#5 of 43 Signs and Symptoms to Spot in DOT Reasonable Suspicion for Drug and Alcohol Awareness: Dramatic Weight Loss

Every DOT Supervisor Training program in reasonable suspicion will include, or should
include a signs and symptoms checklist that supervisors retain for future reference. One of those signs is dramatic weight loss. "Look for employees experiencing dramatic weight loss."

Supervisors can confront employees simply because they are losing weight. However, this is not the point of spotting this important sign. The true reason is to help the supervisor pay attention to such employees because a future of behavioral and performance problems is just around the corner. 

There are several reasons why some drug users may experience dramatic weight loss. Here are some of the most common reasons: 

Loss of appetite: Many drugs can suppress appetite, making it difficult for users to eat enough food to maintain a healthy weight. Stimulants such as cocaine and methamphetamine, for example, can reduce feelings of hunger and increase metabolism, leading to weight loss. 

Increased metabolism: Some drugs, such as methamphetamine and ecstasy, can increase metabolic rate, causing the body to burn calories at a faster rate. This can lead to weight loss, especially if the user is not consuming enough calories to compensate for the increased energy expenditure. 

Poor nutrition: Drug use can interfere with healthy eating habits and lead to poor nutrition. Users may skip meals, choose unhealthy foods, or simply not have access to nutritious food. This can result in weight loss and malnutrition.

Dehydration: Some drugs, such as cocaine and ecstasy, can cause dehydration. This can lead to a loss of water weight, which may contribute to overall weight loss.

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Illness: Some drug use can lead to serious health problems that may cause weight loss. For example, long-term use of opioids can cause gastrointestinal problems that can lead to malabsorption of nutrients, which can result in weight loss.

It's important to note that weight loss can also be a sign of drug abuse or addiction, so if you or someone you know is experiencing significant weight loss as a result of drug use, it may be a sign that they need help.