Signs of Drug Use: How to Tell If Someone Is on Drugs

When drug use becomes a priority in someone’s life, hygiene and outward appearance may become less and less important. Some may forget they haven’t taken care of themselves because of the mental effects of their drug use. Others simply stop caring as their time is consumed by the high and then getting more of their drug so they can get high again.

Encourage them to seek help and offer support in signs i was drugged finding treatment options. It’s also important to take care of yourself and seek support from others who may be able to help you navigate the situation. Assure them that seeking help is a sign of strength and that they are not alone in their struggle. Reinforce your commitment to supporting them throughout their journey to recovery.

Social signs can also provide valuable insights into a person’s potential drug use. It’s important to be aware of these social indicators and observe any sudden shifts in their social circle, financial situation, and legal status. Maintaining open lines of communication, expressing concern, and seeking professional help are crucial steps to address the impact of drug use on relationships.

Behavioral Signs of Drug Use

Most of all, don’t underestimate the stress and trauma of your experience. Remind yourself that this all too commonly happens ― to women and men, and to people of all ages, not just college students ― and that you’re not alone or to blame for the violence done to you. Also, try to save the beverage you were drinking; it could potentially be tested to see what you were drugged with. Unfortunately, because date-rape drugs aren’t always easy to detect ― they blend in too well with drinks ― many victims don’t realize they’ve been drugged or assaulted until hours later.

We use a variety of treatments and therapies and individually tailor each plan to our client’s specific needs so that we can provide you with the best possible care. Sunlight Recovery offers various forms of mental health therapy for processing trauma and dealing with the effects of consuming addictive drugs, such as alcohol and ketamine. Go to the emergency room or speak with your primary care provider about the incident to undergo testing and receive medication to deal with the potential health effects of the trauma.

• Substance use often disrupts self-care due to its physical and psychological effects 3.
• Sometimes the only sign you’ve been drugged is waking up and having no recollection of how the night went down.
• Remember that addiction is a complex disease, and recovery is possible with the right support and treatment.
• If you notice ongoing sleep issues, especially when combined with other physical symptoms, it’s important to seek professional help.

Why Identifying Signs of Drug Use is Important

Commonly known as a roofie, rohypnol is a benzodiazepine, a class of anti-anxiety drugs that cause users to feel drowsy and confused. These drugs can also weaken a victim’s muscles, making it difficult for him to fight against an attacker. Rohypnol is illegal in the United States, but it’s often smuggled in illegally.

What should I do if I suspect someone is using drugs?

It’s important to note that these changes in mood and behavior can also be caused by other factors such as mental health issues. However, if you suspect someone is using drugs and notice these drastic changes in their behavior, it’s important to approach the situation with care and offer support and resources for help. Encourage them to seek medical attention and consider talking to a professional about their drug use. Understanding the signs of drug use is crucial in identifying and addressing potential substance abuse issues. By recognizing these signs early on, individuals can seek the necessary help and support for themselves or their loved ones. This section will emphasize the importance of recognizing drug use and explore common signs and symptoms to look out for.

Understanding the Importance of Identifying Drug Use

• You may notice your loved one is lying about where they are or who they’re with.
• Substance use also impacts nutrition, weakening the immune system and making oral infections more likely.
• They may struggle to meet deadlines, miss important assignments, or receive poor evaluations.
• “It’s scary how fast you can be drugged unknowingly, even when you think you’re being alert and aware of your surroundings,” she said.

“At least 50% of sexual assaults involve alcohol consumption by the perpetrator and/or victim,” Michonski said. Unfortunately, the bar had no cameras near the drink station, so there was no way to identify whoever had drugged them. If you find smoking devices, needles, oil vaporizers, or stashes of different devices needed for drug use, you may want to discuss with your loved one what those items are and why they have them. If you start feeling strange at a social event, request to be put in a safe place away from the crowd so you’re not in further danger from the perpetrator. Contact emergency services immediately before your symptoms get out of hand. It can be very difficult for a victim to detect drugs in food because many drugs have no discernible taste or odor.

You may notice your loved one is lying about where they are or who they’re with. Maybe their story keeps changing, and they can never seem to be honest about what they’ve been up to. They may try to sneak in or out of the house, try to hide their drugs in their room or car, and they may spend more time alone in their room with the door locked.

Involvement in legal issues and trouble with the law is another social sign that may suggest drug use. Substance abuse can lead individuals to engage in illegal activities to obtain drugs, such as theft, drug trafficking, or driving under the influence. Persistent encounters with law enforcement or a sudden increase in legal problems can be a red flag for drug involvement. Financial difficulties and unexplained expenses can also be indicative of drug use.

Approach the individual in a non-confrontational manner, expressing your concerns and observations without judgment. Encourage them to share their thoughts and feelings, ensuring that they feel heard and understood. A loss of interest or motivation in academic or work-related activities is another common sign of drug use. Individuals who were once enthusiastic and engaged may suddenly display apathy or disinterest in their studies or job.

These mood swings can be unpredictable and may not have an apparent cause. The person may exhibit heightened energy levels, hyperactivity, or excessive talkativeness during a high, followed by periods of lethargy or depression during the drug’s comedown. It’s important to note that mood swings alone may not confirm drug use, but they can be indicative of a problem that needs further exploration. “You know you’re going, but you don’t know if you’re coming back,” says one, at a confidential narco pilot barbecue we gatecrashed in Sinaloa, in a rare moment of solemnity. “My goal in this business is to make cash, so that I never run out of money, I never run out of drugs, and I never run out of whores,” reflects another.

The fact that drug use can often become a top priority may also cause them to lose interest in any other responsibilities. If your loved one is experiencing withdrawal or overdose symptoms, there is a good chance that they may be struggling with addiction. Seeking medical attention is critical in these situations, even if you are unsure of what they’ve taken or if they’re even using drugs. Knowing what withdrawal symptoms and overdose symptoms look like may save your loved one’s life. If you suspect that someone may be using drugs, it is essential to seek professional help. Substance abuse professionals, such as counselors, therapists, or addiction specialists, have the knowledge and experience to guide you and the individual through the process of addressing the situation.

Those that can be tasted – like GHB due to its salty taste – can be masked with other, stronger flavors. One notable exception is marijuana, which has a strong odor and a taste that is almost impossible to mask.