How to Tell if Someone is High

Being “high” means the person is intoxicated with drugs. Suspecting a friend, family member or loved one is doing drugs, can be vastly upsetting. In many cases, the person on drugs will eventually recover without any danger, however sometimes they may overindulge and need help. Recognizing the signs that someone is high is a crucial step in understanding if the person may have a serious issue with substance abuse. Here we will help you understand how to tell if someone is high.

Understanding the Signs of Drug Intoxication

Determining if someone is high can be tricky. Different drugs will cause various signs or symptoms of intoxication. Someone high on stimulants may be highly energetic and confident, while someone who is high on depressants may have slowed reaction times and even dissociated. Substances like marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamines, and even prescription medications will affect a person physically and mentally. If someone is acting out of character, it may be an indicator of drug use.

Physical Symptoms of Drug Use

If you are wondering how to tell if someone is high, physical signs may be one of the best ways to tell. Some common physical symptoms of drug use include:

• Sleeping problems, either sleeping too much, too little, or at odd times.
• Unusual levels of energy, too low or too high.
• Changes in eating habits, either increased appetite or decreased.
• Enlarged pupils or pinpoint pupils.
• Watery and/or bloodshot eyes.
• Strange smells
• Slurred speech
• Impaired coordination.
• Hyperactivity or extreme talkativeness.
• Jaw clenching.
• Tremors.
• Sweating or feeling hot when no one else is.
• Sudden change in weight.
• Decline in personal appearance.

Behavioral Changes Indicative of Being High

Physical symptoms can often be more obvious, but there can also be changes to their behavior or personality which can be a red flag as well. Often one of the first signs of drug abuse and addiction is changes in behavior that cannot be attributed to any other reason. Sudden personality or mood shifts can indicate drug use. Here are some behavioral signs someone is high:

• Withdrawal from friends and family
• Changes in friendships
• Drop in grades, attendance at school or work, or decline in work performance.
• Signs of sadness, depression, agitation or hostility.
• Secretiveness can indicate drug use.
• Lack of interest in social interactions or activities they once enjoyed.
• Suspicious or paranoid behavior.
• Increased nervousness or restlessness.
• Unusually happy or giggly.

Psychological Effects of Drug Use

Drug use will often create profound changes to the brain, especially with chronic use. Long term drug abuse can affect a person’s memory, behavior, consciousness, concentration, and learning. It can also trigger or exacerbate symptoms of mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. Even short-term drug use can cause psychological changes such as temporary anxiety or paranoia, reduced anxiety, feelings of euphoria, restlessness, inability to concentrate, and irritability.

Side Effects of Injecting Drugs

Injecting drugs can cause a number of health risks as well. Someone who is injecting drugs can show track marks on their arm or you may find paraphernalia such as needles, spoons, and a tie off (shoelaces or rubber hoses are common). They may also have bruising near a vein injected into and blood leaked out. Sharing needles can also put someone at risk for contacting HIV or hepatitis. Long-term risks can include collapsed veins, inflammation of the lining of the heart, and a higher risk of overdose.

Side Effects of Consuming Drugs Orally or Inhaled

Inhaling drugs can also have several side effects such as gum disease, tooth decay, bloody nose, and bad breath. Smoking drugs can cause a number of respiratory issues including chronic cough, respiratory distress, pneumonia, exacerbation of asthma, and in chronic, long-term use lung cancer. Orally ingesting drugs may not have as many obvious symptoms. The person may have some gastrointestinal irritation which can lead to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Common Drugs and Their Specific Signs of Use

As mentioned earlier, depending on which kind of drug the person is on will determine what symptoms they may exhibit. Here are some common drugs and their signs of use:

Opioids (morphine, codeine, heroin, fentanyl, and oxycodone):

• Drowsy
• Numb
• Excessive fatigue
• Pinpoint pupils
• Slowed reaction time
• Sleeping at strange hours
• Increased or decreased appetite
• Moodiness, irritability, nervousness, or giddiness
• Decreased respiratory rate
• Unconsciousness

Cocaine or crack

• Dilated pupils
• Overexcitability
• Chronic runny nose
• Changes to eating habits
• Weight loss
• Nosebleeds
• Mood changes such as irritability
• Increased confidence
• Increased talkativeness
• White powder residue around the moth or nose
• Intense emotional highs and lows

Psychedelics (LSD, magic mushrooms, and mescaline)

• Sweating and overheating
• Decreased appetite
• Nausea
• Loss of balance and uncoordinated movements
• Heightened sense of emotions
• Unusual perceptions of time
• Difficulty moving or speaking
• Hallucinations
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Paranoia

Cannabis (marijuana, THC edibles, and synthetic cannabis)

• Red eyes
• Delayed reaction time
• Impaired motor skills
• Poor coordination
• Fatigue
• Increased weight
• Fear, panic, and/or paranoia
• Memory problems
• Difficulty tracking the passage of time
• Inability to focus or concentrate

Central Nervous System Depressants (benzodiazepines, Valium, Xanax, etc.)

• Weakness
• Blurred vision
• Doctor shopping
• Poor judgement or thinking
• Drowsiness
• Mood changes
• Confusion
• Slowed thought process
• Memory difficulties
• Fall asleep at abnormal hours

Methamphetamines

• Confusion
• Insomnia
• Reduced coordination
• Violent behavior
• Hallucination
• Paranoia
• Extreme weight loss
• Severe dental problems such as gum disease and tooth decay

What to Do if You Suspect Someone is High

Drug or alcohol use can lower a person’s inhibitions, cause loss of coordination, and may put them in a dangerous situation. If you suspect someone is high, it is important to gauge how in control of their actions and themselves they are. Don’t jump to conclusions about what they are using or why, sometimes someone may have just had a bad reaction to a medication or accidentally mixed with alcohol. Make sure they are safe by staying with them, offering them a ride home, or getting them a ride-share service if it seems they may be severely impaired.

If you suspect someone is abusing drugs, it is important to talk to them about their substance use. Drug abuse can lead several negative consequences including health issues, job loss, or hurting themselves or others. It may be best to have a conversation with them when they are not under the influence if possible. Here are some tips on how to talk to a loved one about their drug use:

• Keep focus on your concern about their substance use.
• Explain that you are worried about them.
• Avoid using labels such as ‘alcoholic’ or ‘addict’.
• Do not be accusatory but rather ask if they are using drugs.
• Be empathetic and understanding.
• Offer your help instead of demands.

Habitual drug use can lead to dependence or addiction, so if you suspect someone you love is regularly high, they may have a problem. Drug addiction can negatively impact all areas of a person’s life, including their work, personal relationships, mental health, and physical health. Getting help as soon as possible exponentially increases the chances of successful long-term recovery.

Drug and rehab centers like WhiteSands Treatment can provide the comprehensive recovery program needed to overcome addiction. Our clinicians at WhiteSands use evidence-based treatment methods to address the underlying causes of addiction and provide patients with the necessary tools and skills to manage drug or alcohol dependence for a lifetime. For more information about our treatment programs or to get started on the road towards recovery, please give us a call at (877) 855-3470 today to talk to an addiction specialist. 

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.