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Signs of Substance Abuse for Social Workers: Spot Behavioral and Physical Markers

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How can you tell when drugs or alcohol are part of what a client is going through? This path teaches the signs one at a time. You will learn the physical markers: pupil size, track marks, weight change, slurred speech, smells, and the signs that go with alcohol, opioids, stimulants, cannabis, sedatives, and inhalants. You will learn the behavioral markers: mood swings, secrecy, money trouble, missed duties, and what you may see on a home visit. You will learn which signs mean an emergency, such as an overdose or a dangerous withdrawal, and what to do first. You will also learn why one sign is never proof, which health problems can look like drug use, and how bias can fool you. Then you will learn what to do with what you see: write down facts, ask without judging, use short screening questions, and connect a person to care. You will see how the signs differ in teens, older adults, parents, and newborns. Every Concept is short and checked with a question. You do not need medical training. You only need to care about the people you serve.