How to Tell if Someone Is on Drugs
Drugs typically refer to highly addictive substances such as cocaine, heroin, and meth. Continued use can lead to drug tolerance, physical dependence, and addiction.
There are common signs and symptoms that can help you determine if a person is on drugs, and knowing them can help you get treatment before it’s too late.
What are the Physical Signs of Drug Use?
Signs of drug use can show in a person’s appearance and how they take care of themselves. Common physical symptoms of drug use include:
- Poor hygiene
- Red, bloodshot eyes
- Larger or smaller pupils than usual
- Poor skin
- Appearing tired or run down
- Poor physical coordination
- Slurred speech
- Unusual odor on breath, body, or clothes
- Weight loss or weight gain
- Overall deterioration in physical appearance
How to Tell if Someone is Snorting Drugs
How a person uses drugs can leave visible marks or change their appearance. Drugs that are snorted or administered intravenously may leave various physical signs.
People who snort drugs typically have frequent nose bleeds, unusual nasal discharges, and recurring nasal infections. They also have a runny or stuffy nose that doesn’t get better.
People who inject drugs have track marks on major veins. They typically appear as puncture wounds, scabs, or bruises on the forearms, hands, legs, and feet. Other signs include skin infections on the injection sites and wearing long-sleeved shirts to cover track marks.
What are the Behavioral Signs of Drug Use?
Drug use alters certain parts of the brain, leading to sudden personality and behavioral changes. The most common behavioral signs of drug abuse include:
- Low motivation and loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy
- Decline in work or school performance
- Frequent work or school absences
- Seeming withdrawn or inactive
- Lying and engaging in secretive behavior
- Changes in sleeping patterns and eating habits
- Drastic changes in relationships
- Issues with financial management or spending more money than usual
- Defensive when asked about substance use
- Inability to explain reasons for doing something
- Getting into frequent accidents or injuries
- Engaging in risky sexual behavior
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What are the Psychological Signs of Drug Use?
Illicit drugs are known for their ability to alter brain function. When you misuse them, you’ll experience changes in mood, level of awareness, thoughts, and feelings.
Those who abuse drugs typically have the following symptoms:
- A negative personality
- Low self-esteem
- Depression and/or anxiety
- Mood swings
- Paranoia and/or hallucinations
- Difficulties with cognition
- Memory loss
Although these are some of the most common signs of drug use, certain drugs also have different side effects. We created a table showing the different signs a person might display if they’re using certain drugs:
| Drug Type | Description | Symptoms |
| Stimulants | Drugs that increase bodily activities (e.g., cocaine, meth, amphetamines, crack) | Heightened alertness, energy; dilated pupils; sweating; rapid heartbeat; hyperactivity; insomnia; anxiety |
| Depressants | Drugs that slow brain activity (e.g., benzodiazepines, sedatives, barbiturates) | Dry mouth; low blood pressure; slow breathing; slurred speech; confusion; dizziness; memory issues |
| Opioids | Drugs enhancing pleasure and relaxation (e.g., oxycodone, hydrocodone, heroin) | Slow/shallow breathing; slurred speech; nausea; sweating; drowsiness; weight loss; loss of coordination |
| Hallucinogens | Drugs altering perception and awareness (e.g., LSD, ketamine, DMT, DM) | Hallucinations; disorientation; nausea; dizziness; elevated temperature; memory loss; psychological distress |
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When Should You Seek Help?
If you think your loved one is abusing drugs, it’s important to get help early. By having an early intervention, you can improve their chances of a successful recovery.
Consider seeking help from medical professionals and addiction specialists. They can advise you on rehab facilities, treatment options, and resources for you and your loved one.
Remember to offer help and support, especially if they’re interested in getting treatment. Encourage them by helping them explore other treatment methods and ways to get sober.
Treatment Options for Drug Addiction
Although there are many treatment options available for drug addiction, not everyone responds to treatment the same way. Because of this, it’s important to find the right treatment program for you or your loved one.
Different types of treatment options include:
- Medical detox: Medically supervised detox used to avoid harmful withdrawal effects.
- Inpatient program: Involves checking yourself into a rehab facility for 24-hour medical supervision.
- Outpatient program: A treatment program where patients are freely allowed to leave the rehab facility.
- Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs): A treatment program where you stay at a rehab facility for a day and return home at night.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): A short-term therapy technique that explores the link between thought patterns and addiction.
- Dual diagnosis treatment: A treatment program that addresses co-occurring mental health conditions alongside addiction.
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT): Involves using medication, counseling, and therapy to treat addiction.
- Support groups: Provide a much-needed community to help maintain sobriety after treatment.
- 12-Step programs: A support group that uses 12 steps to help guide you through the recovery process and maintain sobriety.
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- NIDA. “Reported use of most drugs among adolescents remained low in 2024.” National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2024.
- “Global Burden of Disease Study 2017.” Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation.
- “QuickStats: Number of Emergency Department Visits*,† for Substance Abuse or Dependence§ per 10,000 Persons Aged ≥18 Years, by Age Group — United States, 2008–2009 and 2016–2017.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2019.
- “2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.” Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2019.
- “Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction.” National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2011.
- Ciucă Anghel et al. “Understanding the Mechanisms of Action and Effects of Drugs of Abuse.” Molecules, 2023.
