Drug abuse is a serious problem in the United States. According to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, drug addiction has become America’s number one public health problem, surpassing both heart disease and cancer. There are three types of drugs that often lead to addiction: alcohol, nicotine, and illicit or illegal substances. This blog will focus on symptoms of drug abuse for illicit or illegal substances. These include marijuana, cocaine/crack/opiates (heroin), amphetamines (methamphetamine), hallucinogens (LSD), inhalants (huffing), and steroids
List of drug abuse symptoms that substance abuse social workers need to know:
Inability to keep a job
Addiction to drugs can lead to people not being able to keep a job for more than a year. Drugs are dangerous because they take away a person’s motivation and drive which is why it’s important that a social worker knows how substance abuse problems affect their patient.
Loss of interest in activities and hobbies
An individual who has an addiction will usually stop engaging with their friends, family members, or other loved ones. They also lose interest in any activity that they once enjoyed such as sports and hobbies because it’s not consuming enough for them to keep his/her attention. Substance abuse social workers need to look for this because it could be an indicator of substance abuse disorders.
Neglecting responsibilities
Substance abuse social workers should also look for a person neglecting their daily responsibilities such as going to work, taking care of children/elderly family members, and other household chores. This is because people who are high on drugs tend to live in the moment which is why they disregard their responsibilities.
Excessive anxiety
Anxiety is a common drug abuse symptom. Drug abusers tend to be extremely anxious and nervous because of their addiction which they try so desperately to cover up with the use of drugs. Substance abuse social workers need to look for this sign as it can help them determine if an individual has been using illicit substances such as marijuana, cocaine, and other drugs.
Hostility
Individuals who use illicit substances such as heroin or marijuana can become hostile which is why it’s important that a social worker knows the symptoms of drug abuse for this specific substance. A person abusing these types of drugs may also start fights with others, even if they don’t know them at all. This is because the individual’s thought process becomes irrational due to their drug use which also affects them physically.
Legal problems
Addiction to drugs can lead to legal issues for the individual because of drug-related crimes such as driving under the influence or selling/distributing illicit substances that are illegal in some states. Substance abuse social workers need to look out for this behavior because it could mean more trouble down the road.
Physical symptoms
Drug abuse can cause physical symptoms such as insomnia, tremors/shakes, nausea/vomiting, and abdominal pain which is why social workers should be aware of these signs to help their patients overcome the addiction that’s causing them discomfort or distress. They may also experience weight loss because drugs make people feel hungry less often.
Relationship problems
People who are abusing drugs tend to have relationship issues with their co-workers, family members, and friends. No one wants to be around someone that is constantly high or drunk, which can lead to people losing relationships. Social workers need to make sure they know how the patient’s drug abuse affects them on a personal level so they can help them.
Lack of responsibility
One of the most common symptoms that a person abuses drugs is their lack of taking responsibility for everything around them, whether it be at work or home. If someone suffers from substance use disorder, they are likely to not fulfill any responsibilities, which causes problems with everyone else in their life, and social workers need to know this
Appearing under the influence
People who abuse drugs typically appear high or under the influence. It’s important that a social worker knows how to identify someone who is exhibiting signs of drug use and addiction because these people might not be able to hold down jobs, which can lead them to financial instability.
Having trouble with family and friends
Drug abuse can lead to relationship problems or even cause a person to lose their family and friends. Some people who are abusing drugs might become withdrawn from everyone, including the social worker trying to help them.
Losing interest in hobbies and interests
A person who abuses drugs might lose interest in hobbies and interests that they once enjoyed. Some people stop going out with friends as often or even become reclusive, which is a sign of drug abuse. Social workers need to know how this can affect their patients because it could lead them into the dark world of substance abusers where nothing good happens except for the drug itself.
Lying about their whereabouts or activities
A person who abuses drugs might lie to the social worker and friends because they’re trying to hide their problems from others as well as themselves. Drug abusers often try to cover up where they’ve been, what they did, etc., which can make it difficult for a social worker to help their patients.
Being suspicious or anxious around others
Drug abusers might become paranoid of other people who are trying to take away the drugs that they’re using, which can lead them to be suspicious and act out against those around them. They might even get violent towards friends and family members because they feel like someone is going to steal their drugs. This is why it’s important that social worker knows the signs of drug abuse because they need to know how their patients are behaving, which can help them work with them more effectively.
Having mood swings or changes in behavior
Drug abusers might have major mood swings and change their usual behaviors such as becoming violent when someone disagrees with them. They might also become irritable and angry, which can cause problems in relationships with their family and friends. Social workers need to know how drug abusers’ behaviors change so they can determine if this person is under the influence of drugs or not.
Having trouble sleeping or eating
Drug abusers might have difficulty falling asleep and/or staying awake, which can lead to them becoming irritable. They also might not eat as much because they’re focusing on the drugs instead of their mental health. Social workers need to know how drug abusers’ sleep habits change so they can help this person in a productive manner.
Physical symptoms of drug abuse:
Dilated pupils, a term used to describe the widening and narrowing of your pupil in response to different light conditions or feelings that you have. This is one sign that someone might be abusing drugs because their eyes will widen when they’re under the influence of drugs such as marijuana which can make them appear to be high.
Dry mouth
Having dry lips or skin can be a sign of dehydration due to someone abusing drugs instead of water. Someone who is abusing drugs might neglect their basic needs and not drink water.
Higher body temperature
Someone who is under the influence of meth or cocaine will have a higher than normal body temperature which can be determined by taking their pulse rate.
Slowed breathing
A person who is abusing drugs might have slowed or labored breathing due to the fact that they are not getting enough air into their lungs. Their heart rate will also become slower which can be determined by taking their pulse rate. Substance abuse social workers need to know how drug abusers’ behaviors change so they can determine if this person is under the influence of drugs or not.
Mental and emotional signs:
Anxiety, irritability, paranoia, delusions, and hallucinations are some mental changes that drug abusers might experience when they’re high on drugs such as methamphetamines. Substance abuse social worker needs to know how drug abusers’ behaviors change so they can determine if this person is under the influence of drugs or not.
Being secretive and defensive
Drug abusers might become secretive about their activities because they don’t want anyone, including social workers and case managers, to find out that they’re abusing drugs. They might also become defensive when someone questions them about their drug use, which can cause problems for the social worker or case manager. Social workers need to know how drug abusers’ behaviors change so they can determine if this person is under the influence of drugs or not.
Being preoccupied with obtaining and using drugs
Drug abusers might constantly be thinking about obtaining drugs and when they can use them. They might even think about using the drug whenever they aren’t high, which is why it’s so hard to overcome addiction because these thoughts are constantly in their mind. Social workers need to know how drug abusers’ behaviors change so they can determine if this person is under the influence of drugs or not.
Weight loss
Someone who abuses drugs will often lose weight due to having poor eating habits, staying up all night, and not exercising. Social workers need to know how drug abusers’ behaviors change so they can determine if this person is under the influence of drugs or not.
Having new friends who are using drugs
Social workers should be aware that someone might have changed their group of friends because they want people around them who abuse drugs just like them, which can also lead to them becoming drug abusers. Social workers need to know how drug abusers’ behaviors change so they can determine if this person is under the influence of drugs or not.
Apathy and depression
Drug abusers might become apathetic and depressed because they feel isolated from the world. They do not care about anything, which can cause problems for social workers who want to help them overcome their addiction by showing them that there’s a better life out there than what drugs offer. Social workers need to know how drug abusers’ behaviors change so they can determine if this person is under the influence of drugs or not.
Lack motivation
A drug abuser might be lacking in motivation because they don’t see a reason to change their lifestyle and become sober. They feel that it’s easier for them to stay high all day instead of working hard on overcoming their addiction, which often leads to them feeling depressed and lonely. Social workers need to know how drug abusers’ behaviors change so they can determine if this person is under the influence of drugs or not.
How can a social worker or case manager effectively handle and help their patients?
Social workers should make sure that they are properly educated on the different types of drugs and their symptoms
They can take courses at local colleges or self-study books to understand how drug abusers’ behaviors change so they can determine if this person is under the influence of drugs or not. Social workers can also be part of an intervention team and support their patients throughout the recovery process.
Social workers should be aware of their patients’ behaviors
Social workers should pay attention to the changes in a patient’s behavior and try not to get distracted by denial, which is common among drug abusers. They need to understand that it takes time for someone who abuses drugs to learn how healthy relationships work because they had unhealthy ones while they were high on drugs, which is why they are now lonely and apathetic. Social workers should be aware that someone might have changed their group of friends because they want people around them who abuse drugs just like them, which can also lead to them becoming drug abusers.
Social workers need to set boundaries
Social workers should try to set boundaries with their patients, even though it can be difficult because drug abusers are often very manipulative and use excuses like “you’re not my real friend” or “I’m just doing this for you”. Social workers need to know how drug abusers’ behaviors change so they can determine if this person is under the influence of drugs or not. They can create an individualized treatment plan for them that will help their patients overcome their addiction and become healthy again, while also helping the social workers to cope with stress.
Social workers should be aware of warning signs
People who abuse drugs often need constant attention, which is why it’s important for case managers to know how drug abusers’ behaviors change so they can determine if this person is under the influence of drugs or not.
Social workers should understand what the following warning signs mean
Drug abusers might leave their job or school; they do not care about anything and feel that drugs are more important than education. This is why it’s critical for social workers to help them find a healthy balance between everything in life, like friends and family members who support them, and their education.
Drug abusers might also neglect hygiene and wear dirty clothes; this is why they need to be reminded that the way they look affects how other people see them. Social workers can help drug abusers by encouraging them to stay clean because it will make everything easier for them in life.
Social workers should remember about relapse
If a social worker suspects that their patient is using drugs again, they need to take action and set up meetings with them on a regular basis. They can also suggest joining support groups or psychotherapy sessions so people who abuse drugs can share stories about how it feels like when someone relapses. Social workers should remember that relapse is part of the recovery process and not something to be ashamed of because it happens to everyone.
Social workers should encourage their patients to get treatment
People who abuse drugs can benefit from inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation programs, like Twelve Step Programs that are available in every city. These programs help patients become healthy again and understand why they were abusing drugs in the first place so they do not relapse again. Social workers should encourage their patients to join these types of support groups because it’s the best way they can overcome their addiction.
Social workers should understand that drug abusers are still people
People who abuse drugs are still people, which is why they need social workers to help them find a healthy balance in life. They can set up meetings with their patients on a regular basis, go to support groups together, and share stories about addiction. Case managers should understand that drug abusers are still people who need love and attention just like everyone else in this world.
Summary
Social workers are responsible for helping people who have been diagnosed with a mental illness or substance abuse problem, but knowing what symptoms they need to look out for can be beneficial in order to help patients get better treatment and care. It’s important for case managers to know what drug abusers’ behaviors change so they can determine if this person is under the influence of drugs or not. They should create an individualized addiction treatment plan for them and help their patients overcome drug or alcohol addiction, and become healthy again while helping themselves cope with stress as well.
Social workers need to be aware of warning signs like changes in hygiene, job performance, and lack of interest in education. They should also remember that relapse is part of the recovery process and not something to be ashamed of because it happens to everyone. Finally, social workers need to set up regular meetings with their patients if they suspect them of using drugs again or encourage them to join support groups where they can share stories about addiction and treatment strategies to help each other overcome their struggles. Substance abuse counseling and substance abuse treatment should be available to everyone, not just to people who have been diagnosed with a mental illness.
Most people don’t understand how serious drug abuse is and the impact it has on society. Drug abuse symptoms can be hard to spot, but social workers are in a unique position to help those suffering from addiction. Here are some of the most common signs that someone is abusing drugs:
–Changes in appearance: If someone you know suddenly starts neglecting their personal hygiene or they let their physical appearance go, it could be a sign that they’re abusing drugs.
–Changes in behavior: If someone is acting out of character or behaving erratically, it could be a sign that they’re using drugs.
–Withdrawal from friends and family: If someone starts withdrawing from their normal social activities and isolating themselves, it could be a sign that they’re using drugs.
–Loss of interest in hobbies or activities: If someone suddenly stops participating in the things they used to enjoy, it could be a sign that they’re abusing drugs.
–Poor performance at work or school: If someone’s work or school performance starts to decline, it could be a sign that they’re using drugs.
If you notice any of these signs in someone you know, it’s important to reach out and talk to them about it. Many people who are struggling with addiction are reluctant to seek help, but as a social worker, you can offer them the support they need to get on the road to recovery. If you suspect someone you know is abusing drugs, you can do it best to talk to them about it. Let them know that you’re concerned and offer your help. Many people who struggle with addiction are reluctant to seek help, but as a social worker, you can offer them the support they need to get on the road to recovery. If you’re not sure how to have that conversation, here are some tips:
–Pick a good time: Choose a time when you can talk without being interrupted and when the person you’re talking to is likely to be sober.
–Be direct: Don’t beat around the bush—let the person know that you’re concerned about their drug use and why you think they may be using drugs.
–Listen: Once you’ve expressed your concerns, give the person a chance to talk. Listen to what they have to say without judging or interrupting.
–Offer help: Let the person know that you’re there for them and offer your help in whatever way you can. Whether it’s just lending an ear or helping them find treatment, let them know that
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