How can you tell if someone is High?
Substances like alcohol, cocaine, heroin or marijuana cause users to experience some sort of drug high. This high or euphoric feeling is what can lead to tolerance, dependence and addiction. But how can you tell if someone is high? Drugs can affect each person differently. There are some universally distinct signs and symptoms to look for in a person who is high on drugs.
Drug abuse can have both direct and indirect dangerous mental, physical and behavioral consequences. Some drugs have a higher risk of addiction than others. Some drugs can easily lead to overdose. And some drugs severely impact long-term health.
Some people think of being “high” as associated with being high on marijuana. But you can also get high off other mind-altering substances like cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin and other drugs.
Signs that a person may be high on drugs
Understanding the signs and indicators of substance abuse can help one determine if a person is high on drugs. In some cases, drug use can be more difficult to identify because the symptoms are less noticeable. For example, someone may be using Adderall throughout the day and you would never even notice. Other times, drug use can be more physically apparent like bloodshot eyes or a runny nose.
Odor and smell. Some drugs, when smoked or inhaled, can leave a lingering odor or smell on a person’s clothes, hair and skin. It may even make their breath smell. If a person seems to be using a strong perfume, they may be high and trying to cover up the odor of drug use.
Red eyes, watery eyes, dilated pupils. Some drug use can cause bloodshot and or watery eyes. If in a bright room and the person’s pupils remain large, it is a sign that they are probably high. They may even resort to wearing sunglasses indoors in an attempt to hide eye redness or dilated pupils.
Symptoms of paranoia. In some cases, users can become paranoid after getting high on drugs. They may be constantly checking around to see if they are being followed, and they are less likely to trust you. They may also exhibit other unusual behaviors such as jaw clenching, grinding their teeth, scratching their skin and doing things out of the ordinary.
Disorientation. In some people who are high, they tend to walk around in a dreamlike state of intense euphoria. They may not be fully present or fully aware of their surroundings. They may have trouble speaking and slurring their words. Or they may have trouble keeping up with conversations with others.
Physical signs of being high include difficulty breathing, chills or sweating. In some cases, when a person is high, they may experience heavy chills or sweating because the drug has altered conditions in their body. The temperature of their body doesn’t always match or adjust to the temperature of their environment. Some drugs suppress the central nervous system, so when a user is high on these drugs, their breathing may be slowed down or very shallow.
How can you tell if someone is high on Marijuana?
Marijuana works by slowing down the communication between cells in the body and brain. It is associated with experiencing a relaxing and calming high.
- Bloodshot red eyes
- Intense sedation and relaxation
- Delayed reaction times
- Munchies, increased appetite and craving unusual foods, unhealthy foods or odd food combinations
- Poor muscle coordination
- Drastic mood swings
- Abrupt symptoms of anxiety or panic
- Experiencing hallucinations
- Having an odor and an unexplained smoky smell
- Nausea
- Paranoia
- Coughing
How can you tell if someone is high on Stimulants?
Stimulant drugs like cocaine and meth speed up the central nervous system and cause bursts of energy, alertness and a confident nature. However, with excessive use, it can cause feelings of anxiety, headaches, cramping, aggression, paranoia, panic attacks and risks of seizures.
- High energy and talkativeness
- Changing subject matter mid-sentence
- Increased heart rate
- Shaking and twitching
- Feeling overly excited and overly elated
- Sudden mood changes to anger or nervousness
- Nosebleeds
- Loss of sense of smell
- Runny nose
- Needle inject marks or track marks on the skin
- Hyperactivity
- Scratching at the skin and visible skin sores
- Burns on fingers or mouths
- Increased breathing and elevated blood pressure
- Loss of appetite and loss of sleep
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How can you tell if someone is high on Opioids?
Depressant drugs like benzos, heroin and other opioids can slow down brain activity, making a user feel intense relaxation, sedation and euphoria. Opioids such as heroin and morphine act on the opioid receptors in the brain. Depressants such as benzos act on the central nervous system to slow down GABA neurotransmitter signals from the brain to the rest of the body. Users who get high on depressant drugs usually feel a sense of drowsiness or numbness, which is often desired in those who use these medications to self-sedate.
- Elation and happiness
- Makes you feel as if the world has slowed down
- Extreme relaxation
- Happy and joyful in small doses
- Slurred speech
- Difficulty breathing
- Confusion
- Slowed heart rate
- Numbness
- Pinpoint pupils
- Extreme fatigue or unconsciousness
Can you get high on Alcohol?
No, you cannot get high on alcohol. But you can get drunk off alcohol. Being drunk and being high are different concepts. They also result in differing symptoms and side effects. For example, getting high off drugs like meth and cocaine can lead to rapid weight loss and severe dental decay. Whereas, constantly being drunk off alcohol can lead to yellowing of skin and eyes, which is a sign of liver damage. Being high on drugs can result in nasal issues and track marks on the skin. Being drunk on alcohol often leads to feelings of nausea, resulting in severe hangovers.
When a person is drunk, they have consumed large and sometimes toxic amounts of alcohol. This can cause slurred speech, slower reaction times, difficulty breathing, lack of coordination, aggressive behaviors, impulsive behaviors, lack of spatial awareness, impaired judgment and severe drowsiness.
When it comes to extreme alcohol intoxication, a person may be barely able to walk, struggle to stay upright, struggle to stay awake or may vomit. This is what is known as being blackout drunk.
What to do if you suspect someone is high on drugs?
First, take them to a place that is less noisy and less crowded. Try not to become angry with them and tell them off while they are high on drugs. They are not aware of their surroundings and it will only confuse them more. Talk to them about their drug use when they are not high.
Being high can be overwhelming and scary. Try to reassure the person. Have them drink water or have something to eat. It is important not to jump to conclusions. The possibility of a loved one being high on drugs can also be scary. Constantly and consistently being high can easily lead to addiction and overdose.
Reach out to Hotel California by the Sea
We specialize in treating addiction and other co-occurring disorders, such as PTSD. Our Admissions specialists are available to walk you through the best options for treating your addiction.
Treatment for Substance Use Disorder
Being high on drugs can lead users down a path of abuse, tolerance, dependence and addiction. How can you tell if someone is high? There are many different factors that can identify a user as being high on some sort of substance. Professional behavioral treatment programs like Hotel California by the Sea provide clients with the tools, resources and support necessary to treat their substance addiction.
We provide treatment at all levels of care, including detox, residential, PHP and IOP. We utilize evidence-based treatment methods such as CBT and DBT. Hotel California by the Sea is dedicated to helping clients reach their goals of sobriety and overcome their addiction.
References:
https://rehabclinicsgroup.com/how-to-tell-if-someone-is-drunk-or-high
https://www.usdrugtestcenters.com/drug-test-blog/310/how-can-you-tell-if-someone-is-high.html
https://www.oceanrecovery.com/addiction-blog/how-to-tell-if-someone-is-high/
https://www.addictiongroup.org/blog/how-to-tell-someone-is-high/