What Are the Physical Signs of Drug Abuse?

Question by JessaB: What are the physical signs of drug abuse?
My friend recently moved in with me and I’m worried he may be on something. He’s always fidgety, talks a lot about nothing, his eyes are always dilated, and when he goes into the bathroom he’s in there for quite a while. When he comes back out he says he’s having stomach troubles but (and I know this might seem nasty) it never smells so I’m thinking unless his business smells like roses he’s doing something else. Am I just being paranoid?

Best answer:

Answer by Angel_face
Physical Signs

* Loss of appetite, increase in appetite, any changes in eating habits, unexplained weight loss or gain.
* Slowed or staggering walk; poor physical coordination.
* Inability to sleep, awake at unusual times, unusual laziness.
* Red, watery eyes; pupils larger or smaller than usual; blank stare.
* Cold, sweaty palms; shaking hands.
* Puffy face, blushing or paleness.
* Smell of substance on breath, body or clothes.
* Extreme hyperactivity; excessive talkativeness.
* Runny nose; hacking cough.
* Needle marks on lower arm, leg or bottom of feet.
* Nausea, vomiting or excessive sweating.
* Tremors or shakes of hands, feet or head.
* Irregular heartbeat.

Behavioral Signs

* Change in overall attitude/personality with no other identifiable cause.
* Changes in friends; new hang-outs; sudden avoidance of old crowd; doesn’t want to talk about new friends; friends are known drug users.
* Change in activities or hobbies.
* Drop in grades at school or performance at work; skips school or is late for school.
* Change in habits at home; loss of interest in family and family activities.
* Difficulty in paying attention; forgetfulness.
* General lack of motivation, energy, self-esteem, “I don’t care” attitude.
* Sudden oversensitivity, temper tantrums, or resentful behavior.
* Moodiness, irritability, or nervousness.
* Silliness or giddiness.
* Paranoia
* Excessive need for privacy; unreachable.
* Secretive or suspicious behavior.
* Car accidents.
* Chronic dishonesty.
* Unexplained need for money, stealing money or items.
* Change in personal grooming habits.
* Possession of drug paraphernalia.

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