While the most significant changes drug use causes are typically psychological, emotional and behavioral, there are changes in physical appearance that indicate drug use and addiction.
Recognizing Physical Symptoms of Substance Abuse
Various addictive substances cause different changes in a person’s appearance. Some changes may involve the following:
- Pinpoint or dilated pupils
- Droopy or bloodshot eyes
- Darting eyes, inability to focus attention
- Watery eyes
- Sunken features
- Sores
- Thinning hair
- Acne
- Scabs
- Lesions
- Pale or discolored skin
- Needle marks (or excessive clothing to cover arms, legs, etc)
- Marked weight loss and loss of appetite
- Broken or discolored teeth
Any of these signs could be the result of other circumstances such as an illness or allergy, but, if several symptoms are being shown for an extended period of time, they may be an indicator of substance abuse.
Other Noticeable Changes Caused by Drug Use
The real power of addiction is its ability to rewire the brain of the addict. Significant behavioral changes are common and in many cases unavoidable. These may include the following:
- Lack of interest in previously important activities
- Relational distance from non-users
- Forming new friendships with other drug users
- Dishonesty or defensiveness about substance abuse concerns
- Staying awake for several days and then crashing
- Decreased academic or professional performance
- Loss of motivation
- Severe mood swings
- Depression
- Suicidal thoughts, comments or actions
Recognizing the appearance of these behavioral or psychological changes especially in conjunction with the physical symptoms previously listed can be an important step in identifying addiction in a friend or loved one.
What to Do if You Suspect Substance Abuse or Addiction
Addiction is both a physical and psychological disease that requires careful, professional treatment. Great advancements have been made in recent years related to counseling, treatment and lasting recovery for addicts and those who love them, but the healing cannot begin until help is sought. The following are a few action points to consider if you suspect substance abuse or addiction in a loved one or in yourself:
- Gather information about addiction
- Explore all available treatment options
- Communicate your concern clearly, directly and without distractions
- Offer your support and commit to the entire recovery process
- Consider holding an intervention with a professional interventionist if necessary
- Establish and reinforce healthy relational boundaries to avoid enabling the disease or succumbing to the effects of codependency