How to Tell If Someone is Taking Drugs

When you suspect that someone you love might be abusing drugs or alcohol, it can feel frightening and confusing. You may notice small changes in their behavior, mood, or appearance, and wonder what’s happening beneath the surface. 

Substance use can affect anyone, whatever their age, background, or lifestyle—the latest data from SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) show that 27 million U.S. adults have drug addictions, 29.5 million have alcohol addiction, and over 8 million are addicted to drugs and alcohol. While addiction is a chronic and relapsing condition, it also responds favorably to evidence-based treatment. Read on to learn how to tell if someone is taking drugs or using alcohol and how to get them compassionate and effective care. 

Is My Loved One Abusing Substances?

It can be hard to face the idea that someone you care about might be abusing drugs or alcohol. Any form of substance abuse can impact the way they think, act, and feel. It can also affect their health, relationships, and prospects. 

If you’re worried about your friend or family member, identifying the signs of substance abuse early on can give you a chance to help them before things worsen. Like all progressive conditions, addictions typically get worse if not treated. 

Addiction is clinically described as substance use disorder. The symptoms are outlined in American Psychiatric Association’s DSM-5-TR ( the latest revised edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders). Addiction is diagnosed according to the number of symptoms present as mild, moderate, or severe. The symptoms are: 

• Taking the substance in larger amounts over a longer period than planned.
• Trying and failing to discontinue the use of drugs or alcohol.
• Spending a lot of time getting, using, or recovering from the substance.
• Encountering powerful urges to use the substance.
• Neglecting personal and professional duties because of substance use.
• Continuing to use drugs, alcohol, or prescription medications even though it’s damaging your closest relationships.
• Stopping activities you once enjoyed due to substance use.
• Using the substance in dangerous situations like driving.
• Ongoing substance use despite adverse physical and mental health outcomes.
• Taking more of the substance to deliver the initial effects as tolerance builds.
• Experiencing intensely uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation. 

Noticing two or three of these symptoms in your loved one could point to a mild addiction. This doesn’t mean you have all the answers, or that it’s your job to diagnose them, but it is a chance to open a caring conversation about their substance use. 

How to Know if Someone is On Drugs

How to know if someone is using drugs can be difficult, especially if they’re hiding it. There are some specific signs a person is on drugs, though, and they can show up in their behavior, emotions, and physical appearance. 

Changes in daily routine

Drug use can often trigger changes in a person’s day-to-day activities. Look for these disruptions to routine: 

• They might stay up late at night or sleep during the day.
• Their eating habits may change—they may eat too much or too little.
• You may notice them skipping meals or forgetting to eat entirely.
• They might stop doing things they used to care about, like hobbies, sports, or spending time with friends and family. 

Physical signs of drug use

Drug abuse can be physically damaging. Common physical indicators of abuse include: 

• Bloodshot eyes that are watery or have enlarged or tiny pupils, depending on the drug of abuse.
• They might smell like smoke, chemicals, or other strange odors.
• If they are injecting drugs, you may see track marks—small scars or bruises on their arms, legs, or feet.
• The person may have regular nosebleeds or a runny nose if they are snorting substances like cocaine or methamphetamine.
• Sudden weight loss or weight gain can be a sign of drug abuse.

Emotional and mood changes

Someone who is addicted to drugs may behave differently. These are red flags for drug abuse: 

• They might become more irritable, paranoid, or easily confused.
• They could seem forgetful, spaced out, or unable to focus.
• They may get defensive or angry when you ask about their behavior.
• They might seem sad or depressed for no reason. 

Drug paraphernalia

Many items suggest drug use, including: 

• Pipes or bongs for smoking substances, from crack cocaine and meth to marijuana.
• Small bags or wraps for storing drugs.
• Burned spoons or foil used to heat drugs.
• Needles or syringes to inject drugs.
• Straws or rolled paper to snort drugs. 

Trouble with law or rules

Drug use can also lead to legal complications, such as: 

• The person may break rules at home, work, or school.
• They may get in trouble with the police.
• Your loved one might take risks or make poor choices, such as driving under the influence of drugs. 

What you can do

Talk to your loved one calmly and compassionately if you notice these signs. Avoid blaming them or getting angry. Let them know you’re worried and want to help. Offer support and encourage them to speak with a healthcare professional about their drug use. 

How to Know if Someone is Abusing Alcohol

Alcohol abuse can be just as dangerous as drug abuse, even though it’s a legal substance. While drinking in moderation is considered relatively safe, some people lose control over their alcohol intake. Here are some of the most common markers of alcohol abuse to help you determine if your loved one might have an alcohol addiction (alcohol use disorder). 

Drinking more than usual

If your loved one is engaging in the following behaviors, it could point to an alcohol addiction developing: 

• Drinking more often or in larger amounts.
• Consuming alcohol in secret or hiding bottles.
• Drinking at odd times, like early morning or during work hours.
• The person may say they want to stop but can’t seem to cut back. 

Physical signs of alcohol abuse

As with drug abuse, alcohol abuse can be physically damaging. Look for these physical signs of alcohol abuse in your loved one: 

• Red or flushed face.
• Shaking hands, especially in the morning or when they haven’t had a drink.
• Blackouts or memory loss where they forget what happened when they were drinking.
• Slurred speech when they’ve been drinking.
• Weight gain or loss triggered by alcohol’s effects on appetite and metabolism. 

Changes in behavior

Monitor your loved one for behavioral changes, such as: 

• Becoming angry, sad, or aggressive while drinking.
• Starting fights or acting out of control.
• Avoiding friends or family and preferring to drink alone.
• Demonstrating mood swings, either while drinking or when hungover. 

Personal or professional issues

Many people with alcohol use disorder neglect their personal and professional commitments as addiction sets in. These are common manifestations: 

• Missing work, classes, or family events because of drinking.
• Struggling to finish tasks or meet responsibilities.
• Getting into arguments with friends and family about their drinking. 

Health complications

Drinking too much and too often can cause long-term health problems, such as:

• High blood pressure
• Liver damage
• Stomach issues
• Frequent headaches
• Nausea
• Hangovers 

What you can do

If you notice a cluster of these signs, speak with your loved one. Talk to them kindly and tell them you’ll help arrange professional intervention at an inpatient or outpatient rehab. Offer to help them find a support group like AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) or SMART Recovery. Ensure that they know you’ll help them get sober and stay sober—it’s possible with the right personalized treatments and you can make a major difference to their recovery. 

Substance Abuse Treatment at Anchored Recovery

Discovering that a loved one is abusing drugs or alcohol can be difficult and emotional. Fortunately, help is readily available. At Anchored Recovery, we offer outpatient, intensive outpatient, and partial hospitalization programs, designed to give the right level of care without forcing people to neglect their everyday commitments or leave home for a month or more. 

Get help for your friend or family member right away—call our friendly admissions team at (844) 429-5554.