Drugs and their effects on the user or addict:
Marijuana
Rapid, loud talking and bursts of laughter in early stages of intoxication
Sleepy or stuporous in the later stages
Forgetfulness in conversation
Inflammation in whites of eyes; pupils unlikely to be dilated
Odor similar to burnt rope on clothing or breath
Tendency to drive slowly”below speed limit
Distorted sense of time passage—tendency to overestimate time intervals
Use or possession of paraphernalia including roach clip, packs of rolling papers, pipes or bongs
Stimulants (cocaine, amphetamines, methamphetamines)
Dilated pupils (when large amounts are taken)
Dry mouth and nose, bad breath, frequent lip licking
Excessive activity, difficulty sitting still, lack of interest in food or sleep
Irritable, argumentative, nervous
Talkative, but conversation often lacks continuity; changes subjects rapidly
Runny nose, cold or chronic sinus/nasal problems, nose bleeds
Use or possession of paraphernalia including small spoons, razor blades, mirror, little bottles of white powder and plastic, glass or metal straws
Depressants (barbiturates, benzodiazapines)
Symptoms of alcohol intoxication with no alcohol odor on breath (remember that depressants are frequently used with alcohol)
Lack of facial expression or animation
Flat affect
Flaccid appearance
Slurred speech
Note: There are few readily apparent symptoms. Abuse may be indicated by activities such as frequent visits to different physicians for prescriptions to treat “nervousness”, “anxiety”,” stress”, etc.
Narcotics (heroin, codeine, morphine, Vicodin)
Lethargy, drowsiness
Constricted pupils fail to respond to light
Redness and raw nostrils from inhaling heroin in power form
Scars (tracks) on inner arms or other parts of body, from needle injections
Use or possession of paraphernalia, including syringes, bent spoons, bottle caps, eye droppers, rubber tubing, cotton and needles
Slurred speech
Hallucinogens (LSD, mescaline)
Extremely dilated pupils
Warm skin, excessive perspiration and body odor
Distorted sense of sight, hearing, touch; distorted image of self and time perception
Mood and behavior changes, the extent depending on emotional state of the user and environmental conditions
Unpredictable flashback episodes even long after withdrawal (although these are rare)
Dissociative Anesthetics (PCP)
Unpredictable behavior; mood may swing from passiveness to violence for no apparent reason
Symptoms of intoxication
Disorientation; agitation and violence if exposed to excessive sensory stimulation
Fear, terror
Rigid muscles
Strange gait
Deadened sensory perception (may experience severe injuries while appearing not to notice)
Pupils may appear dilated
Mask like facial appearance
Floating pupils, appear to follow a moving object
Comatose (unresponsive) if large amount consumed; eyes may be open or closed
Inhalants (glue, vapor producing solvents, propellants )
Substance odor on breath and clothes
Runny nose
Watering eyes
Drowsiness or unconsciousness
Poor muscle control
Prefers group activity to being alone
Presence of bags or rags containing dry plastic cement or other solvent at home, in locker at school or at work
Discarded whipped cream, spray paint or similar chargers (users of nitrous oxide)
Small bottles labeled “incense” (users of butyl nitrite)
How do I know if I am developing a drug abuse problem?
Drug abuse does not discriminate it can effect anyone regardless of age, sex, race, marital status, place of residence, income level, or lifestyle. If you use drugs and wonder whether you are developing a drug abuse problem, refer to the list of general symptoms above (What are general signs and symptoms of drug addiction?) for help in sorting out where you stand. In addition, PADD recommends asking yourself whether any of the following scenarios apply:
You can’t predict whether or not you will use drugs
You believe that in order to have fun you need to use drugs
You turn to drugs after a confrontation or argument, or to relieve uncomfortable feelings
You use drugs alone
You remember how last night began, but not how it ended, so you’re worried you may have a problem
You make promises to yourself or others that you’ll stop using drugs
You feel alone, scared, miserable, and depressed
If any of the above signs apply, know that help is available. Breaking a drug addiction is not easy, but definitely possible with the right support. Over a million Americans have overcome their drug addictions through the encouragement of family and friends, and the structured assistance of inpatient or outpatient treatment programs.
Contact PADD for Self-Help and Treatment Options and information on recovery.