Alcohol Abuse Health Center

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Having these signs doesn't always mean a person is using drugs. The behavior could be because of work or school stress, or it could be a sign of depression or another medical problem. But behavior changes like these are common in people who abuse drugs.

Physical signs of drug abuse and dependence include:

• Red eyes, a sore throat, a dry cough, and feeling tired.
• Needle marks on the arm or other area of the body.
• Small, "pinpoint" pupils in the eyes.
• Losing weight without trying to, or not feeling like eating.
• Changes in sleep behavior, such as not sleeping as well.
• Seeing things that don't exist (hallucinations).

Why do people start using drugs?

Drugs can make you feel good for a while. They may make you feel energetic, self-confident, and powerful. You may take a drug to reduce stress or anxiety or to help you forget a problem. Or you may think drugs help you do better at work or school. You may take a drug because you are curious about it or because your friends use it.

How are drug problems diagnosed?

Drug problems may be diagnosed at a routine doctor visit or when you see your doctor for a health or social problem linked to drug use, such as anxiety, depression, or family conflict. If a partner or friend thinks you have a drug problem, he or she may urge you to see your doctor.

Your doctor will ask questions about your symptoms and past health, and he or she will do a physical exam and sometimes a mental health assessment. Your doctor also may ask questions or do tests to look for health problems linked to drug abuse.

If you think you or a loved one might have a drug problem, use this short quiz to check for drug use:

Drug abuse screening test (What is a PDF document?)

How are drug problems treated?

Treatment includes medicine, therapy, and self-help groups.

Your doctor may decide you need detoxification, or detox, before you start treatment. Detox "flushes out" the drugs in your body. You need detox when you are physically addicted to a drug. Being physically addicted to a drug means that when you stop using the drug, you have physical withdrawal symptoms, such as feeling very sick to your stomach or feeling very anxious. So when you go through detox, you may need medicine to help with withdrawal symptoms.

After detox, you focus on staying drug-free. Most people receive some type of therapy, such as group counseling. You also may need medicine to help you stay drug-free.

When you have stopped using drugs, you have taken the first step toward recovery. To gain full recovery, you need to take steps to improve other areas of your life, such as learning to deal with your work, family, and living situation in healthy ways. This makes it easier to stay drug-free.