotics

(Heroin, Codeine, Morphine, Vicodin)
1. Lethargy, drowsiness
2. Constricted pupils. Pupils fail to respond to light
3. Red and raw nostrils from inhaling heroin in powder form
4. Scars or tracks from needle injections
5. Use or possession of paraphernalia
6. Slurred speech

Hallucinogens (LSD, mescaline)

1. Pupils are extremely dilated
2. Warmness of skin, excessive perspiration, and body odor
3. Distorted sense of sight, hearing, touch
4. Distorted image of self and time perception
5. Mood and behavior changes
6. Unpredictable flashback episodes

Dissociative Anesthetics

(PCP) Phencyclidine or phenyl cyclohexyl piperidine (PCP), also known as angel dust 

1. Unpredictable behavior
2. Mood may change from passiveness to violence for no apparent reason
3. Displays symptoms of intoxication
4. Disoriented. Agitation and violence may occur if exposed to excessive sensory stimulation
5. Senses of fear, terror
6. Muscle rigidity
7. Un-normal gait
8. Deadened sensory perception
9. Pupils appear dilated

Comatose (unresponsive) if large amounts are consumed.

Eyes may be open or closed

Inhalants

(Glue, Vapor producing solvents, Propellants )

1. Odor of substance on breath and clothes
2. Runny nose, watering eyes
3. Drowsiness or unconsciousness
4. Poor muscle control
5. Group activity is preferred versus being alone
6. Presence of bags or rags containing dry plastic cement or other solvents
7. Discarded spray cans or similar chargers

So if you think a friend or someone you love could possibly be addicted to drugs, you may wonder,

How could this have happened and how did it get this bad?