The world statistics of drug addicts are terrifying. According to research, every 20th person takes or has tried drugs. Addicts never admit their illness. Asking them direct questions on this topic is also useless. Only the attentive attitude of loved ones will help to identify signs of drug use.
Signs of a drug addict by type of drug
At the early stages of addiction, it is difficult to recognize the signs of drug addiction. Beginning drug addicts try to carefully hide this fact. And yet, there are a number of alarming signals that cannot be ignored. We are talking about changes in appearance, behavior, health.
Drugs affect the body differently. It’s not just about individual reactions. Symptoms also depend on the type of drug.
Signs of a sniffing drug addict
How to recognize a drug addict sniffing cocaine? You will definitely notice traces of white powder on their clothes or face. The drug, entering through the nose, irritates the mucous membrane and provokes the development of chronic inflammation. The addict has a constant stuffy nose. It looks like a common cold.
Other symptoms of a sniffing addict: sniffing addict
- frequent touching of the nose;
- constant wiping of the nose;
- severe damage to the nasal septum;
- frequent nosebleeds.
Signs of an Amphetamine Addict
Amphetamine (or fen in slang) belongs to the group of psychostimulants. It affects the central nervous system (CNS) and blocks inhibition reactions. The addict is in a state of increased activity. His mood is euphoric and he does not need rest.
External signs of amphetamine addiction:
- dilated pupils;
- detached facial expression;
- dry skin (pale or sallow);
- hair is brittle and falls out a lot;
- the mucous membrane of the oral cavity is bright, periodontal disease and caries often develop, and a dark plaque forms on the neck of the teeth;
- veins and capillary network appear on the hands;
- heavy sweating.
Also, the signs of a drug addict hooked on fen include the timbre of the voice, it becomes muffled. Such drug addicts talk a lot, loudly, confidently, they are unpersuasive. Their gait is characterized by springy movements, sweeping movements of the hands.
Signs of a drug addict who uses the drug “salt”
The strange behavior of salt addicts cannot go unnoticed. The substance is a powerful synthetic drug. Its composition is constantly changing, so each use can be the last. The drug is smoked, sniffed, injected intravenously.
How to recognize a salt addict:
- an addict may not eat or sleep for several days;
- persecution mania;
- crazy eyes with dilated pupils;
- chaotic gesticulation;
- involuntary facial grimaces.
Signs of methadone use
The substance is a synthetic drug from the opiate group. The substance affects the central nervous system and causes relaxation, euphoria, and a feeling of absolute safety. Methadone use quickly leads to dysfunction of internal organs that contain smooth muscles.
Signs of methadone addiction:
- slow, shallow breathing, apnea;
- disturbance of heart rhythm, blood pressure;
- intestinal atony;
- problems with urination;
- heavy sweating;
- mood swings;
- uncharacteristic behavior.
It is necessary to say about the indirect signs of a drug addict who has used this drug. A drug addict on methadone is abnormally calm about all life situations, even tragic ones. He is disoriented. He can get lost even in his own apartment.
What do drug addicts look like?
In addition to specific signs that characterize dependence on a certain type of drug, the signs of a drug addict include general external signs of drug addiction. How to identify a drug addict at home, what to look for?
External signs of a drug addict:
- Skin condition: It is pale or reddened, oily, or flaky.
- Eyes. The mucous membrane acquires an unhealthy shine, turns red. The pupils are greatly dilated or, conversely, maximally narrowed.
- Facial expressions. The face is either overly lively or resembles a frozen mask.
- Corners of the lips, skin around the mouth. These areas can become very irritated and inflamed.
- Tongue: Unusual coating, pronounced longitudinal cracks.
- Marks on the body. Bruises, injection wounds, scratches.
How to identify a drug addict by appearance? Addicts neglect the rules of personal hygiene, wear dirty, wrinkled clothes. They prefer dark, loose clothing with long sleeves and a top that is as closed as possible. Wearing sunglasses, regardless of the weather. All of the above are classic signs of a drug addict.
The body reacts to drug use with a sharp deterioration in health. The addict constantly feels unwell, and symptoms of dysfunction of internal organs appear.
Signs that indicate the use of illegal substances:
- weight loss;
- constant thirst;
- eating disorder (starvation alternates with bouts of binge eating);
- constipation alternates with diarrhea;
- disruption of circadian rhythms (insomnia at night, prolonged night sleep);
- fluctuations in blood pressure.
Behavioral signs of a drug addict. How do drug addicts behave?
Strange behavior, a new circle of acquaintances, a different manner of communication – these are the characteristic features of the drug addict’s behavior. Hobbies change completely. Favorite activities do not bring joy, the addict refuses to talk about it at all.
The behavior of drug addicts is distinguished by secrecy and suspicion. They do not trust even close people. They begin to lie to them, ask for money under any pretext. Even previously calm people become irritable, outbursts of anger are not uncommon. Take it seriously, a sharp change in behavior is also a sign of a drug addict.
Teenagers start having problems with their studies. They constantly miss classes. Specific terms like “grass”, “wheels”, “salt” and others appear in their speech.
The behavior of a drug addict has specific manifestations. It is important not to miss the changes that have occurred with a loved one and seek medical help.