Seeing someone you care about struggle with possible drug use is painful. At first, the clues are often small and easy to brush off as stress, trouble sleeping, or changing moods. Yet catching these signs as soon as they appear can greatly increase the odds that the person will get the support they need. For a complete rundown on how to know if someone does drugs, keep reading. I’ll outline the most common behavioural, physical, and emotional warning signs you should always take seriously.
Why Catching the Problem Early Matters
People don’t usually jump straight into addiction. Most start with casual use and gradually slide into deeper trouble. The sooner you spot the shift, the sooner you can offer help. Early detection:
- Stops the issue from growing into a full-blown addiction
- Lowers the chances of long-lasting health problems
- Allows the person to get care without facing judgment
- Encourages open, honest talk about what they’re facing
Learning to tell the difference between normal life changes—like a teen pushing boundaries or an adult feeling work stress—and real signs of drug use is crucial.
Warning Signs in a Person’s Behaviour
The first warning sign is often right in front of you—how a person acts every day. When someone starts using drugs, even their daily habits can get pushed out of whack. Notice if you see:
Big Mood Swings
Drugs can mess with brain chemicals. You might see the person go from super happy and wired to suddenly angry, sad, or distant—sometimes all in the same hour.
Losing Interest in Things
Activities that used to bring them joy—sports, music, or hanging out with friends—may drop off their radar. When what once mattered suddenly does not, it’s usually a sign that something is off.
Extra Secretive
If they start dodging questions about where they’ve been, stop making eye contact, or act weird about their phone—keeping it locked or hiding it away—there’s a good chance they’re hiding something.
Letting Responsibilities Slip
They might miss work or class, let bills pile up, or drop family chores they once handled. When little things start disappearing, it can mean a bigger problem is stepping in.
These shifts usually creep in little by little, so it’s smart to watch for the overall pattern—don’t just focus on a single weird day.
Warning Signs in the Body You Can’t Dismiss
Our actions tell part of the story, but the body doesn’t lie. Watch for these clues:
- Bloodshot eyes, big pupils, or pupils that don’t react to light
- Losing or gaining weight in weeks, not months
- Clothes that don’t fit anymore, or dirty clothes that never get washed
- Bruises, burns, or needle marks that don’t match any story
- Frequent nosebleeds, running nose, or constant sniffing
- Speech that drags or words that drop, or walking that looks unsteady
Any of these on their own could have a simple answer, but when they show up with mood swings or secretive behaviour, they add up to a much bigger problem.
Signs in Mood and Relationships
The mind and the people around us suffer too. Look for these emotional changes:
- New or worse anxiety, or feeling watched all the time
- Anger that comes out of nowhere when you ask questions
- Not caring about things you once cared about
- Money that disappears, or small items that turn up for sale
In their social life, you might see:
- Old friends drop off the list, replaced by new, risky people
- Skipping birthday parties, family dinners, or any big crowd
- Cancelling plans on short notice, or going silent for days
At first, these shifts might feel small, but they add up and become impossible to ignore.
How to Talk to Someone You Think Is Using
Knowing how to spot drug use is just the start. The real challenge is to talk to the person in a way that keeps the door open instead of slamming it shut. Here’s how to do it.
- Pick the right time and place
Talk when you’re both calm and alone. Avoid doing it when they’re high or when others are around.
- Share concern, not blame
Start with “I” statements. Say* “I’ve seen you acting differently, and I care about you.”*
- Let them talk
They might deny it, and that’s okay. Just listen. The more you listen, the more they might start to trust.
- Say you’ll be there
Offer to help them find a counsellor or a support group. Make it clear you’re there to support, not to threaten.
Your goal is to start a real talk, not to start a fight.
When to Call in the Experts
If you keep seeing the same red flags, or if they admit they’re in trouble, it’s time to get a pro involved. Addiction is a health problem that needs more than just wanting to stop.
When searching for treatment options, look for programs that offer:
- Medical detox to ease withdrawal safely
- Therapy and counselling to work through emotional triggers
- Family support programs so that everyone can heal together
- Aftercare planning to keep relapse rates low
Rehab centres provide safe, structured spaces for recovery, which boosts the chances of staying sober for the long term.
Why Kindness Is Key
Finding out someone you care about is using drugs can spark feelings of anger and betrayal. Try to remember that addiction often grows from pain, trauma, or untreated mental health struggles. Kindness doesn’t mean you excuse bad choices; it means you see the person beneath the addiction and help them take the next right step.
Stay patient. You may face denial or pushback. Keep in mind that real change is a journey, not a sprint.
Final Reminder: Your Love Could Save a Life
Learning how to know if someone does drugs is an important step toward protecting your loved ones. By recognising early behaviour, physical, and emotional changes, you can connect them to help before the situation gets worse. Your support might be the turnaround they need.
If someone you love starts showing signs of trouble, don’t wait to get help—every second counts. Treatment centres are set up to provide you with advice, medical support, and the emotional care needed to make a positive change.
Whenever you feel ready to reach out, Touchstone Recovery is waiting with kindness and proven strategies that aim for lasting recovery, not just a quick fix.