Recognizing the Signs of Drug & Alcohol Use Disorder

Substance use disorder (SUD) is a progressive disease that, without treatment, usually gets worse over time. Whether it’s drugs or alcohol, knowing the warning signs of SUD can help you or someone you care about get the support they need. In this guide, we’ll discuss the signs of SUD. You will learn:

• Physical, behavioral, and emotional signs of substance use disorder
• How substance use affects the user’s relationship and social life
• The difference between psychological and physical dependence
• When it is time to seek help

If you or a loved one are struggling with SUD or need support at any stage of your recovery, please contact our team at Blue Star Recovery today. Learn about our substance use treatment programs or get started with a confidential, risk-free assessment.

Recognizing the physical signs of SUD is often one of the first steps in identifying a problem. While the signs may differ depending on the substance or behavior, some common physical indicators include:

• Sudden, unexplained weight loss or weight gain – People may lose or gain a noticeable amount of weight without changes in their diet or exercise habits.
• Changes in sleep patterns – Someone struggling with SUD may either have trouble sleeping (insomnia) or sleep excessively, often at unusual hours.
• Neglecting personal hygiene – Many people with SUD stop caring about their appearance and hygiene, leading to disheveled clothing, unwashed hair, or an overall messy look.
• Frequent illnesses – SUD can weaken the immune system, causing more frequent colds, infections, or other health issues.
• Bloodshot eyes or dilated pupils – Drug or alcohol use can cause noticeable changes in the eyes, such as redness or changes in pupil size. For example, opioid misuse can cause pinpoint pupils while meth misuse can cause pupil dilation.
• Tremors or shaking – In some cases, especially with alcohol or certain drugs, individuals may experience tremors or shaking in their hands or other parts of the body.
• Slurred speech or poor coordination – Certain substances may impair speech and motor functions, making it difficult for the person to walk steadily or speak clearly.
• Unexplained injuries or bruises – People with SUDs may have injuries they cannot fully explain, often as a result of impaired judgment or accidents.
• Track marks or other signs of drug use – Those using injectable drugs might have visible puncture marks on their arms or legs. On the other hand, snorting drugs can cause frequent nosebleeds due to damage to the nasal passages.

Drug and alcohol use can have devastating impacts on the physical health of the user. As a result, it’s imperative to seek treatment as soon as signs of a substance use disorder (SUD) emerge.

Drug and alcohol misuse causes significant changes in behavior. Some behavioral signs include:

• Secrecy and lying, as the person tries to hide their substance use or activities from others.
• Loss of interest in hobbies or activities that were once enjoyable or important.
• Neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home as substance use takes priority.
• Engaging in risky or reckless behaviors, such as driving under the influence or taking dangerous actions without thinking.
• Changes in social circles, spending more time with those who support their SUD, and distancing from long-term friends or family.
• Increased conflicts with loved ones that lead to arguments, mistrust, and tension in personal relationships.
• Financial problems from borrowing money, overspending, or even stealing to support their substance use.
• Poor performance at work or school, resulting in missed deadlines, bad grades, or disciplinary actions.
• Experiencing drug cravings or constantly thinking about how to get more or when they’ll use next.

These behaviors can be obvious in some people and very discreet in others. Close friends and family members are often the first to notice these behavioral changes.

Substance use disorder can have psycho-social symptoms, too. It affects how people relate to others, and often, this impact becomes noticeable within personal relationships. Common signs include:

• Conflict with friends and family – As SUD progresses, it’s common for tensions to rise in personal relationships. Arguments, mistrust, and distancing from loved ones can occur.
• Isolation – Individuals might begin to isolate themselves from friends, family, or social situations that don’t involve their substance or beverage of choice.
• Financial problems – SUD is expensive. People may start borrowing money frequently, draining savings, or even stealing to fund their substance use.
• Changes in priorities – The SUD often becomes the primary focus of the individual’s life, pushing relationships to the sidelines. Activities that once brought joy and connection may be neglected, leading to a breakdown in support systems.

People who suffer from substance use disorder experience both physical and psychological dependence. 

Physical dependence occurs when the body adapts to the substance, requiring more of it to achieve the same effects (tolerance). If the substance is suddenly stopped, the person may experience withdrawal symptoms like nausea, shaking, or anxiety.

Psychological dependence, on the other hand, happens when a person feels they need the substance or activity to function or feel normal. It becomes a crutch for handling stress, anxiety, or other emotional issues, but it eventually makes those issues even worse over time.

Both types of dependence can be indicative of a drug or alcohol problem, especially with other physical, behavioral, or emotional signs of substance use disorder are present.