Substance abuse is one of the biggest hurdles facing society nowadays. It is difficult to rectify substance abuse problems as most often, they are done in secrecy. The drug abusers try to hide their doings from their families, children, spouses and the police. But if you do understand that somebody is practicing drug abuse do get him admitted to a Drug and treatment facility.
As is with any disease, substance abuse has many symptoms – both physical and behavioral. Listed below are some of the signals which do tell that that the person is under the influence of drugs, and that too in a very negative way.
- Sleep pattern changes
Drug users generally have abnormal sleep patterns. They stay awake till late night and wake up late in the day, maybe in the afternoons. Light sleepers also become heavy sleepers under the influence of these substances.
- Eating habit changes, coupled with weight loss or gain
The drugs in the body often stimulate or suppress hunger of the user. The normal quantity of food intake therefore takes a beating. This is because of the signals that are processed by the brain. Under the influence of drugs, the brain sends out signals which do not depend on the food intake, but on the effect of the drug.
Due to the changes in food intake, the weight subsequently changes resulting in overall weight loss or gain.
- Mood Swings
The drugs influence the working of the brain, which in turn decides your mood. This affects the emotional stability of the person and causes mood swings. After a sudden burst of joy and excitement, the drug user might be caught in a bought of depression.
- Red eyes and nose
Most drugs cause reddening of the eyes, and drugs that are snorted (Like meth and cocaine) even cause swelling up and soreness of the nose.
- Needle marks
Needle marks on the body are one of the easiest ways to spot drug abuse. But nowadays, it is common for drug users to prick the needles in obscure areas of the body, which cannot be easily spotted. If they prick the needles in their arm, they make sure that they wear long sleeved shirts all throughout the year.
- Constricted or dilated Pupils
This is one of the more difficult signs to spot. But if the pupils dilate or constrict substantially, it catches the eye. This is also a good indicator of drug abuse.
Being a drug abuser does not mean the end of the road. There are measures that can be taken to repair his life. The best step is to administer professional therapy and guidance at any Drug and alcohol treatment facility.
A drug and alcohol treatment facility has quality staff and necessary facilities to help the victim get back on track. Of course, the victim too, has to co-operate and display a willingness to change for the better. A helping hand is what they need, and these centers are here to do just that.
