How to tell if Someone has a Drug or Alcohol Problem.

​With rising stress because of the corona virus, children suddenly attempting to school at home, work changes and health risks the threat of addiction significantly increases.  How do you tell if someone has an alcohol or drug problem?  There are several signs and symptoms.

Physically:
Disheveled, Unhygienic, Smell of alcohol or other strange smells 
Glassy eyes, Pinned or dilated pupils, Red eyes
“Nodding,” Unsteady gait
Slurred speech, Tense or pressured speech  
Changes in weight or eating habits , Nausea/vomiting, Constipation 

Emotionally:
Flat / constricted / blunted affect (especially given subject of conversation)
Hypersensitivity/defensiveness
Over-reactions, overly aggressive, overly passive 
Disinhibition, increase in irritability or emotionally unresponsive

Socially:
Missing regular appointments/responsibilities (school, work, gym, etc) 
Isolation, sudden changes in social circle 
Physical or emotional symptoms present in social circle 
Concerns with “cleansing;” cranberry juice, “fake urine

and Psychologically:
Changes in depression and/or anxiety 
Delusions or hallucinations, abnormal fixations, paranoia 
Manic or depressive crashes; high-risk behavior 
Changes in spending habits (suddenly without money/borrowing money)


Also, discovering drug paraphernalia can also be a significant indicator: spoons, pill bottles, needles, blunts, bottles/nips, strange powders/packaging.

The important thing is not to freak out.  Have a calm, non-accusatory conversation.  Also listen to your instincts and be aware of someone minimizing, justifying or otherwise shifting the focus of the conversation.  Also check out Alliesinrecovery.net for some help and support on how to talk about these things with a loved one in an effective manner.