For the sake of this assessment, patients may also undergo blood tests and screening for the presence of any co-occurring mental or physical health issues. Substance abuse has many potential consequences, including overdose and death. Learn about the effects of drug addiction on the mind and body and treatment options that can help. Recognizing the signs of drug use is an important step in helping a loved one who may be struggling with addiction.

• • Developing the unpleasant physiologic symptoms of withdrawal—shakiness, sweating, queasiness or vomiting, headache—when unable to take the substance.
• Treatment should include both medical detox and therapy to address the underlying issues related to substance abuse.
• When without the drug, users may become anxious and display flulike symptoms.
• Alcohol is one of the most widely abused substances in the US.
• While Topamax was originally developed as an anticonvulsant medication, recent studies have shown that it may also be effective in treating alcoholism.

Maintaining open lines of communication is crucial when dealing with suspected drug use. Approach the individual in a non-confrontational manner, expressing your concerns and observations without judgment. Let them know that you are there to listen and offer support. Encourage them to share their thoughts and feelings, ensuring that they feel heard and understood.

Changes in Behavior

They may stop caring about their grades and choose to neglect the work they need to do to improve academic performance. Outbursts, Resentful Behavior, Intense Irritability, or Mood Swings. They may become moody and not want to talk to you or anyone that may notice changes due to drug use. Excessive use and abuse of these drugs can cause intense highs characterized by hyperactivity and periods of insomnia or intense lows that cause long periods of sleeping or drowsiness. Addictive substances alter the brain’s natural circadian rhythm which can actually cause sleep disturbances well after someone has stopped using the drug.

• In 2013, 30 percent of overdose deaths involved benzodiazepines like Klonopin, Xanax, or Valium, either alone or in combination with other drugs.
• There are some tell-tale signs that can shed light on the issue and may lead to intervention and treatment.
• According to DSM-5, widely used as a roadmap to diagnosis, it becomes a disorder when use eludes control and interferes with functioning.
• The sooner you seek help, the greater your chances for a long-term recovery.
• LSD may cause a person to act impulsively and experience hallucinations.

These CNS depressants are often prescribed to treat anxiety and sleep disorders. Benzodiazepines include common medications, such as Valium and Xanax. https://ecosoberhouse.com/ Barbiturates are not used as much as they used to be; however, they are still sometimes employed to treat seizure disorders and during surgery.

The Effects of Drug Addiction on the Brain and Body

Once you’ve been addicted to a drug, you’re at high risk of falling back into a pattern of addiction. If you do start using the drug, it’s likely you’ll lose control over its use again — even if you’ve had treatment and you haven’t used the drug for some time. The best way to prevent an addiction to a drug is not to take the drug at all. If your health care provider prescribes a drug with the potential for addiction, use care when taking the drug and follow instructions. Drug use can have significant and damaging short-term and long-term effects.

• In 2018, opioids played a role in two-thirds of all drug overdose deaths.
• These may also appear on the legs, hands, or sometimes even feet.
• None of them is definitive, and there may be many other causes, but the presence of multiple signs merits special consideration.

Alcohol is a legal intoxicating substance in the United States if the person is at least 21 years old. Despite its legal status, about 17 million adults, ages 18 and older, struggle with alcohol use disorder, signs of drug use or alcoholism. Not all drugs require anything to use them, but you might see other items that point to misuse. For example, medicine bottles from more than one doctor can be a sign of prescription drug abuse.