It can be difficult for the average person to spot the signs of substance abuse in a family member, friend or even them self. However, knowing what you should look for and encouraging treatment or seeking addiction treatment yourself can be the most important thing that you do in your life.

Drug abuse alters your judgement, your cognitive functioning and it has a generally negative impact on your life. There are many behavioral changes that occur in a person who is abusing drugs. They may become angry more easily, and they may be irritable, hostile, fatigued, anxious, depressed or generally agitated. When a person is addicted to drugs they often will continue to use the drugs even if it is detrimental to their health. Drugs addicts often pay bills late, steal and have a general inability to control their financial situation. They often start to miss work or school or arrive consistently late. Often they will have difficulty holding a job and may be fired from their place of employment. They will often become very defensive when approached about drug use and will feel annoyed about comment and criticism they experience. Most drug abusers experience feelings of guilt or inadequacy in their relationships, because of their drug abuse. Socially, they may suddenly have new friends and questionable acquaintances. They may start to hang out a new locations and often schedule their day around their substance abuse. They may also start using drugs when they are alone and not just in a recreational setting. Naturally there are more symptoms and signs than listed above, but these are general things that are seen in most people who abuse drugs.