The skin- our largest organ is always talking and giving us visual signs! It makes sense that you’d be able to gather information about someone’s behavior by paying attention to what’s going on with their outer-most layer. Oftentimes, when someone is doing drugs, you can see it on the skin; if you know what you’re looking for. Take notice of skin on the face and fingers and you just might find the answers you need.

Different drugs produce different effects on the skin. Here is  information about how to tell if someone is doing drugs — what they are using—by the obvious skin signals:

Heroin and Cocaine (when injected) : Intravenous drug abusers’ may contract an infection at the entry point of where the needle breaks the skin. The needle is injected into a vein and because of this, the veins may become darker and more noticeable ; also known as track marks. Skin and soft tissue infections, referred to as SSTIs, are extremely common among users. These can be in the form of an abscess, redness, swelling or an infection where the needle punctures the skin.

Methamphetamines (meth and speed) :These drugs cause what is known as “formication,” which is the medical term for a sensation that resembles to insects crawling on or under the skin. As a result, you will typically see users digging and scratching at their skin, causing sores on the face, arms, torso and legs.

Steroids : Anabolic muscle-building steroids are man-made substances closely linked to the male hormone testosterone and typically taken orally or by injection. The skin-signs of abuse don’t show right away, but they include the development of facial hair on women and the development of breasts on men. Perhaps one of the most notable signs is the oily appearance on the skin and the greasy hair. This will also cause reddish or purplish acne that break out on the face, shoulders and back.

LSD (d-lysergic acid diethylamide) : Also known as acid, this drug can be absorbed through the skin, meaning that even if you’re simply holding the drug, you may feel the effects. The skin is very informative when it comes to showing LSD; signs include tiny blackheads throughout pores, allergic rashes and even bruising. The bruising is usually a result of the numbness and tingling that one feels across their skin when they are on LSD and may hurt themselves unintentionally.

Of course, many of the above mentioned skin symptoms  come about naturally, without abuse of drugs. So, if your child comes home with a breakout of pimples, don’t jump to conclusions! It’s important to know the differences between stress and drug use so that you can help someone. You certainly don’t want to make false accusations, but the sooner you find help, the better.

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Guest Blogger Becky Winslow: Becky’s mission is to educate others about the signs and symptoms of drug abuse so that they can receive the help they need. Becky writes for the Narconon Rehab Network. Thanks for this post, Becky!

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Note: The post has been completely written by the guest blogger and the thoughts expressed are hers alone. mySkin does not endorse to any products or sites mentioned in the post.