Signs of Being High on Drugs

If you suspect that a loved one is using drugs to get high, there will be noticeable differences in their physical appearance and behavior. Although drugs can cause many different kinds of effects, many of the signs of being high are very similar.

How Do Drugs Affect the Brain?

Before we talk about the signs of being high on drugs, it’s important to know how drugs can affect the brain and, as a result, cause strange behavior and physical changes.

The brain is a complex organ full of cells called neurons. These neurons send and receive messages that allow the body to coordinate and complete specific functions. When drugs are introduced to the mix, they change the way the brain works by disrupting the messages that are sent, received, and processed.

Different types of drugs will affect the brain in various ways. For example, some drugs mimic the chemicals that are naturally present in the brain (these chemicals are called neurotransmitters) and activate neurons, sending abnormal messages through the brain. Other drugs disrupt the normal balance of chemicals in the brain by telling neurons to release extremely large amounts of chemicals, like dopamine.¹

Long-term drug use also affects several important areas of the brain that impact a person’s ability to perform many daily functions, emotions, and behaviors such as:

• Motivation
• Developing habits and routines
• Socializing
• Feeling pleasure
• Feelings of anxiety and irritability
• Cognitive abilities
• Planning
• Problem-solving
• Decision-making
• Self-control

As you can see, drugs don’t just cause a “high” and feelings of euphoria. They can also have lasting impacts that affect the way we think, feel, and behave.

If you think a loved one is abusing drugs or that he or she might be high on one of these types of drugs, there are several different physical characteristics and behaviors you can watch for. Here are some of the most common signs of being high on drugs.

Interactive table Short-term effects of illegal drugs

Interactive table Short-term effects of prescription opioids

What to Do When a Loved One is High on Drugs

Finding out that a loved one is high on drugs can be startling and extremely concerning. Whether the drug use is a one-time thing or a consistent habit, any type of drug use should be addressed right away. Often, a one-on-one conversation is a productive and effective way to address drug use. If you do choose to talk to your loved one about his or her drug abuse this way, make sure the time and place are conducive to a productive private conversation and that your loved one is sober.

If a one-on-one conversation doesn’t work, and your loved one continues to abuse drugs, you may consider planning an intervention with a professional interventionist. These individuals are experienced intervention planners and they will help you establish a plan to confront your loved one about his or her drug use and then host the intervention when the time comes.

Seeking out the assistance of a professional interventionist can be extremely beneficial, especially if you’ve never hosted an intervention before. They can help make sure the intervention is productive, effective, and as drama-free as possible.

Ultimately, with either approach, the intention is to get your loved one to seek professional help for their drug use. A comprehensive addiction treatment program will help your loved one address the underlying causes of his or her drug use, complete detox and withdrawal, and learn important coping skills that will empower them to live a life that is free of drug abuse and addiction.

Learn More About Addiction Treatment Options at Nova Recovery Center

For more information on drug detox, inpatient and outpatient drug rehab programs, and sober living homes for recovering addicts, please call Nova Recovery Center today. We provide a complete and comprehensive continuum of care to help your addicted loved one achieve a life of sustained sobriety.

References:

1. NIDA: Drugs brain
2. https://www.verywellmind.com/marijuana-is-my-teen-using-marijuana-2610210
3. mydr.com.au: Amphetamines speed what are the effects
4. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-does-cocaine-high-feel-like-21988
5. mydr.com.au: Ecstasy effects on the body
6. healthservices.camden.rutgers.edu: Topics drugs

Understanding Drug Intoxication: What You Need to Know in 2025

Recognizing the signs of drug intoxication has become increasingly critical as substance use patterns evolve. Whether you’re concerned about a loved one or seeking information for yourself, understanding these indicators can be lifesaving. At Nova Recovery Center, we help families navigate these challenging situations with compassion and expertise across our locations in Austin, Houston, San Antonio, and Colorado Springs.

Why Recognition Matters Now More Than Ever

The landscape of substance use has shifted dramatically. Synthetic drugs, counterfeit pills containing fentanyl, and high-potency cannabis products have made identifying intoxication more complex, and more urgent. Early recognition allows for timely intervention, which can prevent overdose, accidents, and long-term health consequences.

If you’re noticing concerning changes in someone’s behavior or physical state, trust your instincts. Professional assessment is always the safest path forward. Call us at (512) 605-2955 to speak with an addiction specialist who can help you evaluate the situation and determine appropriate next steps.

Key Physical and Behavioral Indicators by Drug Category

Stimulants (Cocaine, Methamphetamine, Prescription Amphetamines):

• Excessive energy, rapid speech, and inability to sit still
• Dilated pupils that don’t respond normally to light
• Jaw clenching, teeth grinding, or repetitive movements
• Increased body temperature and profuse sweating
• Paranoia, aggression, or erratic behavior
• Going long periods without eating or sleeping

Opioids (Heroin, Fentanyl, Prescription Painkillers):

• Constricted “pinpoint” pupils even in dim lighting
• Extreme drowsiness or “nodding off” during conversation
• Slurred speech and slow, shallow breathing
• Confusion, disorientation, or appearing “out of it”
• Itching or scratching, particularly around the face and arms
• Blue-tinted lips or fingernails (sign of oxygen deprivation. Call 911)

Cannabis (Marijuana, Edibles, Concentrates):

• Red, bloodshot eyes and increased appetite
• Delayed reactions and impaired coordination
• Intense focus on mundane objects or unusual laughter
• Strong distinctive odor on clothing or in surroundings
• Short-term memory issues during conversation
• With high-potency products: anxiety, paranoia, or panic attacks

Depressants (Benzodiazepines, Barbiturates, Alcohol):

• Slurred speech and poor coordination
• Drowsiness, confusion, or difficulty concentrating
• Slowed reflexes and impaired judgment
• Memory gaps or “blackout” periods
• Combining with other substances significantly increases overdose risk

Hallucinogens (LSD, Psilocybin, PCP, Ketamine):

• Dilated pupils and altered perception of time and space
• Seeing or hearing things that aren’t present
• Detachment from reality or unusual emotional responses
• Unpredictable behavior ranging from euphoria to terror
• With dissociatives like ketamine: “zoned out” appearance, stumbling

When to Seek Emergency Help

Some situations require immediate medical attention. Call 911 if you observe:

• Difficulty breathing, gasping, or blue-tinted skin
• Unconsciousness or inability to wake the person
• Seizures or convulsions
• Chest pain or irregular heartbeat
• Extreme confusion, hallucinations, or violent behavior
• Vomiting while unconscious or semi-conscious

Good Samaritan laws in Texas, Colorado, and most states provide legal protection when you call for help during an overdose emergency. Getting help is always the right choice.

The Path from Recognition to Recovery

Identifying signs of intoxication is often the first step in a much longer journey. If substance use has become a pattern, whether for yourself or someone you care about, professional treatment offers the most effective path to lasting recovery.

Nova Recovery Center provides comprehensive addiction treatment tailored to individual needs:

• Medical DetoxSafe, supervised withdrawal management
• Residential TreatmentImmersive healing in our Austin and Wimberley facilities
• Outpatient ProgramsFlexible treatment in Austin, Houston, San Antonio, and Colorado Springs
• Online IOP:Intensive outpatient therapy available anywhere via telehealth
• Evidence-Based TherapiesCBT, trauma therapy, and personalized counseling

Recovery is possible, and it starts with a single conversation. Reach out to our team at (512) 605-2955 to discuss treatment options that fit your situation.