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Signs of Drug Use

Table of Contents


Overview

Signs that a person is using substances such as drugs or alcohol include behavior changes and physical changes. Substance use is more likely to cause changes in behavior than physical signs.

Behavior changes

These may include:

These signs don't always mean that a person is using substances. The behavior could be due to work or school stress. Or it could be a sign of depression or another medical condition. But behavior changes like these are common in people who use substances.

Physical changes

These may include:


Credits for Signs of Drug Use

Current as of: November 15, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
Clinical Review Board (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.


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