Recognizing Signs of Substance Use Disorders


By Anthony Licciardone

Anthony is a graduate student at the University of San Diego pursuing his Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. He is passionate about increasing accessibility and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health for college students. Before joining Health Services, Anthony volunteered as a hotline counselor, providing clients with emotional support, crisis intervention, and referral to community resources and basic needs case managers.

Substance use disorders (SUDs) are defined by the American Psychiatric Association as the inability to control substance use despite harmful consequences (2022). Substance use disorders are often accompanied by a cluster of cognitive, behavioral, and physiological symptoms. It is important to note that not all substance use can be categorized as a SUD. While substance use can manifest differently depending on the individual, some common early signs of a SUD include:

Physical Warning Signs

  • Bloodshot eyes
  • Dilated pupils
  • Changes in appetite, sleeping, appearance, or hygiene
  • Impaired coordination
  • Shakiness, trembling, or incoherent speech

Behavioral Warning Signs

  • Withdrawing from loved ones
  • Ignoring obligations or responsibilities
  • Secretive or suspicious behaviors
  • Sudden change in friends, interests, or hobbies
  • Impaired decision-making

Psychological Warning Signs

  • Unexpected changes in personality
  • Sudden changes in mood, irritability, or emotions
  • Lack of motivation
  • Decreased self-esteem, motivation, and enjoyment
  • Increased fear and anxiousness
While it is important to build awareness about potential signs of substance use, it is worth noting that the effects can vary based on the individual and substance. Furthermore, not all signs of substance use will be visible. When individuals with a substance use disorder limit or halt their substance intake, they might experience withdrawal symptoms. Having open conversations about substance use and its potential impact can reduce stigma towards seeking help.

Most importantly, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to managing or treating substance use disorders. If you or someone you know is struggling with a substance-related issue, it is important to talk to someone you can trust. You can speak with a mental health professional on-campus or learn about off-campus options by contacting MiraCosta College Health Services.

MiraCosta College Health Services

BeWellLine

References

American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders. (5th ed.).

Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services. (n.d.). Warning signs of drug abuse. Tennessee State Government - TN.gov. https://www.tn.gov/behavioral-health/substance-abuse-services/treatment---recovery/treatment---recovery/prescription-for-success/warning-signs-of-drug-abuse.html

Gateway Foundation. (2023, October 30). Signs and symptoms of drug abuse. Gateway Foundation. https://www.gatewayfoundation.org/about-gateway-foundation/faqs/signs-and-symptoms-of-drug-abuse-in-adults/

High Focus Centers. (n.d.). Substance abuse early warning signs. High Focus Treatment Centers. https://rehabafterwork.pyramidhealthcarepa.com/spot-the-early-warning-signs-of-substance-abuse/

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Hiring Health Services Peer Educators!

Image
Are you thinking about a career in public health, nursing or mental health? Students, come work with us! Health Services is looking to hire motivated, energetic and responsible students to represent us on campus. Hours: 10 hours/week (commitment of a MINIMUM of 5 hours/week each week) Pay: $15.50 - Federal Work Study eligible but not needed (DACA-recipients welcome) Schedule: Weekly staff meetings/trainings are on the Oceanside campus. The remainder of hours will be scheduled based on your availability, Monday-Friday. Location: Oceanside, San Elijo, and occasional remote projects Job Summary: Under the supervision of a Mental Health Counselor and Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Peer Educators act as the bridge between Health Services and MiraCosta students. Ideal Students: Interested in exploring a career in mental health, social work, nursing, public health, and related professions. Interested in supporting the MiraCosta College student body. Passionate about reducing stigma ar
Read more

Here’s why you shouldn’t test for COVID

Image
  By Kim Marquardt, RN MSN This blog post is from the Nurse Kim archives of myth busting. I want to share some "alternative" or maybe just lesser known health and wellness viewpoints for you to chew on. *These posts are not intended as official medical advice. They ARE meant to be fun, informative, and thought provoking, hopefully sparking an interest for you to do your own research (you can start with the links I provide!) and discover the marvels of the human body, and how it can function at its optimal performance level if we understand how it works and interacts with our environment and our diet. I have a passion for health and wellness through lifestyle and nutrition and have done thousands of hours of research in addition to being a registered nurse for 23 years. I have done A LOT of self-experimentation in and around diet, lifestyle, body care, and supplementation and have spent a lot of time looking into the science behind it all (or lack thereof!). Check back weekly
Read more

Providing Support for Loved Ones Experiencing Intimate Partner Violence

Image
  by Nidya Ramirez Ibarra, LMFT Nidya Ramirez Ibarra is a bilingual (English/Spanish) Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who grew up in Escondido, CA. An immigrant and past community organizer, Nidya utilizes her knowledge and years of experience as a therapist to co-create a space to initiate change, gain insight, build skills, and establish support. Prior to joining the mental health team at MiraCosta College, among Nidya’s experiences was working for 8 years at a local non-profit with families, individuals, and children struggling with trauma due to intimate partner violence and sexual abuse. In addition to working with student in individual, relationship, and family counseling sessions, Nidya also facilitates MiraCosta’s UPRISE support group for undocumented/ mixed status students and their loved ones. It can be difficult to find out that someone you care about is suffering from intimate partner violence and abuse. The dominant narrative in society says that to be helpful you m
Read more