A woman holding a red ribbon

11 subtle signs of substance abuse disorder

October 19, 2023 Written by Lindsay Hughes, 4-H Youth Development Agent

This month, National Substance Abuse Prevention Month, celebrates people taking steps to overcome addiction and live a healthier life. It is never too late to educate yourself, family, and friends about preventing addiction or even encouraging someone to seek treatment. The need for prevention is even greater today. 

The earlier a person starts using drugs or alcohol, the greater the risk of addiction. 

 

Watch for these signs of substance use disorder in your friends and family: 

  1. Experiencing cravings
  2. No longer engaging in activities once enjoyed
  3. Being unable to control substance use
  4. Increased tolerance to the effects of the substance
  5. Engaging in high-risk activities
  6. Attempting to stop using the substance but unable to
  7. Continuing to engage in substance use despite the negative consequences
  8. Spending large amounts of time obtaining the substance
  9. Declining work or school performance
  10. Neglecting responsibilities and obligations
  11. Experiencing withdrawal symptoms

 

Are you or is someone you know in Crisis? 

Call or text 988

 

Resources:


Related News

  • Harvesting sweet corn

    September 10, 2025 | Written by Katie Peikes | Photo courtesy of David Owens
    Delaware farmers harvest their sweet corn from the end of June to early October. University of Delaware Cooperative Extension is a huge resource to sweet corn farmers, assisting them with questions like what varieties of sweet corn to plant and how they can deal with insect pressure to their corn crop.
  • Reading Soil Tests for Coastal Salinity

    September 08, 2025 | Written by Jarrod Miller, Agronomy Extension Specialist
    Many nutrients in soil exist as salts, soluble and available for plant uptake. But when salts accumulate in excess, crop growth can decline. With more frequent surface flooding in coastal fields and communities (Figure 1), it is increasingly important to interpret soil tests correctly. These tests can help guide management decisions, including soil amendments and crop selection.
  • September is National Food Safety Education Month

    September 03, 2025 | Written by: Adrienne Shearer, PhD
    Foodborne illness occurs when food is contaminated with pathogens (bacteria, viruses, parasites) and/or toxins. Pathogens are shed in feces and vomitus and can spread to others if personal hygiene is inadequate (fecal-oral transmission).
View all news

Events