Recognizing the Signs of Drug Addiction in Your Loved Ones

Addiction to drugs is a slow and agonizing form of suicide. It begins with a person seeking euphoria through the use of narcotics and ends with dependency and suffering that affect both the user and those around them. At Omnia, we recognize the importance of early intervention and awareness, especially for parents and caregivers. Drug addiction is a person’s dependence on narcotic substances and the sensations caused by these substances. When under the influence of drugs, a person experiences euphoria for a while – a very pleasant state indeed. But it quickly passes and the “high” is replaced by completely opposite sensations. To get rid of the suffering caused by abstinence, the addict must take another and another dose of the drug, but gradually and always a little larger than the previous one. If the drug does not enter the body, pain comes – strong and excruciating. The addict is forced to look for a new dose to avoid suffering. For the sake of drugs, he is ready to do anything, even to commit a serious crime.

The Dangers of Drug Use

According to Professor David Nutt from the University of Bristol, substances such as heroin, cocaine, and even alcohol rank among the most dangerous drugs based on health damage, addiction potential, and social harm. Even though marijuana is often viewed as less harmful, it is never recommended for individuals under 21 due to the incomplete development of the brain.

Behavioral Signs in Teenagers

Addiction to psychoactive substances does not manifest itself after a single use, unless we take into account very strong drugs. Developing dependency to drugs usually takes about six months. During this time, attentive relatives and friends can notice the first signs of drug use in a teenager or loved one. In the early stages of drug use, a person can still be saved from a terrible addiction. As a psychologist in Cyprus and Bulgaria, I've seen that early signs are often subtle:

- Sudden mood swings without clear reason - Mood swings are not affected by the weather or conflicts with family or friends. There is nothing visible that affects a person's mood swings, but they can suddenly become irritable or overly happy for no reason.

- Disturbed sleep patterns – alert at night, lethargic by day

- Fluctuations in appetite , including binge eating or significant loss of hunger

- A noticeable shift in eating habits , such as food cravings or complete avoidance

- Changes in daily rhythm – staying out late, disinterest in home life

- Physical health issues – dry skin, pale complexion, acne, digestive problems. The drug user experiences changes in the quality of his skin and changes in his movements and posture. Problems with stool appear if opiates are used.

- Dressing inappropriately for the weather, e.g., long sleeves to hide injection marks

- Wearing sunglasses indoors to mask red or dilated eyes

- Social withdrawal or uncharacteristic aggression

External Physical Indicators

Among the most telling signs:

-Drastic weight loss

-Visible injection marks on hidden areas such as underarms or groin

-Facial changes – pale skin, red or puffy eyes, dry lips, yellowed teeth

-Unusual smells on clothes or breath, resembling chemicals or burnt plastic

-A runny nose, increased body temperature and a state of intoxication without the smell of alcohol are observed.

-The gait becomes unsteady. Untidiness, carelessness, negligence, neglect and chemical stains on clothes appear.

Addicts often carry accessories such as:

-Syringes, ampoules, rubber bands, or tourniquets

-Oddly shaped cigarettes (hashish joints)

-Small scales or pipes

-Spoons used for inhalation

Note: These early signs of drug addiction can help to suspect that a person is using drugs, but they are too general, and it should be assumed that other reasons can also influence such behavior in teenagers. That is why you should monitor your child or loved one much more carefully.

You should not panic and make hasty conclusions. You do not need to sound the alarm immediately as soon as you notice any of the outlined signs of drug use. In many cases, only a combination of all or most of the symptoms may indicate the presence of a real drug use problem. In some cases, such changes can be provoked by completely different reasons, such as hormonal changes, falling in love, the presence of life problems or conflicts that you may not be aware of.

Differentiating Drug Types

Opiates (heroin, codeine, morphine, etc.): pinpoint pupils, intense itching, sweating, lethargy

The first and main sign of opiate use is the pupils that do not react to light. Regardless of the lighting, the pupils remain strongly contracted, like a small dot, the size of a pin. Usually, people who use opiates more than once are well aware of this and try to hide it by wearing dark glasses or lenses. Another sign of drug use (opiates) is itching, the addict's body begins to itch and you can see how the person periodically scratches his face, hands, etc. A third sign of drug use (opiates) is that a person's sweating increases, regardless of the temperature. Thirst may also appear. And depending on the dose, you can see either inadequate increased activity (if the dose is not large), or very reduced activity (at a larger dose), when the person begins to "stick", i.e. fall asleep in completely inappropriate situations, for example, when eating, smoking, working with some kind of machine or appliance, even when driving a car. In addition, if the opiate was taken by inhalation, the nose will be red and irritated. If the opiate was taken by injection, then traces of injections can be found in the following areas (most often): ankles, elbows, popliteal fossa, in the groin area. Addicts use these parts of the body either to hide traces of an injection, or when veins in other parts of the body are simply “burned out” (as a result of long-term drug use).

Stimulants (e.g., cocaine, crack, amphetamine, ecstasy etc.): dilated pupils, hyperactivity, rapid speech

The first sign of drug use (stimulants) will also be the pupil, which does not react to light at all. But unlike opiates, when using stimulants, the pupil will be very strongly dilated, to the limit. The addict, who also knows about this, will try to hide it with glasses or lenses. Other signs of drug use (stimulants) arise precisely from the fact that stimulants accelerate the functions of the body. A person “on stimulants” is characterized by very strong, sometimes inadequate activity. He can also suddenly become irritable and short-tempered. It seems that he cannot sit still. Since the functions of the body are very strongly stimulated by the drug, you can see that the person does not seem to get tired; he can go without sleep for several days. And after a while he somehow “breaks” (this happens suddenly) and can sleep for a very long time. Also, one of the signs of drug use (stimulants) will be the lack of appetite. In a conversation, such a person usually speaks very quickly, without listening to the interlocutor, and, as a rule, there is no logic in what he says, he seems to jump from one thing to another.

Cannabis, hemp, hashish, marijuana (drugs containing cannabinol): bloodshot eyes, excessive laughter, strong cravings for food

The first sign of drug use (cannabis and its derivatives) is a strong redness of the eyes (“bloodshot eyes”). A meaningless look, somewhere in space. Uncontrollable laughter can also appear for no reason. The next sign of drug use containing cannabinoids is the appearance of a strong appetite. It seems that the person does not stop eating, chewing something all the time. Hemp also has a strong smell that cannot be confused with anything else. It can be easily felt when you are around someone who has recently used cannabis or its derivatives.

LSD and hallucinogens: spacey demeanor, philosophical talk, hallucinations

A sign of drug use (psychedelics) will be an absent-minded look, as if the person is completely immersed in his dreams. Difficulty communicating – you often have to contact the person several times before he answers. Talking to a person “on psychedelics” sounds like philosophical reasoning. Does not say anything specific. He may talk at length about some universal problems or things. His ideas are greatly exaggerated. You may notice that he shows a very strong (obsessive) interest in ordinary things. He may look at body parts (hands, fingers, feet, etc.) with interest. He may also spend a very long time drawing something, and then look at the drawing from all sides for just as long. Hallucinations are a sign of psychedelic drug use. A person may also experience emotions for which there is no basis, i.e. without any reason to be irritated, happy, crying, etc.

A Word of Caution

These signs don’t always indicate drug use. As a Psychologist in Varna and Limassol, I advise parents not to panic. Hormonal changes, emotional stress, or social issues may also be responsible. However, when multiple signs are present, a conversation with a licensed specialist like an online psychologist in Limassol can make all the difference.

Final Thoughts

Awareness saves lives. If you suspect a loved one may be struggling with substance use, take action early. Seeking support from a certified professional. At Omnia, we believe in holistic care, incorporating psychology, therapy, mindfulness, and yoga practices to restore balance and well-being.