Drug abuse affects the brain and body directly. While high, the drug affects the entire body, from blood pressure to heart rate. Stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamine “amp up” the body, increasing blood pressure, metabolism and reducing the ability to sleep. Drugs like opiates and barbiturates slow down the body, reducing blood pressure, breathing and alertness sometimes to dangerous levels. Some physical signs of abuse and addiction include:
* Cycles of increased energy, restlessness, and inability to sleep (often seen in stimulants)
* Abnormally slow movements, speech or reaction time, confusion and disorientation (often seen in opiates, benzodiazepines and barbiturates)
* Sudden weight loss or weight gain
* Cycles of excessive sleep
* Unexpected changes in clothing, such as constantly wearing long sleeved shirts, to hide scarring at injection sites
* Suspected drug paraphernalia such as unexplained pipes, roach clips or syringes
* For snorted drugs, chronic troubles with sinusitis or nosebleeds
* For smoked drugs, a persistent cough or bronchitis, leading to coughing up excessive mucus or blood.
* Progressive severe dental problems (especially with methamphetamine)