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When a loved one has a drug problem it can be of great concern. You will want to encourage them to go to a drug addiction treatment center. Most people know when there is a problem with someone they love; if you suspect drug use you are probably right. There are occasionally other health problems that can have some of the same symptoms, but at least if you open up communication about it you will be able to get help. Some general symptoms of drug abuse include: moodiness or irritability, sudden weight loss or weight gain, secretive behavior, change in grooming habits (might not shower for days or care about appearance), dilated or enlarged pupils, loss of interest in activities they enjoy, excessive talkativeness, lying, excessive sweating or “goose pimples” on skin. These are just a few signs and if you are suspicious you should begin conversations with the person and start researching drug rehab centers so you will know what to do when the addict is ready to admit to the problem.

There are other signs of drug use that are more specific to the type of drug used. Once you are convinced that your loved one has a drug problem, you may want to know more. The more information you have about their usage, the more prepared you will be to confront them about it. You will also be able to better form a plan of action and know what type of drug treatment center to take them to once you have confronted them and they have agreed to go. Here are some of the specific symptoms to watch for:

Marijuana: Glassy, red eyes, loud talking and laughter at inappropriate times then drowsiness, the use of room fresheners, breath mints and perfumes to cover the scent, loss of interest in the activities they once enjoyed, lack of motivation; weight gain or loss.

Depressants: (including barbiturates and tranquilizers) May appear drunk, difficulty concentrating, decreased large motor skills, poor judgment, slurred speech, drowsiness and dilated pupils.

Stimulants: Hyperactivity, extreme euphoria, irritability, anxiety, excessive talking at times followed by depression or excessive drowsiness, may go for extended periods without eating or sleeping, dilated pupils, weight loss, dry mouth and nose.

Inhalants: (Glues, aerosols, and vapors ) Watery eyes; impaired vision, memory and thought; secretions from the nose, rashes around the nose and/or mouth, headaches, nausea, appears drunk, drowsiness, loss of muscle control, changes in appetite, anxiety, a large number of spray cans in the trash.

Hallucinogens: Dilated pupils, irrational behavior, aggression, hallucinations, mood swings, confusion, paranoia, loss of interest in people and activities.

Heroin: Needle marks on arms or legs, disturbed sleeping patterns, excessive sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, runny nose, loss of appetite, and dilated pupils.

Any combination of the above symptoms is cause for concern and should allow you to open up a dialog with your loved one about getting help from a qualified drug abuse treatment center. It is a good idea to begin the conversation when your loved one is not “high” or on the substance. You should not expect them to be honest about their use the first time you bring it up. A drug abuser’s first response will be to lie and try to cover their tracks even when you present them with evidence such as drug paraphernalia or even the drugs themselves (they will tell you that it belongs to someone else even if it was in their pants pocket). This is a sign of drug addiction and you may need help in planning an intervention to encourage your loved one to enter a drug rehabilitation center for help.

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