• HOW TO GET HELP: Community Resource Guide
Alcohol
The OASAS notes that alcohol is the most commonly used substance in the United States. That can make it easy to overlook or downplay signs of addiction or substance use disorder. However, a person struggling with alcohol may exhibit a variety of behavioral and physical warning signs that indicate their consumption may be dangerous.
- Physical: Some signs of an alcohol problem are visible to the naked eye. Such signs include the smell of alcohol on a user’s clothes and breath, bloodshot eyes and slurred speech. Walking abnormally while consuming alcohol also may indicate a person is struggling to control his or her consumption.
- Behavioral: Changing behavior, isolation and less transparent behaviors and avoiding contact with loved ones are some of the behavioral warning signs of an alcohol use disorder. Additional signs include poor performance at school and/or work; moodiness, irritability, nervousness/anxiety, or giddiness; and an inability to concentrate. Individuals struggling with alcohol also may exhibit problems with their short-term memory.
Cocaine
Cocaine is a powerful stimulant that can affect the mind and body in myriad ways. The OASAS indicates that chronic cocaine use can cause permanent damage with memory and brain function and lead to addiction.
- Physical: Cocaine is a leading cause of heart attack in individuals age 45 and younger. Cocaine also can contribute to stroke and disturbances in the rhythm of the heart that can prove fatal.
- Mental: Cocaine can contribute to mental health problems. Individuals with preexisting mental health conditions may see the symptoms worsen when using cocaine, while those with no such history may experience the onset of mental health problems as a result of their cocaine consumption.
The OASAS notes that side effects can vary depending on how cocaine is ingested. Individuals who smoke cocaine may suffer from burns in their throat and lungs, while those who inhale the drug through their nose may suffer damage to their nose and nasal septum.
Opioids
Opioids include legal painkillers prescribed by a physician but also illegal street drugs such as heroin and fentanyl. Like other substances, signs of opioid use disorder may be physical and/or behavioral
- Physical: The physical signs of opioid use include loss of appetite, weight loss, small pupils, and decreased respiratory rate. Some individuals taking opioids also experience withdrawal symptoms when they attempt to stop or cannot get the drugs. These symptoms can mirror those associated with the flu, such as nausea, vomiting and sweating, but may be more intense. Drowsiness or non-responsiveness also is associated with opioid use or intoxication.
- Behavioral: Individuals abusing opioids may exhibit changes in attitude and avoid contact with loved ones. Performance at school and/or work also may suffer, and some users may isolate and/or engage in illicit behaviors.
Substance use disorders can affect anyone. Learning to recognize the signs of such disorders can be a strong first step toward overcoming potentially deadly addictions.
About the Author