Signs and Symptoms of Substance Abuse

From the American Council for Drug Education, an affiliate of Phoenix House.
The following are some of the more common signs and symptoms of drug use. It is important to keep in mind
that if a person has any of these symptoms, it does not necessarily mean that he or she is using drugs. They
could be due to a mental or physical health problem. They might also be due to adolescent development (in
the case of teens). Whatever the cause, they may warrant attention, especially if they persist or occur in a
cluster.
The key is change it is important to watch for any significant changes in the persons physical appearance,
personality, attitude or behavior.
Physical SignsBehavioral SignsBy Drug

Physical Signs
Inability to sleep, awake at unusual times, unusual laziness.
Loss of or increased in appetite, changes in eating habits
Cold, sweaty palms; shaking hands.
Red, watery eyes; pupils larger or smaller than usual
Unusual smells on breath, body or clothes.
Extreme hyperactivity; excessive talkativeness.
Slowed or staggering walk; poor physical coordination.
Needle marks on lower arm, leg or bottom of feet.
Nausea, vomiting or excessive sweating.
Tremors or shakes of hands, feet or head.
Irregular heartbeat.
Runny nose; hacking cough
Puffy face, blushing, or paleness
Frequent rubbing of the nose
Frequent twisting of the jaw, back and forth
Deterioration of hygiene or physical health

Behavioral Signs
Change in overall attitude/personality with no other identifiable cause.
Drop in grades at school or performance at work;
skips school or is late for school.
Change in activities or hobbies.
Chronic dishonesty.
Sudden oversensitivity, temper tantrums, or resentful behavior.
Difficulty in paying attention; forgetfulness.
General lack of motivation, energy, self-esteem, I dont care attitude.
Change in habits at home; loss of interest in family and family activities.
Paranoia
Silliness or giddiness.
Moodiness, irritability, or nervousness.
Excessive need for privacy; unreachable.
Secretive or suspicious behavior.
Car accidents.
Change in personal grooming habits.
Possession of drug paraphernalia.
Changes in friends; friends are known drug users.
Unexplained need for money, stealing money or items
Possession of a false ID card
Missing prescription pills
Complaints of a sore jaw (from teeth grinding during an ecstasy high)
Presence of unusual number of spray cans in the trash

Signs of Intoxication, by Specific Drug
Marijuana
Glassy, red eyes; loud talking and inappropriate laughter followed by sleepiness; a sweet burnt scent; loss
of interest, motivation; weight gain or loss.
Alcohol
Clumsiness; difficulty walking; slurred speech; sleepiness; poor judgment; dilated pupils.
Cocaine, Crack, Meth, and Other Stimulants
Hyperactivity; euphoria; irritability; anxiety; excessive talking followed by depression or excessive sleeping
at odd times; go long periods of time without eating or sleeping; dilated pupils; weight loss; dry mouth and
nose.
Heroin
Needle marks; sleeping at unusual times; sweating; vomiting; coughing and sniffling; twitching; loss of
appetite; contracted pupils; no response of pupils to light.
Depressants (including barbiturates and tranquilizers)
Seems drunk as if from alcohol but without the associated odor of alcohol; difficulty concentrating;
clumsiness; poor judgment; slurred speech; sleepiness; and contracted pupils.
Inhalants (Glues, aerosols, and vapors)
Watery eyes; impaired vision, memory and thought; secretions from the nose or rashes around the nose
and mouth; headaches and nausea; appearance of intoxication; drowsiness; poor muscle control; anxiety;
irritability
Hallucinogens
Dilated pupils; bizarre and irrational behavior including paranoia, aggression, hallucinations; mood swings;
detachment from people; absorption with self or other objects, slurred speech; confusion.
Common Signs of Drug Abuse

Changes in behavior
Sudden loss of interest in normal activities
Dropping grades/performance
Poor attendance/excessive unexplained absences
New group of friends
Poor physical appearance
Excessive use of sunglasses to conceal eyes
Pro-drug Items (poster, magazines, clothing)
Avoids contact with parents/spouse after being out
Many people first become concerned about their alcohol or other drug use or that of another person because
of some negative consequence.
Legal difficulties resulting from driving while intoxicated or drugged out, assault, or domestic violence may
bring attention to a chemical problem.
Loss of employment or broken relationships may also lead us or others to question our use of chemicals.
Frequently a family member, friend or employer may say something about the amount of our drinking or
drugging. These are signs for us to take a closer look at our chemical use.
If we are SOCIAL USERS, we can take it or leave it.
If we are CHEMICAL ABUSERS, we may go through a stage of consuming intoxicating amounts and then
moderate or limit our use or lose interest altogether.
If we are ADDICTS, we lose control of our chemical use and continue to drink and drug despite negative
consequences. It is difficult to accurately assess the level of abuse or addiction in ourselves or someone we
know. Anger, fear, denial and concerns about what others may think can make us misinterpret or play down
what we see. Many of us may also be concerned about being labelled an addict or an alcoholic.
Can I take it or leave it?
Some of us question whether we really have a problem with alcohol and other drugs or are just social users.
Social users rarely have consequences associated with alcohol or other drug use. They have little desire to
use alcohol or other drugs to intoxication to wipe themselves out! They may say, Oh, I hate that feeling of
being out of control. They may leave a drink half finished. Their lives do not revolve around chemical use. The
people they associate with are unlikely to be heavy abusers or addicts. Alcohol and other drugs simply are not
an issue in their lives.
Crossing the line into addiction
Addiction is a complex disease with psychological, environmental, social, spiritual and physiological
components. How do we know if we have crossed the line into addiction? Do we identify with having
problems with alcohol or other drugs?
Remember this important point: We dont willingly choose to be addicted. Most people dont want that label or
lifestyle. Because of the stigma, we are not anxious to admit to having any kind of problem with drugs or
alcohol.
Addiction knows no age or gender restrictions. Rich or poor, old or young, regardless of intelligence level,
everyone is susceptible. Many alcoholics and addicts started out as social users. They progressed to abuse
users. Their level of abuse increased. Somewhere along the way they crossed the line into addiction.
Some became addicted early into their use, perhaps almost immediately.
Others used for years before experiencing problems. They wonder how they could have used for so long
without consequences and then suddenly spiralled downward. Some are able to stop at will but its the
inability to stay stopped thats the criteria for substance abuse.
Where are we along that sequence? Have we tried to convince ourselves that we are social users? Do we
really have a problem with alcohol or other drugs?
There are many kinds of denial besides saying outright, I dont have a problem. Or pointing the finger at
others and blaming them Youve got to remember that there are three more fingers pointing back at you! We
need to look at our behavior and our thinking and, if we are concerned about addiction, we need to be
rigorously honest with ourselves.
Common Traits of Addiction
Addiction has three main characteristics: Loss of control, denial and proccupation.
Loss of control
Those of us addicted to mood altering chemicals dont have the luxury of making a choice about our chemical
use. The biggest difference between abuse and dependency is that, as alcohol and drug dependents, we have
lost the ability to control our chemical use. We say that we are powerless over alcohol and other drugs.
Powerlessness means being unable to predict or to control the outcome when we use or how much we may
use at any given time.
We cannot guarantee our behavior after using and abusing drugs and alcohol.
We cannot predict how much we will use. We swear in Gods name that well just have a few, and we
honestly believe that. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a
different result.
We find ourselves using more and more a condition called tolerance.
We have vowed to quit our use on several occasions but have been able to stop only for a short period or
not at all. We tell ourselves that if we can stop for three months, we are not an addict or alcoholic. If we
accomplish our goal, we immediately go back to drinking or drugging.
Denial
A major obstacle to recognizing our addiction is denial. We tend to minimize or deny the effect our dependency
has on others or ourselves.We minimize or lie about the amount of our chemical use or the amount of money
we lose on gambling. This behaviour allows us to protect and continue our alcohol, drugs and gambling while
preventing us from looking at the seriousness of our problem.
We make excuses, explain away consequences or blame others. We end up being the last to know how
severe our problem has become.
Denial can be:
Refusing to accept that we are alcoholics. We still see alcohol or drug use as an option. We can take it or
leave it but can we?
Minimizing the severity of our dependency and what we need to do to stop our use. We try to control our
use or alcohol or drugs and we fail miserably.
Ignoring the problems we have created because of our use.
Focusing on other peoples faults rather than on our own.
Refusing to acknowledge people, situations, and events that cause us stress. We may deny the need to
take action to resolve problems.
Believing that we can live with some dishonesty in our lives. Secrets or lying by keeping silent become
habits for alcoholics.
Preoccupation
Another factor in addiction is the preoccupation that alcoholics have with the chemicals. Preoccupation means
that we spend a great deal of time anticipating, planning and protecting our hobby.
Thoughts of drinking alcohol, practically being able to taste the white froth on top of an icy cold glass of beer on
a hot day leaves us drooling with anticipation. Romancing about how its going to feel when we finally get our
hands on it. Anticipation of pleasure is combined with the fear that somehow our plans will go astray.
How, when and where can I get my next drink?
How can I avoid trouble?
Do I have enough of my drug of choice or should I be getting more stocks?
What excuse am I going to use this time to explain my absence?
This type of thinking illustrates what our priorities really are. Our performance on the job or our interaction with
friends and family may suffer, but we dont want anything to interfere with our use of alcohol or other drugs.
Alcohol takes priority over our families and our health. Our drug of choice comes first before anything else.
Preoccupation includes obsessing and planning while attempting to protect our next high. We want to make
sure that we are able to do what we want to do and when we want to do it without interference. We become
irritable and moody if we are challenged.
Recovery is a process and needs a strong commitment to change toxic belief systems. Nutritional support is
vital and taking care of your dopamine neurotransmitter, the centre of satisfaction, with Tyrosine - MOOD
FOOD 500mg 100 Tablets.
Why do we drink? To de-stress and feel satisfied. Tyrosine - MOOD FOOD 500mg 100
Tabletsand Magnesium Ultra Potent Powder 210 grams are two products I highly recommend along
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Is alcohol costing you more than money?
Well, you could try to stop drinking . . .
You could even get help to stop drinking . . .
There is life after alcohol but you do need support and help!
More information about alcohol dependency and my program, Serenity by the Sea, on my web
sitewww.couragetochange.com.au


PERSONALITY TRAITS THAT ARE COMMON WITH ADDICTION
August 30, 2012 | Written by : Alastair Mordey
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Millions of people around the world suffer from an addiction. This may be to alcohol, illegal drugs,
prescription medications, or other types of addictions. It is often forgotten that there are millions of
people at risk for developing an addiction because of certain personality traits they may have.

Millions of people around the world suffer from an addiction. This may be to alcohol, illegal drugs, prescription
medications, or other types of addictions. It is often forgotten that there are millions of people at risk for
developing an addiction because of certain personality traits they may have.
There are people who have a greater risk at becoming addicted. This may be due to certain personality traits,
genetic makeup, their childhood, or the current stress factors in their life. Doctors and therapists around the
world have categorized these personality traits into signs of someone having an addiction, be at risk for
developing an addiction, or have a personality that is more susceptible to addiction. This addiction could be to
drugs, alcohol, gambling, sex, eating, etc.
There Are Also Legal Addictions
People, who become easily addicted to everyday things like television or caffeinated drinks, have a high
chance of developing other addictions. Although these are rarely seen as a problem, it shows that the person
may lack control. Therefore, they have a greater chance to develop some type of other addiction in the future.
These types of personalities may be especially vulnerable when they are in stressful situations.
Types of Personality Traits
Studies done on addicts of drugs or alcohol have shown that they all have similar personality traits that
contribute to their addiction.
Please note that these personality traits may appear in people who have no problems in life. However, they
appear more uncontrollable and exaggerated in people who have a drug, alcohol or other addictions.
Behavioral Personality Traits of an Addiction
There are two behavioral personality traits that are most commonly associated with a person with an addiction.
Mental Personality Traits of an Addiction
Anyone who may have anxiety, depression, stress, personality disorder, or obsessive compulsive disorder has
a greater chance of developing a drug or alcohol addiction. This may be to: relieve any of their problems; help
them to manage their emotions; or to ignore any underlying problems or issues.
Compulsive Behavior Personality Trait
People who have compulsive behaviors are unable to drink or use drugs in moderation. They either need it or
cannot have it. In other words, addicts tend to feel the need to be in control or powerless. The person may give
into the substances whenever they are around them. If they are constantly giving into drug or alcohol
temptations, they may exhibit the inability to stop; if this happens they may develop an addiction. This is also
known as black and white thinking' which means all or nothing.
Antisocial Behavior Personality Trait
People who have an antisocial problem may turn to drugs or alcohol to replace being social with other people.
On the other hand, a person may want to drink or use drugs in order to be social around other people. This can
be due to, most people think drugs or alcohol makes them feel more comfortable around other people.
Greatness
More commonly referred to as, grandiosity. A person may think that the world revolves around them. They may
feel this way as a way of hiding their insecurity.
Anxiety
The person may dread or fear various things in life. This anxiety can lead a person to turn to anything to get
their mind clear.
Low Frustration
The person may become easily frustrated especially in uncomfortable situations. These people are also very
impatient.
Overly Sensitive
A person may become extremely offended by something, gesture etc., that was unintentional. They may dwell
upon the situation and become very resentful towards whoever did it.
Isolation
The person may keep away from people because of their own insecurity. They are considered to be a loner.
They would rather be alone and may turn to drugs or alcohol as company.
Low Self Esteem
Low self esteem is more common than most people think. The person may develop depression and may be
unable to change their behavior.
How to Improve Traits of an Addictive Personality
There are a few things that one can do to improve any addictive traits they may have.
A person who has personality traits of addictive behavior can benefit greatly by making a list of anything they
worry about. This can help a person develop their own will power and self control.
Learning about the harmful effects of drug or alcohol addiction can create a negative image in a person's head;
therefore, eliminate any desire to use. If a person is feeling insecure, has low self esteem, or frequent negative
thoughts, they should write down any of these thoughts and then come up with an argument against each one.
Practice breathing techniques, meditate, take a yoga class, and exercise frequently. These are all great ways
to alleviate stress, which can prevent a person relying on harmful substances to do so. If a person is unable to
improve any of these traits and feels like they are unable to cope with them, they should seek help and advice
from a professional therapist or doctor.
Becoming Aware
Everyone is different; therefore, different people will exhibit different personality traits. If a person is able to
become aware of the types of personality traits that can be associated with addictions, then they can put
themselves in a more prepared position. Many people may have some of the traits listed above and never
develop any kind of addiction. It all comes down to the individual person. Being able to recognize one's own
tendencies and habits can lessen the chance of anything dangerous becoming routine. Routines can become
repetitive, and repetition may lead to an addiction.
If you or anyone you know is developing or already has a drug or alcohol addiction, it is important that
treatment is sought. Treatment can help a person with any of the above personality traits and teach someone
how to develop positive traits and behaviors, and ultimately heal their addiction.