Signs of Substance Abuse That You Might Not Know

• Drug or Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
• Bingeing and Drinking
• Anxiety or Depression After Using Drugs or Alcohol
• Increasing Anger, Irritability, or Hostility
• Loss of Interest in Daily Activities
• Other Possible Signs of Substance Abuse
• Detox With Briarwood

The signs and symptoms of substance abuse can be difficult to identify. If a family member, friend, or romantic partner uses drugs or alcohol in secret, it’s more difficult to recognize the problem. However, the earlier you catch an individual showing signs of substance abuse, the better chance you have at helping that person get treatment sooner rather than later. Here are some of the most common signs that someone might be abusing substances:

Many people who abuse substances begin by abusing alcohol. If someone who is abusing substances has a drinking problem, they may try to self-medicate their anxiety, stress, or problems socializing by drinking. A drinking problem might lead to a pattern of binge drinking. Binge drinking is defined as consuming too much alcohol in a short period of time. Someone with a drinking problem may binge drink once or several times a week. An individual might also experience symptoms of alcohol withdrawal if they stop drinking suddenly. Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal include:

• Fatigue or exhaustion
• Increased sleepiness
• Irritableness
• Depression
• Anxiousness
• Confusion
• Insomnia
• Excessive sweating
• Intoxication and Impairment

Alcohol withdrawal syndrome, or AWS, is a longer-term withdrawal that can happen in some people who have a drinking problem and abruptly stop abusing alcohol. AWS can last for several weeks after someone stops drinking. A person with a drinking problem might experience AWS if he or she has been drinking heavily for a long period of time. AWS is not life-threatening, but it can be uncomfortable and cause nausea, sweating, and a rapid heartbeat.

Some people who abuse substances often struggle with an increase in irritability after using drugs or alcohol. Other people who abuse substances experience anger as a result of their substance abuse. Someone who is abusing substances may experience an increase in negative emotions, and it’s a sign that they need help.

Note that some people experience temporary, situational increases in anger after using prescription substances. These increases, however, should decrease over time as the prescription stabilizes with consistent use. If someone’s anger doesn’t improve after several weeks, however, it could be a sign of substance abuse. It’s also important to note that some people who abuse substances experience long-term, harmful anger problems. Long-term anger problems often result from untreated mental health conditions. If a person’s anger becomes a persistent problem, it could indicate a mental health issue.

Ready to talk to someone now? Briarwood Detox Center's admissions team is here 24/7, and every call is confidential. Call (866) 710-7710.

People who abuse substances may experience severe mood swings, irritability, or anger episodes that last for several days. A person with a substance abuse problem might experience such an episode after using substances. It’s important to note, however, that a mood or behavior episode is not necessarily a sign of substance abuse.

Some people experience a loss of interest in their normal activities and a sudden change in their daily habits. It’s not clear why these changes occur, but they are sometimes described as “response symptoms” to substances.

If someone who is abusing substances is not ready to seek treatment, they might refuse to acknowledge the problem or claim that it’s no big deal. They might also try to persuade others that they don’t need help.