Track marks may appear on the arms, legs, or other parts of the body and may be accompanied by bruising, scarring, or scabbing. Healthcare professionals may perform a medical exam and take a medical history when diagnosing an SUD. Hallucinogenics, or psychedelics, are a group of drugs that alter someone’s perception of their thoughts and feelings as well as what’s around them. When someone is asking for more and more money, stealing or pawning off their possessions, there is a good chance they are doing so to feed an addiction.
What are some good questions to ask about drugs?
If your drug use is out of control or what is Oxford House causing problems, get help. The sooner you seek help, the greater your chances for a long-term recovery. Talk with your health care provider or see a mental health provider, such as a doctor who specializes in addiction medicine or addiction psychiatry, or a licensed alcohol and drug counselor. Addiction occurs once someone develops a tolerance and becomes dependent on a substance. Drug abuse is a choice, while drug addiction is a mental illness.
Reaching Out for Substance Use Recovery Help
Drugs often mimic or enhance the actions of neurotransmitters, leading to altered mood, behavior, and perceptions. Drug addiction impacts the brain in several fundamental ways, primarily by changing its structure and functioning. When addictive substances enter the system, they disrupt the brain’s neurotransmitter networks, which are essential for neural communication. These disruptions specifically target areas controlling reward, motivation, learning, and memory processes. According to NIDA (2020), effective treatment must address all aspects of addiction, not just substance use, to improve recovery outcomes and reduce the likelihood of relapse.
- A decline in work or school performance can indicate substance use.
- Facilities like Ikon Recovery Center take a thorough approach by including dental health assessments as part of their initial evaluations.
- These substances lead to severe psychological and physical health issues, including heart problems and mental health disorders.
Understand Addiction
This class of drugs includes, among others, heroin, morphine, codeine, methadone, fentanyl and oxycodone. Substituted cathinones, symptoms of drug use also called “bath salts,” are mind-altering (psychoactive) substances similar to amphetamines such as ecstasy (MDMA) and cocaine. Packages are often labeled as other products to avoid detection.
What are the complications of substance use disorder?
Stimulation of physical energy with related decrease in appetite and increase in body temperature. Substance use disorder can negatively affect a person’s relationships, finances, employment, and other aspects of their life. Treatment typically involves a combination of medication and individual and/or group therapy, which can take place in the community or at an inpatient rehabilitation center. For example, instead of saying that someone is “an addict,” say “they are living with a substance use disorder.” Using this type of language helps destigmatize the disease. Recognizing muscle weakness as a sign of drug use can encourage timely action and pave the way for effective treatment. Malnutrition, often caused by reduced appetite or digestive problems, can add to muscle weakness and fatigue 3.
This may mean you try a different type of therapy or a new medication. A provider can help you make adjustments throughout your life as needed. They release dopamine, a chemical in your brain that makes you feel good — until the substance wears off. Your brain and body want to continue this good feeling, even if it’s unhealthy. It can significantly impact your emotional well-being, relationships, education and career. Breathing issues are a common physical sign of drug use, with symptoms that differ based on the substance involved.
- Such changes increase the risk, creating further ramifications of physical and psychological harm.
- If you notice that your loved one’s weight has changed without explanation, it could mean that they have begun to regularly use addictive substances.
- The key indicator of hallucinogen use is experiencing hallucinogenic effects, such as visual distortions, seeing things that aren’t there, or perceiving objects or sounds differently.
Symptoms include strong cravings, irritability, anxiety, depression, and difficulty concentrating when trying to quit, along with physical symptoms like increased appetite and weight gain. Causes include the mood-altering effects of nicotine, genetic factors, social environment, and stress. Contact us today to schedule an initial assessment or to learn more about our services. Whether you are seeking intensive outpatient care or simply need guidance on your mental health journey, we are here to help. Treatment for alcohol use disorder typically involves a combination of detoxification under medical supervision, behavioral counseling, and therapy.
Maintaining motivation in long-term recovery
In the United States, alcohol is the most commonly misused substance by people with SUD. Chronic drug use often leads to a lack of personal hygiene and self-care. When someone is not taking care of their physical appearance by showering regularly, brushing their teeth, cleaning their clothes, etc. there is a good chance it is due to an addiction.
- Treatment options depend on individual needs and circumstances, and it’s important to choose the right level of care.
- If you suspect drug use in an adolescent, approach the situation with care and seek professional help.
- Drug addiction, or substance use disorder, is a serious mental illness that affects a person’s health, relationships, finances, and well-being.
- To diagnose addiction, your healthcare provider may refer you to a psychiatrist, psychologist or drug and alcohol counselor.
Addiction can develop from the use of legal substances (such as alcohol and prescription medications) or illegal drugs (like heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine). If you or someone you care about is showing these physical signs of drug use, professional help is available. These symptoms are not a life sentence – they are a call for action. By addressing both the physical effects and the root causes of addiction, recovery programs can help individuals reclaim their health and rebuild their lives. The symptoms of drug addiction are physical, behavioral, and psychological.