A friend who stops coming out as much. A family member with shaking hands and watery eyes. A sudden mood change from someone you’ve known for years.
These can all be signs of a substance use disorder.
When it comes to combatting substance use disorders, proactive steps are often the most impactful, but that means you need to know what to look for.
Read on to discover some of the most common signs to recognize—both physical and emotional—and how you can help.
What is a Substance Use Disorder?
It’s vital to start with a clear definition. A substance use disorder (SUD) is a treatable mental disorder that impacts an individual’s brain and behavior, resulting in their inability to regulate the consumption of legal or illicit substances, including drugs, alcohol, or medications.
While signs and symptoms vary, what follows are some of the most prevalent. Symptoms can be subtle, but it’s important to watch for the combination of physical and emotional changes—a telltale sign of someone struggling with substance use.
Spotting the Initial Signs
There are overarching cues to notice, especially in the early stages of substance use, including the following:
- Experimentation with different substances
- Family history of addiction
- Using substances to cope with negative emotions
- Reliance on a specific substance to function
- Seeking out situations where the substance or activity is present
- Binging or loss of control when using the substance
- Using increasing amounts of a substance(s)
Physical Signs of Substance Use Disorders
Physical symptoms are typically the most recognizable and can include:
- Severe and rapid weight changes
- Tremors or shaking hands, feet, or head
- Flushed face and blushing
- Slurred or rushed speech
- Red, watery eyes
- Pupils that are larger or smaller than usual
- Presence of needle marks or scars on the arm, legs, or feet
- Slowed or unsteady coordination
Emotional & Mental Signs of Substance Use Disorders
Behavioral indicators can be harder to notice, but they can signal a worsening condition and can lead to more visible signs:
- Decreasing interest in hobbies or activities that used to be important
- Abandoning relationships and increased irritability with those around them
- Interference with normal daily activities like missing work, ignoring bills, and neglecting personal hygiene
- Risk-taking tendencies, especially to obtain drugs or engage in substance use activities
- Sudden changes in sleeping patterns that result in chronic fatigue
- Increased secrecy and isolation
How to Help
Prevention and treatment are powerful tools for those on the verge of or already suffering from a substance use disorder. The earlier we can engage with a person struggling with substance use, the sooner we can help people identify triggers and develop strategies to avoid environments that may prompt an urge to use, practice positive habits to cope with these urges, and build supportive environments for recovery.
ASAC offers a variety of prevention, treatment, and recovery services, from community outreach and education to individual, group, youth, and residential treatment.
With expanded knowledge, increased awareness, and proactive methods, we can change lives for the better.