Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is an illness that affects a person’s brain and behavior, resulting in an inability to control the use of any substance or medication, either legal or illegal. Substances like alcohol, marijuana, and nicotine are also classified as drugs. A person who is suffering from SUD may continue to take the substance despite the potential threat it poses.
What’s worse is that these problems can occur as early as the adolescent years. When left unchecked, SUD can be significantly challenging to overcome, although it is not impossible. That is why it is vital to identify a problem as soon as possible to improve a person’s chances of positive mental health recovery. Should you require reliable sources to accomplish this, you have come to the right place!
Hoping to shine a light on one of the most pressing concerns our country grapples with, allow us here at Community Mental Health (CMH) to guide you on how to detect if someone has a substance abuse problem.
Below is a list of its symptoms you should look out for:
- Academic difficulties, disinterest in school-related activities, and failing grades
- Poor job performance, such as being consistently late to work, seeming fatigued and uninterested in work obligations, and obtaining poor performance reports
- Physical changes, such as wearing improper or unclean clothes and a lack of interest in grooming
- Appetite changes, such as a reduction in appetite and apparent weight loss
- Bloodshot eyes, sleeping problem, poor skin tone, and a worn or run-down appearance
If you suspect someone close to you might have a substance use problem, you can play a crucial role in providing motivation to get the help they require.
Do you ahve questions about substance use disorder or anything about psychopharmacology? Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us anytime!