Sometimes it’s difficult to distinguish normal moodiness or angst from signs of drug use. Possible indications of unhealthy Drug Use in Seniors include:
- Problems at work — frequently missing work, a sudden disinterest in work, or a drop in work performance
- Physical health issues — lack of energy and motivation, weight loss or gain, or red eyes may suggest Illicit Drug Use in Seniors.
- Neglected appearance — lack of interest in clothing, grooming, or looks may suggest Illicit Drug Use in Seniors.
- Changes in behavior — exaggerated efforts to bar family members from entering his or her room or being secretive about where he or she goes with friends; or drastic changes in behavior and in relationships with family and friends.
- Money issues — sudden requests for money without a reasonable explanation; or your discovery that money is missing or has been stolen or that items have disappeared from your home, indicating maybe they’re being sold to support drug use
Recognizing signs of drug use or intoxication
Signs and symptoms of drug use or intoxication may vary, depending on the type of drug. Below you will find several examples.
Marijuana, hashish and other cannabis-containing substances
People use cannabis by smoking, eating or inhaling a vaporized form of the drug. Cannabis often precedes or is used along with other substances, such as alcohol or illegal drugs, and is often the first drug tried. Signs and symptoms of recent use can include:
- A sense of euphoria or feeling “high”
- A heightened sense of visual, auditory and taste perception
- Increased blood pressure and heart rate
- Red eyes
- Dry mouth
- Decreased coordination
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering
- Slowed reaction time
- Anxiety or paranoid thinking
- Cannabis odour on clothes or yellow fingertips
- Exaggerated cravings for certain foods at unusual times
- Decreased mental sharpness
- Poor performance at school or at work
- Reduced number of friends and interests
