Recognizing The Symptoms

Know If Your Loved Ones Are Using

Recognizing the Symptoms of Drug Abuse

*  From “The Measure of a Christian Counsellor” by Pieter Herbst, Ph.D., B. Min (Hon)

Listed below are some symptoms that may indicate drug abuse:

• Bloodshot eyes with dilated or pin point pupils not caused by changes in the intensity of light
• Wearing sunglasses indoors and after sunset
• Body language such as slouching, rapid up and down movement of the legs while seated
• Lethargic
• Sudden food cravings or loss of appetite and emaciation
• No interest in former hobbies
• Staring at nothing in particular
• Diminished libido
• Students missing classes, failing tests, and disruptive in class
• Sometimes talking incessantly
• Wanting to sleep as much as possible
• Unnatural mood swings
• Lack of interest in social activities
• Personal hygiene is no longer important—clothing and bodies go for long periods unwashed
• Blackened or rotting teeth
• Suppurating sores on faces and bodies
• Signs of premature aging
• Not interested in finding employment; becomes a beggar/hustler
• Becoming sloppy in appearance
• Laughing at things/situations that are not obviously funny