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