How to know if you or a loved one has Substance Use Disorder.
Substance Use Disorder, Dependency, and Addiction can be frightening to think about. We are told from a very young age how harmful certain substances like drugs and alcohol can be, but people continue to use them. In the United States, you can go to almost any sized town and be sure to find two things, a post office and a bar. Many smaller towns do not even have gas stations or grocery stores within their limits, but alcohol is never too far away. This is because, in many places, drinking is a form of entertainment, relaxation aid, or a cheap way to "escape." How then, can we tell the difference between someone who smokes or drinks to relax, unwind, or entertain themselves and someone who has a dependency or addiction to it?
Before we can talk about the warning signs for you or a loved one, we must first clarify our terms. There are different criteria for substance abuse, substance dependency, and substance use disorder.
The criteria for Substance Abuse are:
Hazardous use (dangerous, reckless usage of the substance)
Social/Interpersonal problems related to use
Neglecting major roles or responsibilities due to use
Legal issues related to use
The criteria for Substance Dependency are:
Withdrawal symptoms when you stop using
Developing a tolerance to the substance
Using larger amounts or for more extended periods
Repeated attempts to quit or control the use of the substance
Spending a lot of time using the substance
Giving up activities to use the substance
Physical/Psychological problems related to use
The criteria for Substance Use Disorder are:
Hazardous use (dangerous, reckless usage of the substance)
Social/Interpersonal problems related to use
Neglecting major roles or responsibilities due to use
Legal issues related to use
Withdrawal symptoms when you stop using
Developing a tolerance to the substance
Using larger amounts or for more extended periods
Repeated attempts to quit or control the use of the substance
Spending a lot of time using the substance
Giving up activities to use the substance
Physical/Psychological problems related to use
Now that we have clarified what Substance Abuse, Substance Dependency, and Substance Use Disorder are, we can take a look at some telltale signs that you or someone you love may have one of these relationships to a substance.
There are 4 main ways to tell if someone abuses substances, has Substance Dependency, or Substance Use Disorder.
Look for physical indicators
The following are some of the most common physical signs that someone is experiencing an issue with substance use:
Headaches
Insomnia
Nausea
Flushed skin
Trembling hands
Dramatic weight loss or gain
Dilated pupils
Broken capillaries in the face
Take note of behavioral changes
The following are some of the most common behavioral signs that someone is experiencing an issue with substance use:
Memory loss or "blackouts"
Mood swings and depression
Drinking alone, in the morning, or secret
Doing riskier things than normal
Lying
Unexplained injuries or accidents
Not grooming themselves
Borrowing or stealing money
Frequent arguments and fights
Look for items related to use
The following are some of the most common items that indicate that someone is experiencing an issue with substance use:
Pipes: These can be made of wood, glass, plastic, acrylic, and more
Bongs: These are often made of glass, with a water basin near the bottom
Cigarette papers: These can be used to roll joints that are filled with drugs
Injection needles: These can be used to inject certain drugs that have been mixed with water
Miniature spoons: These spoons are often used to dissolve drugs in liquid before they are injected
Has their daily life changed?
The following are some of the most common routine and habit signs that someone is experiencing an issue with substance use:
Changing relationships
When someone is experiencing an issue with substance use, they tend to spend more time with others that also engage in that activity and may neglect their relationships with family members and friends
Performance at work or school
Individuals with Substance Abuse tendencies, Substance Dependency, or Substance Use Disorder may become more irritable, less focused, or have different priorities than they did before using the substance. This could mean that their performance at work could suffer, and they may have problems with coworkers or supervisors.
Also, a student may notice that their grades are dropping, and they may not care as much about their performance in school
Substance abuse, dependency, and disordered use often occurs for people with other mental health disorders like depression or anxiety. If you or a loved one suffers from depression, anxiety, or any other mental health disorder, please pay attention to any changing behaviors and look for the signs outlined in this article.
If, after reading this piece, you think you or a loved one may have issues with substance use, please feel free to attend a meeting on our website or join us on our forum. Our Codependency and Substance Use Disorder assessments are available resources for you. These resources are free and can be anonymous if you wish. Also, if you are in any danger from others or yourself, we urge you to call 911. We are here to support you, no matter your story.
Copyright, June 2020
Images via Pexels
