Signs Of Adderall Misuse Or Abuse
These terms generally mean that that youâre using a medication for something other than its original purpose. Many people who donât have ADHD mistakenly think that taking Adderall and similar medication such as Concerta, Dexedrine, Modafinil, and Ritalin is no more dangerous than drinking a lot of coffee or caffeinated beverages.
Abusing or misusing a drug harms you or your loved ones. You are misusing Adderall if you:
- Take someone elseâs prescription
- Use a higher dose than prescribed
- Inject, snort, or smoke the pills
- Mix the pills with other drugs or alcohol
- Use them to get high or to keep up with school studies
Some older Americans may take Adderall to ward off memory loss. But doing so without a doctorâs OK can lead to physical and mental problems.
Signs To Watch Out For
If you or someone you love is dealing with an addiction, you need to recognize the signs of drug abuse.
Physical Signs of Drug Abuse and Addiction, Changes in Appearance and Hygiene, Withdrawal Symptoms, Owning Drug Paraphernalia, Behavioral Signs of Substance Abuse, Denial of Drug Addiction, Reclusive Behavior, Compulsive Drug Use, Lack of Interest, Mood Swings, Erratic Behavior, What to do if Someone You Love is Struggling with Addiction, Rehab is Your Best Chance
Addiction is characterized by the compulsive use of a certain drug or substance even when the user is already experiencing its adverse effects. This is a serious medical condition that keeps a person from making good decisions because a particular substance makes them feel good. This prevents them from quitting any time they want. Its not just a matter of willpower. Addiction has both physical and psychological effects that can be devastating and severe.
Addiction often comes with drug dependence. A person who is physically dependent on a substance cannot quit cold turkey because their body has grown used to the presence of the substance. It will react negatively if the user suddenly stops taking it.
There is also a layer of psychological dependence, wherein the person believes that they need drugs or alcohol just to function on a day-to-day basis. It has become a part of their daily habit, so they feel like they need to take it all the time.
Abuse Vs Addiction: Whats The Difference
Category: Alcohol Abuse and Addiction, Drugs & Addiction, Resources
While the terms drug abuse and drug addiction are often used interchangeably, there are several differences between the two. Substance abuse can often lead to addiction, but that is not always the case. In fact, it is possible for a person to abuse drugs or alcohol without becoming addicted. Regardless of whether or not abuse becomes addiction, both forms of substance use are incredibly dangerous and can have detrimental effects on a persons mental, physical, and emotional health. Identifying the differences between the two can help you determine the next steps to take in acquiring help.
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Signs Of Drug Abuse Or Addiction
Not every addiction looks the same.
Unfortunately, media representations have painted many misleading caricatures of how a person suffering from substance abuse disorder appears or behaves.
Often, people do not acknowledge that they have a problem, and friends or family members are the first to notice something has changed. If you are worried that you or a loved one is suffering from an addiction, uncertainty makes it hard to proceed. However, there are some telltale signs and symptoms to help you identify any potential issues.
Recognizing The Symptoms Of Drug Dependence
You can often determine if an addiction has turned into dependence by looking at behavior. When a person addicted to drugs hasnt had them for a period of time, this can cause a physical reaction. Physical symptoms of withdrawal occur when the body becomes stressed without the drug. These symptoms include:
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Environmental Signs Of A Drug Problem
Unusual Smells. Some drugs, like alcohol, marijuana, crack, or meth, have distinct smells that individuals may try to cover up. Repeated and constant use will be hard to disguise. You may notice those smells on their clothes, in their car or bedroom, or on their breath or skin.
Finding Drug Paraphernalia. 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.
Deodorizers or Incense to Cover Up Smells. Some drugs have very strong smells. You may notice this person spraying areas such as their room or car, wearing very strong cologne or perfume, or even burning candles and incense to cover it. This is concerning especially if this is a new behavior.
Where Can My Teen And I Find Help For Substance Abuse
While resources vary from community to community, be assured that help is within reach. Local resources include schools, medical professionals, mental health specialists and treatment providers. If you are searching for an addiction treatment provider specializing teen rehabilitation, start with your insurance company. They can provide you with a list of in-network treatment providers. Regardless of the program you choose, treatment should always start with a physical, as well as mental health assessments and chemical use history, to determine the appropriate level of care. Given the right treatment and support, adolescents struggling with a substance use disorder can move into happy, healthy, productive lives.
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Symptoms And Signs Of Substance Abuse
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Warning Signs Of Drug Abuse
Use of recreational drugs, over the counter medications or prescription drugs can lead to substance use issues. It can frequently lead to problems at work, home, school, and in relationships, and leave the user feeling isolated, helpless, or shamed. If youre worried about your own or a loved ones drug use, its helpful to know the warning signs and more importantly, that help is available and treatment works.
Common signs and symptoms of drug abuse
- Risk taking when youre using, such as driving, having unprotected sex
- Neglecting responsibilities at school, work, or home
- Legal trouble, such as arrests for disorderly conduct, driving under the influence
Physical warning signs of drug abuse
- Bloodshot eyes, pupils larger or smaller than usual
- Changes in appetite, sleep patterns, physical appearance
- Unusual smells on breath, body, or clothing, or impaired coordination
Behavioral signs of drug abuse
- Drop in attendance and performance at work or school
- Engaging in secretive or suspicious behaviors
- Sudden change in friends, favorite hangouts, and hobbies
Psychological warning signs of drug abuse
- Unexplained change in personality or attitude
- Sudden mood swings, irritability, spaced-out, or angry outbursts
- Appears fearful, anxious, or paranoid, with no reason
For immediate help and information on treatment, contact the RedlinePhone: 889-9789
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Common Symptoms Of Drug Addiction
You’ve built up a drug tolerance. You need to use more of the drug to experience the same effects you used to attain with smaller amounts.
You use to avoid or relieve withdrawal symptoms. If you go too long without drugs, you experience symptoms such as nausea, restlessness, insomnia, depression, sweating, shaking, and anxiety.
Loss of control over your drug use. You often do drugs or use more than you planned, even though you told yourself you wouldn’t. You may want to stop using, but you feel powerless.
Your life revolves around drug use. You spend a lot of time using and thinking about drugs, figuring out how to get them, or recovering from the drug’s effects.
You’ve abandoned activities you used to enjoy, such as hobbies, sports, and socializing, because of your drug use.
You continue to use drugs, despite knowing it’s hurting you. It’s causing major problems in your lifeblackouts, financial issues, infections, mood swings, depression, paranoiabut you use anyway.
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What Are Some Early Signs Of Teen Drug Abuse And Addiction
One of the most challenging aspects of addiction is that it is a progressive disease. Early warning signs can be hard to spot, and unhealthy patterns can develop into a full-blown substance use disorder if not addressed.
When you know your teenage son or daughter’s passions, interests and habits, the early warning signs of trouble will be more apparent because you will sense when something seems off or amiss. Casual drug use can quickly spiral out of control if you ignore problems, rationalize underage drinking or smoking marijuana as “experimentation” or “just a phase,” or avoid having open and honest discussions with your child. It’s much easier to turn problematic behavior around when warning signs first surface, rather than when the situation escalates or an emergency occurs. Especially for kids who are at higher risk of alcohol or other drug addiction, paying attention to early signs of trouble can reduce the likelihood of a future problem. As a parent or concerned adult, you can never intervene too soon.
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Addiction Vs Abuse And Tolerance
Drug abuse is when you use legal or illegal substances in ways you shouldnât. You might take more than the regular dose of pills or use someone elseâs prescription. You may abuse drugs to feel good, ease stress, or avoid reality. But usually, youâre able to change your unhealthy habits or stop using altogether.
Addiction is when you canât stop. Not when it puts your health in danger. Not when it causes financial, emotional, and other problems for you or your loved ones. That urge to get and use drugs can fill up every minute of the day, even if you want to quit.
Addiction also is different from physical dependence or tolerance. In cases of physical dependence, withdrawal symptoms happen when you suddenly stop a substance. Tolerance happens when a dose of a substance becomes less effective over time.
When you use opioids for pain for a long time, for example, you may develop tolerance and even physical dependence. This doesnât mean youâre addicted. In general, when narcotics are used under proper medical supervision, addiction happens in only a small percentage of people.
Substance Abuse Signs & Symptoms
Substance use disorders occur when an individual continues using the substance, whether its alcohol, cocaine, prescription pain pills or other drugs, despite significant substance-related problems. A person who has a moderate or severe substance use disorder may put substance use before family, relationships and career. He or she will continue to drink or use drugs, even if it’s causing problems.
It can be hard to recognize when you or someone in your life has a substance use disorder. Denial is common, but addiction can be devastating. Understanding the signs of drug addiction can help you decide if its time to seek help for yourself or a loved one.
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When Your Teen Has A Drug Problem
Discovering your child uses drugs can generate fear, confusion, and anger. It’s important to remain calm when confronting your teen, and to only do so when everyone is sober. Explain your concerns and make it clear that your concern comes from a place of love. It’s important that your teen feels you are supportive.
S Parents Can Take To Curb Teen Drug Use
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Tell Me The Best Way To Detect Drug Use In Adolescents
Although moodyness is often a part of childhood or teenage years, the effects of drugs are usually manifested in more drastic changes in mood and behavioral behavior in these ages. Generally, adolescents who take cocaine or other illicit substances may be withdrawn from their daily lives, or are depressed. Parents must notice at the beginning of the relationship between children and their peers that the change in peer group could also cause a dependency on substances. A teenager using prescription drugs may also fail class and skip school. Parents can hear their child use slang terms that refer to drug abuse.
How Can I Prevent Substance Use Disorder
Preventing substance use and SUD starts with education. Education in schools, communities and families helps prevent using a substance or misusing a prescription medication for the first time. Other ways to prevent SUD include:
- Following instructions for prescription medications. Dont ever take more than instructed. Opioid use disorder, for instance, can start after just five days of misuse.
- Never sharing your prescription medication with someone else or selling your medication. Always store it in a safe place away from children.
- If you have leftover prescription medications at the end of your treatment, find a community drug take-back program or pharmacy mail-back program to safely dispose of them.
The risk of substance use increases greatly during times of stress and change. For an adult, a divorce, loss of a job or death of a loved one may increase the risk of substance use. For a teenager, moving, family divorce or changing schools can increase their risk.
Its important to turn to healthy coping mechanisms during these times of change, such as exercising, meditating or learning a new hobby. Consider seeing a mental health professional if youre having issues managing your stress.
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Sex And Gender Differences
The warning signs of substance misuse may vary between men and women. The physical, behavioral and emotional responses can vary dramatically between the two genders. Symptoms of drug use for men might include:
- Shrinkage in the testes and fertility issues.
- Severe manifestations of certain addictions, like marijuana use disorder.
- Increased likelihood of using drugs to enhance positive moods.
On the other side of the coin, symptoms of drug use for women might include:
- Uncharacteristic body hair growth and male-pattern baldness.
- Dramatic weight loss with some specific categories of drugs.
- Higher likelihood of experiencing panic attacks with certain substances.
How To Spot Drug Use In Adolescents
While overall moodiness can simply be part of adolescence and the teen years, drug use is generally signified by more drastic changes in mood or behaviors in this age group. Per the National Institute on Drug Abuse , signs of drug use in adolescents include acting withdrawn, tired, depressed, or hostile.
Parents should take note when a child starts associating with a different group of peers, as changes in peer groups may be linked with substance use. An adolescent using drugs might also miss classes, skip school, or change their eating or sleeping habits. Parents can also listen for their kids using slang terms for certain drugs of abuse.
If drug use is suspected, prompt intervention is vital. Parents can get help from guidance counselors, primary care physicians, and drug abuse treatment providers.
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When A Loved One Has A Drug Problem
If you suspect that a friend or family member has a drug problem, here are a few things you can do:
Speak up. Talk to the person about your concerns, and offer your help and support without being judgmental. The earlier addiction is treated, the better. Don’t wait for your loved one to hit rock bottom! List specific examples of your loved one’s behavior that have you worried and urge them to seek help.
Take care of yourself. Stay safe. Don’t put yourself in dangerous situations. Don’t get so caught up in someone else’s drug problem that you neglect your own needs. Make sure you have people you can talk to and lean on for support.
Avoid self-blame. You can support a person with a substance abuse problem and encourage treatment, but you can’t force an addict to change. You can’t control your loved one’s decisions. Letting the person accept responsibility for their actions is an essential step along the way to recovery.
