Signs of Substance Abuse

Asking the right questions is the first step to take if you are concerned about your substance use or a loved one’s.

Has drinking and drug use caused relationship problems for the individual?
Has drinking or drug use caused problems with the individual’s primary responsibilities (work, school, caring for children, etc.)?
Has the individual ever tried to stop using alcohol or drugs but was unsuccessful?
Has drinking or drug use caused any legal difficulties?
Has drinking or drug use caused the individual to show signs of illness (shakiness, vomiting, paranoia, depression, etc.)?
Does the individual find it difficult to have a good time without using substances?
Have others expressed concerns about the individual’s alcohol or drug use?

If you answered yes to one or more of the questions, please give us a call to find out how we can help you. Caron has experienced addiction specialists at each of our inpatient and outpatient treatment centers.

Risk Factors

Substance use disorder affects people of all ages, races, sexes, genders and socioeconomic levels. As with other diseases, there are risk factors that can put people more at risk to develop a substance use disorder, including:

Age of first use
Behavioral or impulse control problems
Exposure to trauma
Family history of substance use disorder/abuse
Genetic variant that makes developing a SUD more likely
History of adverse childhood experiences
Underlying mental health condition

Recognizing Addiction in Teens and Young Adults

Substance use disorder is not always easy to spot in young people because they are going through many changes quickly and often face social and academic pressures, among others. In addition, the way they dress or behave often changes as they mature from pre-teen to teen and young adult.

If you think there may be a problem, it is better to do something about it than to ignore it. Having a conversation with your child or talking to an addiction professional about what you have noticed are good first steps. These are some of the most common signs that a young adult may have substance use disorder or a problem with substance use.

Continuing to use alcohol or drugs despite the harm that it is causing their physical and mental health, relationships, and school and/or work performance
Arguments with family members
Abandoning friendships to hang out with new friends
Suddenly getting lower grades
Missing classes or skipping school
Disciplinary issues in school or getting in trouble with police
Losing interest in activities they used to enjoy
Change in eating or sleeping habits
Not caring about their appearance

Recognizing Addiction in Older Adults

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reported that between 2021 and 2022, 7.1 million older adults (9.1%)

surveyed had a substance use disorder (SUD). Because older adults are often dependent on medication that can mask substance use and because signs of substance use mirror signs of aging, it is often difficult to determine if there is a problem. These are some of the most common signs that an older adult may have substance use disorder or a problem with substance use.