Most people are secretive when they’re using drugs. This can make it difficult at times to tell whether or not someone is using. While certain physical and psychological symptoms vary from drug to drug, there are some signs that are common to most drug users. Let’s review the signs of how to tell if someone is on drugs.
How to Tell if Someone Is on Drugs
Addiction is a chronic disease, which means it’s persistent over a long period of time and is characterized by repeat behaviors. These repeated behaviors generally consist of an uncontrolled urge to take drugs and continued drug use despite the harmful and negative consequences.
The first few times a person takes drugs is usually out of curiosity or to experiment. However, once they begin to take the drug repeatedly, their brain chemistry changes. When these changes occur, they reduce the person’s self-control over their drug use. A person on drugs develops intense, uncontrolled cravings to take drugs over and over as a result.
These changes to the brain are persistent, which is why experts categorize drug addiction as a “relapsing” disease. Those recovering from addiction may relapse back into substance use. There’s also an increased risk of returning to drug use even after long periods of sobriety, as well as a higher chance for co-occurring disorders.
Individuals who continue to take drugs have problems with:
- Handling stress
- Memory
- Behavior
- Learning
- Judgment
- Decision-making
Many individuals who are aware of these issues continue to use drugs, which is one of the hallmarks of addiction.
Another sure sign for how to tell if someone is on drugs is if the person needs more and more of the drug to gain the same effects. For example, if a loved one is running out of pain medication much faster than the prescription was supposed to last, it could be a signal that person is abusing the drug rather than simply taking medication for pain.
Pinnacle Peak Recovery in Scottsdale, Arizona: Professional Drug Abuse Treatment
While it can be difficult to confront someone who is on drugs, it’s even harder to watch a person you care for become progressively sicker. Our staff understands these difficulties, and provides the services you need for your loved one to get and stay sober for the long-term.
Pinnacle Peak Recovery, located in scenic and warm Scottsdale, is a beautiful and ideal place to relax, heal and begin a new life free of substance use. Our facilities are top-notch, and our staff is highly trained and compassionate.
Pinnacle’s services include inpatient and outpatient programs for drug abuse. In both programs, patients attend individual and group therapy sessions to understand the disease of addiction and maintain sobriety. Our transitional and sober living treatment options give our clients the opportunities to ease into a life without drugs after completing rehab, increasing the chances of long-term sobriety.
Admissions specialist are available to talk to you 24/7. Making the call could be one of the most important steps you take in getting someone you love into life saving treatment. Call 866-377-4761 today.