Drug abuse leads to unhealthy behaviors that can ruin your life. However, knowing the signs and symptoms of drug use can help you get help before it’s too late. For spouses and family members of those with substance use disorder, it may be vital that you get involved in a support group (such as Al-Anon) and seek help from a mental health professional as well. While the terms “drug abuse” and “drug addiction” are often used interchangeably, they’re different. Someone who abuses drugs uses a substance too much, too frequently, or in otherwise unhealthy ways.

There is an important distinction between drug addiction vs. drug dependence. The term dependence refers to the fact that the brain has adapted physiologically https://ecosoberhouse.com/ to the substance of abuse. Dependence specifically refers to the effects of the process of neural adaptation to a psychoactive substance.

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Some signs of drug abuse or use are easily seen by those around the drug user, but others are more subtle. Figuring out if your child is using substances can be challenging. Many signs of drug use in teens are typical young adult behavior. Many signs of drug use are also symptoms of mental health issues, including depression or anxiety. Different types of drugs produce different effects on your physical and mental health. There are common signs and symptoms that suggest a person is on drugs.

But these can become more common when an addiction is present. Before approaching someone you think may have an addition, determine if the problem is a result of a single incident or a growing problem with the addiction. When that substance is suddenly unavailable, that absence leaves many brain operations exposed and interferes with the various functions. There is no objective measure of the strength of cravings, but they are highly dynamic and fluctuate, varying in intensity and duration in any individual throughout the course of a day.

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If they have a job or career, you may also notice declining performance in the professional aspects as drug use becomes the number one priority. There may also be no drive to complete work or perform how they once did, especially if work-related stress is what led to substance abuse in the first place. Being Dishonest or Sneaky, Hiding Things, or Needing Increased Privacy. Most people are not going to be very public about their drug use, especially if it’s to an illegal substance. You may notice your loved one is lying about where they are or who they’re with.