- 1. Physical signs
- 2. Behavioral signs
- 3. Psychological signs
- Who is most at risk of using drugs
- What to do in case of suspicion
Some symptoms such as red eyes, weight loss, sudden changes in mood and even loss of interest in daily activities, can help to identify if someone is using drugs. However, depending on the drug being used, these symptoms can vary.
Thus, while some drugs, such as cocaine, mostly cause changes in behavior, others, such as marijuana or LSD, cause psychological changes, in which aggressiveness, depression, excitement or bad mood, for example, are manifested. In addition, almost all drugs cause physical symptoms, such as red eyes, weight loss or tremors, for example.
Learn about the different types of drugs and their effects on the body.
1. Physical signs
All drugs manifest themselves differently in the body, however, these are the most common physical signs and symptoms:
- Eyes red and with excessive tears; Pupils larger or smaller than normal; Involuntary eye movements; Rapid weight changes; Frequent hand tremors; Difficulty in coordinating movements; Slow or altered speech; Low noise tolerance; Decreased sensitivity to pain; Changes in body temperature; Changes in heart rate and blood pressure.
In addition, people who regularly use drugs also tend to stop worrying about their image, starting to constantly wear the same clothes or not getting ready before leaving home, for example.
2. Behavioral signs
Drugs have a strong effect on the correct functioning of the brain, causing the user to have changes in the way he behaves and even in the emotions he expresses. Some of the most common changes are:
- Decreased productivity at work or daily activities; Frequent absences at work or other commitments; Easily start fights at home or work; Do dangerous activities, such as driving after drinking or engaging in risky sexual behaviors; Frequent need to borrow money; Losing interest in friends and family.
Another very common sign is the desire to always want to be alone, avoiding activities such as leaving home or being with friends. Usually, it is during these moments that the person feels the necessary privacy to return to using the drug, without anyone knowing.
3. Psychological signs
This type of signs may be more evident in some types of drugs, such as marijuana, LSD or ecstasy, as they are capable of causing strong hallucinations, which alter the perception of what is around. These signs include:
- Being constantly afraid or anxious for no apparent reason; Having sudden changes in personality; Being more agitated and hyperactive during certain periods of the day; Having sudden moments of anger or easy irritability; Presenting less desire to do daily activities; Having low self-esteem; Loss of meaning in life; Changes in memory, concentration and learning; Development of some type of schizophrenia or paranoid ideas.
These changes can also be symptoms of some psychiatric illness, such as depression, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, for example. Thus, it may be necessary to consult a doctor who knows the person or, then, take the person to a psychologist, in order to understand the true cause of the changes.
Who is most at risk of using drugs
People of all ages, sex or economic status may be tempted to try a drug and even become addicted. However, there are some factors that are related to an increased risk of starting drug use.
Some of these factors include having a history of drug use in the family, having a psychiatric disorder, such as depression or attention deficit, having a group of friends in which some people use some type of drug, feeling lack of support from the family, being exposed to medications for an extended period of time, suffer pressure from others or consume early.
In addition, drugs are also more used by those who need to escape from reality, such as those who suffer from post-traumatic stress or have anxiety or panic attacks, for example.
What to do in case of suspicion
When it is suspected that someone may be using drugs, the most important thing is to talk to that person to try to understand if the suspicion has any basis. Regardless of the answer, it is important to show the person that you are available to help with whatever is needed and seek expert help if necessary. In the case of adolescents, it is necessary to be careful since, in addition to the changes that the drug produces in the body, age-related changes are also occurring.
In cases where the person is already addicted to the drug, it is very common to try to lie, however, being available to help is the best way to try to get to the truth. In these cases, the only form of treatment is by looking for a rehabilitation clinic or a reception center, such as the SUS Psychosocial Care Center (CAPS).
In most cases, it will take a lot of time, patience and compassion to help a friend or family member quit drug addiction.
