[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/08\/warning-signs-of-drug-use\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/08\/warning-signs-of-drug-use\/","headline":"The Signs of Drug Use: How to Tell If Someone Is Abusing Drugs","name":"The Signs of Drug Use: How to Tell If Someone Is Abusing Drugs","description":"Learn more about the physical and behavioral warning signs of drug abuse, and what to do if you suspect someone is using drugs.","datePublished":"2017-08-02","dateModified":"2020-12-31","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/behavioral-health-regions","name":"UPMC Western Behavioral Health","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/behavioral-health-regions","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/behavioral-health\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Signs-of-Drug-Addiction.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Signs-of-Drug-Addiction.jpg","height":527,"width":791},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/08\/warning-signs-of-drug-use\/","about":["Family Health","Mental Health"],"wordCount":391,"keywords":["drug addiction","drug use","teenage drug use"],"articleBody":"Knowing the warning signs of drug addiction can be a matter of life and death.Early discovery of a drug problem can prevent dependency and other long-term health consequences.Most importantly, if you believe a loved one is abusing drugs, seek help. UPMC offers a variety of Addiction Treatment Services that can help you determine the best course of action and treatment. Contact Addiction Medicine Services at 412-692-CARE (2273) for help.Facts About Drug UseDrug addiction does not occur suddenly. It usually begins by abusing small amounts, and over time progresses into dependency.Drug abuse takes many different forms, and the signs can vary greatly from person to person. You can begin to tell if someone is using drugs through a few physical, behavioral, and social changes.How You Can Identify the Signs of Drug UsePhysical signs of drug useSome of the most telling signs of chronic drug use are physical changes to the body, both externally and internally. Some physical changes associated with drug use include:Eyes that are often red, bloodshot, or glassyUnusually widened or tiny pupilsSudden weight loss or weight gainConstantly runny or bloody noseChange in hygiene habitsThough more difficult to determine, internal changes such as unexpected heart or organ problems can also be signs of chronic drug abuse.Contact Addiction Medicine Services at 412-692-CARE (2273)Behavioral and social signs of drug useBehavioral changes associated with drug abuse include:Decreased and\/or increased appetiteUnusual sleep patterns and chronic fatigueMood swings and general personality changesDecreased interest in his or her personal appearanceDepression\u00a0or\u00a0anxietySome people suffering from drug addiction may begin to shift their social circles or change their daily habits. Different friends, separation from family, and unexpected changes in their activity, work, or school performance are all signs of drug abuse.RELATED: Benefits of Quitting Alcohol for a MonthWarning Signs of Drug Use in TeensWhat’s the difference between the symptoms of drug abuse and typical teenage mood swings? Signs your teenager may have a substance abuse problem include:Difficulty remembering simple informationSmelling the substance on their clothes or in their room after time with friendsSecretive behavior, such as needing small amounts of money on a regular basisSudden changes in their friends\u2019 groupQuitting favorite sports or activities "},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2017","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"08","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/\/08\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"The Signs of Drug Use: How to Tell If Someone Is Abusing Drugs","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/08\/warning-signs-of-drug-use\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]