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Chemical Dependency Signs & Symptoms
The following list of signs and symptoms can help you determine if you or a loved one is experiencing problems with substance abuse. Although some of the signs and symptoms listed below can be caused by other problems including depression, seeking help from a mental health professional may be warranted. In addition to the signs and symptoms list, if you are concerned that you or a loved one is experiencing problems with substance abuse, please complete the drug abuse checklist.
Signs and Symptoms of Substance Abuse Behavioral Signs
- Change in overall attitude/personality with no other identifiable cause
- Avoiding friends or family members in order to get high or drunk
- Missing work or school because of drug use or drinking
- General lack of motivation, energy, self-esteem or having an “I don’t care” attitude
- Taking risks while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Constantly talking about using drugs or alcohol
- Pressuring others to take drugs or drink
- Believing drug use or alcohol has to be used in order to have fun
- Excessive need for privacy
- Chronic dishonesty or lying about the amount of drugs or alcohol being taken
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Getting in trouble with the law
Physical Signs
- Loss or increase of appetite, significant changes in eating habits or unexplained weight loss or gain
- Red, watery eyes or pupils larger or smaller than normal
- Smell of substance on breath, body or clothes
- Nausea, vomiting or excessive sweating
- Tremors or shakes of hands, feet or head
- Needle marks on lower arm or leg
Drug Specific Symptoms
Alcohol
- Clumsiness
- Difficulty walking
- Slurred speech
- Sleepiness
- Poor judgement
- Dilated pupils
Marijuana
- Glassy, red eyes
- Loud talking and inappropriate laughing followed by sleepiness
- A sweet burnt scent
- Weight gain or loss
Depressants
- Difficulty concentrating
- Clumsiness
- Poor judgment
- Sleepiness
- Contracted pupils
Stimulants
- Anxiety or irritability
- Hyperactivity
- Excessive talking followed by depression or excessive sleeping at odd times
- Dilated pupils
- Weight loss
- Is able to go long periods without sleeping or eating
Inhalants
- Watery eyes with impaired vision
- Secretions from the nose or rashes around the nose and mouth
- Impaired memory or thought process
- Headaches and nausea
- Poor muscle control
- Changes in appetite
- Anxiety or irritability
Hallucinogens
- Bizarre and irrational behavior including paranoia, aggression and/or hallucinations
- Mood swings
- Detachment from people with absorption with self or other objects
Heroin
- Needle marks on arm, leg or bottom of feet
- Contracted pupils that do not respond to light
- Loss of appetite
- Coughing and sniffling
- Sweating
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