Drug and Alcohol
How to Tell If Someone Is High
Learn how to tell if someone is high by recognizing common physical, behavioral, and emotional signs—and discover how to care for them with compassion.
Wondering how to tell if someone is high can be both confusing and concerning, especially when it involves someone you care about. Subtle changes in behavior, appearance, or mood may signal substance use, but knowing what to look for isn’t always easy.
At The Edge Treatment Center, we understand the emotional weight this question carries. Whether you're a parent, partner, or friend, recognizing the signs early can help you offer the proper support. This article will guide you through the common indicators of drug or alcohol use and how to respond with empathy and understanding.
Understanding What “High” Actually Means
To understand how to recognize if someone is high, it is helpful first to understand what being "high" really means. A high person is experiencing the effects of a psychoactive substance.
These substances alter brain function, affecting mood, perception, behavior, and physical coordination. The intensity and type of high can vary depending on the drug used.
Stimulants like cocaine or meth can cause hyperactivity and alertness, while depressants like alcohol or opioids often lead to drowsiness or sedation.
Marijuana typically causes relaxation, altered senses, and impaired memory. Because the effects vary so widely, recognizing the signs requires attention to both physical and behavioral cues.
Physical or “Visible” Signs to Watch For
Sure, physical signs often appear when someone is high, and they can be among the most noticeable indicators:
Common Physical Signs:
Eyes: Red, glassy, bloodshot, or droopy eyes are common, as are changes in pupil size (dilated with stimulants, constricted with opioids).
Speech and Coordination: Slurred speech, slowed reaction time, stumbling, or loss of balance may indicate intoxication.
Appetite and Sleep: Increased hunger (especially with marijuana), excessive sleepiness, or insomnia can signal drug use.
Hygiene and Appearance: Neglected hygiene, unusual body odor, or the smell of smoke or chemicals on clothes or breath.
Paraphernalia: Discovering items like rolling papers, pipes, syringes, or burnt spoons can be a clear physical indicator of substance use.
These symptoms may be mild or severe, depending on the drug and the person's level of use. If you notice more than one of these signs consistently, it may be time to take a closer look at what’s going on.
Behavioral and Emotional Red Flags
Behavioral signs can be just as telling as physical ones. Some key emotional and behavioral changes to watch for include:
Common Behavioral Indicators:
Mood Swings: Irritability, sudden outbursts, euphoria, or paranoia.
Secrecy or Isolation: Avoiding family or friends, locking doors, or becoming evasive about whereabouts.
Neglecting Responsibilities: Declining performance at work, school, or home.
Financial or Legal Issues: Frequent requests for money, missing valuables, or involvement in legal trouble can also be red flags.
These behaviors often stem from efforts to hide substance use or cope with its emotional effects. If your loved one is acting differently over time, especially if multiple signs are present, it may indicate more than just a bad day.
Substance-Specific Indicators
Different substances cause distinct signs of intoxication. Here are some common ones:
Marijuana:
Bloodshot eyes
Dry mouth
Increased appetite
Laughter without an apparent reason
Slow reaction times
Alcohol and Depressants:
Slurred speech
Impaired motor skills
Confusion
Drowsiness
Smell of alcohol
Stimulants (E.g., Cocaine, Meth):
Excessive energy
Dilated pupils
Restlessness
Rapid talking
Teeth grinding
Opioids (E.g., Heroin, Prescription Painkillers):
Pinpoint pupils
Nodding off mid-conversation
Itching
Visible track marks
No single symptom confirms drug use, but identifying patterns that align with specific substances can help inform your next steps. Observing a combination of these signs over time may indicate a serious problem that requires attention.
Differentiating “High” From Other Issues
It's important not to jump to conclusions. Sometimes, signs that seem like drug use could be caused by other health or emotional issues.
Fatigue, mental health conditions like depression or anxiety, or even side effects from prescribed medications, can mimic signs of intoxication.
The key is consistency. If unusual behaviors or physical symptoms occur repeatedly or get worse over time, they may be rooted in substance use. Keeping a compassionate and observant mindset can help you offer support rather than confrontation.
We’re Here To Help You Find Your Way
Would you like more information about mental health or drug addiction? Reach out today.
Approaching the Person with Compassion
At The Edge Treatment Center, we understand how difficult it can be to confront someone you care about.
If you believe someone is high or struggling with substance use, how you approach them matters. Reacting with anger or blame often pushes the person further away, increasing their sense of shame or isolation.
Tips for a Compassionate Approach:
Use "I" Statements: Speak from your own experience to avoid sounding accusatory. For example, say "I’m concerned about you" instead of "You’ve been using."
Pick the Right Time: Choose a calm, quiet moment when the person is sober to start a conversation.
Be Open and Nonjudgmental: Let them speak without interruption. Avoid scolding or moralizing.
Offer Support, Not Ultimatums: Express your willingness to help them seek treatment, but avoid threats.
Stay Patient: Change doesn’t happen overnight. The first conversation may not lead to immediate results.
Approaching with empathy lays the foundation for honest communication. You may be the first person to extend a hand without judgment, and that alone can be incredibly powerful. Sometimes, a compassionate conversation is the beginning of recovery.
Next Steps & How The Edge Treatment Center Helps
If you suspect someone you care about is using drugs, don’t wait for things to spiral further. The sooner you take action, the better the chances of recovery. At The Edge Treatment Center, we offer expert, compassionate care to help your loved one find lasting freedom from substance use.
Our Services Include:
Medically Supervised Detox: Detoxification can be dangerous without professional help. Our team ensures clients undergo withdrawal with round-the-clock monitoring, medical care, and support to ease discomfort and reduce risks.
Evidence-Based Therapy: We offer a full spectrum of therapies, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and trauma-informed care. Therapy is available individually, in group settings, or with family, helping clients explore and resolve the underlying causes of their addiction.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment: Many individuals struggling with substance use also battle mental health challenges. Our dual diagnosis program addresses both issues together, ensuring a more complete and lasting recovery.
Customized Recovery Plans: No two individuals are the same. Our team works with each client to design a recovery plan that aligns with their personal story, health history, substance use patterns, and long-term goals.
Ongoing Support: Recovery doesn’t end when treatment does. We offer comprehensive aftercare services, relapse prevention planning, and alumni programs to support clients in maintaining their progress and building a fulfilling life after treatment.
You don’t have to face this alone. If you're seeing signs that someone may be using drugs and you’re worried about their safety or future, we’re here to help. Reach out to The Edge Treatment Center today. Let’s take the next step toward healing together.
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Do you have more questions about mental health or drug addiction? Reach out.
Worried Someone You Love Is High? The Edge Can Help
Recognizing the signs of substance use can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. At The Edge Treatment Center, we specialize in compassionate, personalized care for those struggling with addiction and the loved ones who support them.
If you’re concerned someone close to you may be high or battling substance abuse, we’re here to help. Our expert team will guide you through the following steps toward recovery with understanding and respect. Reach out to us today, and let’s begin the journey to a healthier, addiction-free future—together.
We’re Here To Help You Find Your Way
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, there is hope. Our team can guide you on your journey to recovery. Call us today.
Written by
The Edge Treatment Center
Reviewed by
Jeremy ArztChief Clinical Officer
Drug and Alcohol
August 31, 2025
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
When determining if someone is high for the first time, look for sudden changes in behavior, unusual speech patterns, or physical signs such as red eyes or poor coordination. First-time use may also cause paranoia, anxiety, or confusion.
To determine if someone is under the influence in a professional or academic setting, observe for signs such as erratic eye movement, inappropriate laughter, lack of concentration, or sluggish physical movements. These behaviors may appear suddenly and disrupt normal performance.
If you're wondering how you can tell if someone is high on marijuana, look for bloodshot eyes, dry mouth, increased appetite, delayed reactions, and a strong herbal odor on their clothes or breath. Giggling or seeming overly relaxed is also common.
When trying to determine if someone is high but masking it, pay attention to subtle signs, such as an inconsistent mood, evasiveness, sudden isolation, or physical changes like dilated pupils or slowed responses—even if they appear outwardly composed.
It’s tricky, but knowing how to distinguish between someone being high and being simply exhausted or ill involves noticing patterns. Substance use signs tend to repeat and combine physical, behavioral, and emotional changes, whereas fatigue or illness usually follow a more predictable course.
