Substance abuse is one of the ills of modern society. Our loved ones may be fighting this social disease and yet we may fail to recognize it. Substance use disorder symptoms must be recognized so we can help with intervention and help those we love combat this evil.

People from all strata of society may fall victim to addiction. People have a myriad of reasons of how they start taking drugs. However, dependency on the substance can develop really quickly.

Oftentimes, a person who is hooked on a drug needs outside intervention. The problem lies when the people around them fail to recognize their silent cry for help.

The pattern of substance abuse is extremely difficult to break away from. The menace of drugs destroys the person's body and mind, and the social bonds that tether the person to society.

Social as well as medical consequences of substance addiction are often catastrophic to the person afflicted and to their loved ones. Recognizing substance use disorder symptoms is essential in successful treatment of these individuals.

According to a report from the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Inc. NADD, the use and abuse of alcohol and drugs should not be ignored or minimized.

Addiction have both physical and behavior signs that must be recognized at the earliest possible time. Some of the physical changes that are noticeable are: Bloodshot or glazed eyes, dilated or constricted pupils, abrupt weight changes, bruises and other physical signs of drug's entrance into the body.

As drugs and alcohol are substances that negatively affects the brain, behavioral changes are evident. The signs may include an increase in aggression or irritability, changes in attitude, depression, lethargy, sudden changes in social patterns, dramatic changes in habits and priorities as was reported in an article by DrugAbuse.com.