Signs and Symptoms of Drug Use
There are many signs, both physical and behavioral, that indicate drug use.
Each drug has it's own unique manifestations but there are some general
indications that a person is using drugs.
- Sudden change in behavior
- Mood swings-irritable and grumpy and then suddenly happy and bright
- Withdrawal from family members
- Careless about personal grooming.
- Loss of interest in hobbies, sports, and other favorite activities.
- Changed sleeping pattern; up at night and sleeps during the day.
- Red or glassy eyes
- Sniffly or runny nose
The following are some of the signs and symptoms of specific drug use:
Methamphetamines:
"Wired," sleeplessness for days and weeks at a time, total loss of
appetite, extreme weight loss, dialated pupils, excited, talkative,
deluded sense of power, paranoia, depression, loss of control,
nervousness, unusual sweating, shaking, anxiety, hallucinations,
aggression, violence, dizziness, mood changes, blurred vision, mental
confusion, agitation.
Cocaine:
Impaired thinking,
confused, anxious, depressed, short tempered, panic attacks,
suspiciousness, dilated pupils, sleeplessness, loss of appetite,
decreased sexual drive, restlessness, irritability, very talkative,
scratching, hallucinations, paranoia.
LSD (Acid):
Dilated
pupils, skin discoloration, loss of coordination, false sense of power,
euphoria, distortion of time and space, hallucinations, confusion,
paranoia, nausea, vomiting, loss of control, anxiety, panic,
helplessness, and self destructive behavior.
PCP:
Sometimes
violent or bizarre behavior, suicide has often occurred, paranoia,
fearfulness, anxiety, aggressive or withdrawn, skin flushing, sweating,
dizziness, total numbness, and impaired perceptions.
Inhalants:
Short-lasting euphoria, giggling, silliness, dizziness. Then come the
headaches and full-blown "faintings" or going unconscious. Longterm
Use: Short-term memory loss, emotional instability, impairment of
reasoning, slurred speech, clumsy staggering gait, eye flutter,
tremors, hearing loss, loss of sense of smell, and escalating stages of
brain atrophy. Sometimes these serious longterm effects are reversible
with body detoxification and nutritional therapy; sometimes the brain
damage is irreversible or only partially reversible.
Heroin:
Chemically
enforced euphoria. "Nodding," which is a dreamlike state, near sleep,
drifting off for minutes or hours. For long time abusers heroin may act
like a stimulant and they can do a normal daily routine; however, for
others, it leaves them completely powerless to do anything.
Marijuana:
Compulsive eating, bloodshot red eyes that are squinty (they may have
trouble keeping them open), dry mouth, excessive and uncontrollable
laughter, forgetfulness, short term memory loss, extreme lethargy,
delayed motor skills, occasional paranoia, hallucinations, laziness,
lack of motivation, stupidity, sickly sweet smell on body, hair, and
clothes, and strong mood changes and behaviors when the person is
"high".
Depressants (Tranquilizers and Barbituates):
Decreased inhibition, slowed motor coordination, lethargy, relaxed muscles, staggering gait, poor judgement, slow, uncertain reflexes, disorientation, and slurred speech.
For additional assistance in making a determination, contact a Narconon® counselor who can help you.
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