| posts are user created and not verified - please consult a licensed professional for help |
Signs of Marijuana Abuse | Signs of Cocaine Abuse | Signs of Heroin Abuse | Signs of Pill Abuse
Filed in Category Symptoms of Heroin Use
My 23 year old cousin has been acting REALLY weird lately, and the general consensus is that he might be using drugs. We’re not sure though because he’s VERY secretive about his life, and tends to get very defensive when anything is brought up to him. About a month ago, he put sheets up on his bedroom windows. When asked why, he stated that the blinds were broken and the sun glare was too much. I offered to go into his room, to change the blinds, but he refused & stated that he was doing just fine with the sheets up. His mom said she had read somewhere that doing something as strange/random as that is a sign of heroin use. Something about paranoia or the massive feelings of guilt that accompany said drug use. I’ve looked online, but no such mention. Nothings missing, besides the moodiness, all else seems ok.Has anyone ANY idea about things like this? Especially about those darn sheets he has up. Is this normal or are we overreacting? Thank you. ALL answers welcome…
13 Comments so far
Powered by Yahoo! Answers
You can syndicate both the entries using
Symptoms of Drug Abuse RSS Feeds and the Signs of Drug Use Feed.
Support WordPress.
THIS SITE DOES NOT OFFER ADVICE OR RECOMMEND YOU USE THE INFO IN THE USER CREATED POSTS
PLEASE CONSULT LICENSED PROFESSIONALS FOR INFORMATION
I used sheets on the windows when I lived with my parents. I have never used heroin. I think you’re jumping to conclusions just a little bit. He probably just wants a little privacy. blinds don’t always keep people from seeing in your bedroom.
I have never heard that this type of behavior indicates drug use, but he might have a mental health issue making him feel paranoid. You might casually mention something to his parents if they are around, or ask a counselor.
He needs the attention of the entire family and the way you handle this moment may affect the rest of his life. will pray for him.
Sounds like acid. I personally have never been on it, but I’ve heard lots of stories. =)
It could also be cocaine addiction.
I don’t think him putting sheets up should be a concern if nothing else is different. However, if he becomes depressed, really moody, sleeps a lot or begins to steal then I may think differently.
Does he have a job? Does he go or does he miss a lot?
I think it’s a big conclusion to jump to.
Hanging sheets in front of your windows does not mean you’re a heroin junkie!
use of drugs requires money to buy them. if things around the house are disappear ring, or money is missing from wallets then he is probably using drugs.if not it could be paranoid schizophrenia.
you’re overreacting he’s a 23 year old male they do weird things, if he’s got a girlfriend the sheets might be her doing, many girls prefer more privacy then men. If you’re still worried just keep an eye on how much he’s sleeping and eating if he’s not taking care of himself then it’s a sign of something but not always drugs, could just be a little depression.
You aunt can get your cousin tested. Especially if he is a minor, it becomes her responsibiity to do so. She needs to take him for therapy even if its nothing just to make sure. One very basic thing to do is, go through his room and all his stuff when he is not at home. The fact that he’s very secretive draws red flags. Your aunt needs to know where he hangs out, who his friends are. If he refuses to go to a therapist or see a professional, may be she can contact the school officials and seek their help. Either way, you shouldn’t be gettin involved in this. Its nice that you care so much about your cousin but if he’s doing drugs he may not like you meddling into his life. His parents should be able to handle things on their own. go to the link below and it will give your aunt some more information on how to tell if he’s doing drugs.
Being paranoid can be associate with the use of meth. However, it does not mean he is doing it, but I would think if you guys are noticing other changes as well, there could be a chance. As others have mentioned, it could be something else. Personally, I think it would be hard for any of us to say. Only you and your family knows the person he was and the person he is now. Has he always been secretive? I would question the fact that he is getting defensive???????
Read below:
What are the signs and symptms of Methamphetamine use?
Effects:
In large doses, methamphetamine’s frequent effects are irritability, aggressive behavior, anxiety, excitement, auditory hallucinations, and paranoia (delusions and psychosis). Abusers tend to be violent. Mood changes are common, and the abuser can rapidly change from friendly to hostile. The paranoia produced by methamphetamine use results in suspiciousness, hyperactive behavior, and dramatic mood swings.
“Long-term meth use can lead to psychosis that mimics paranoid schizophrenia”
Dr. Richard Wise of Pathways Treatment Center in Kalispell
Methamphetamine appeals to drug abusers because it increases the body’s metabolism and produces euphoria, increases alertness, and gives the abuser a sense of increased energy. High doses or chronic use of methamphetamine, however, increases nervousness, irritability, and paranoia. The extreme paranoia that methamphetamine abusers can experience is often associated with a distorted tendency toward violence. Adverse consequences of methamphetamine abuse include the risk of stroke, heart failure, and prolonged psychosis.
Don’t be quick to jump to conclusions. Some people just like for their rooms to be dark. I have bad migraines and I usually keep a blanket over my window because there is a street light right outside of it. If you notice anything about his diet changing or his appearance, then it may be time to worry. If everyone keeps questioning him or acting as if there is something going on when they’re around him, you may just make matters worse. Back off and give the guy some room.
Drug use is a possibility but there could also be psychological reasons and maybe even medical. Moodiness is a sign of drug use but it can also be a part of other problems mentally.If you can get him to go to a doctor get blood drawn or get him to a mentalhealth professional maybe he needs to be on some medications. Either way with him being 23 it will be his choice. Unless he shows that there could be harm done to himself or someone else there is nothing you can do until he accepts there is a problem.