Drugs
Alcohol : Cigarettes : Drugs : InternetKids and drug use are a fact of life. Below is a list of links to solid information as well as common behavioral traits of those using drugs.
NIDA Fact Sheets on Various Drugs
NIDA Commonly Abused Drugs Chart
NIDA Prescription Drugs of Abuse Chart
National Institute on Drug Abuse
Signs to Look For
| Alcohol | Inhalants | OxyContin |
| Cocaine | LSD / Hallucinogens | PCP |
| Ecstasy | Marijuana | |
| Heroin | Meth Amphetamines |
Alcohol
Behavior changes often signal alcohol use/abuse. Because it is easy to get - one of the most often abused drugs among young people.:
-Odor on the breath.Cocaine
-Intoxication.
-Difficulty focusing: glazed appearance of the eyes.
-Uncharacteristically passive behavior; or combative and argumentative behavior.
-Gradual (or sudden in adolescents) deterioration in personal appearance and hygiene.
-Gradual development of dysfunction, especially in job performance or school work.
-Absenteeism
-Unexplained bruises and accidents.
-Irritability.
-Flushed skin.
-Loss of memory (blackouts).
-Availability and consumption of alcohol becomes the focus of social or professional activities.
-Changes in peer-group associations and friendships.
-Impaired interpersonal relationships.
Intensely addictive stimulant that directly affects the brain.
-Blurred vision
-Tremors
-Sniffles, red, runny nose
-Twitching
-Chest pain/pressure
-Fever
Long term effects include strong psychological dependence and increased physical tolerance, eating disorders, impotence, seizures, strokes, malnutrition & percentage dame age to nasal passage.
Crack cocaine has the same effects as cocaine, only it's effects are faster and more intense. Smoking crack causes lung damage and will lead to addiction quicker.
Ecstasy
Ecstasy is MDMA - a psychedelic-amphetamine. It has both the properties of a hallucinogen like mescaline and a stimulant like meth amphetamine The addiction potential is high. Long term use may result in liver or brain damage.
-Dilated pupilsHeroin
-Sweating
-Grinding teeth
-Jaw clenching
-Blurred vision
-Tremors
-Palpitations
Heroin is a highly addictive drug. It is both the most abused and most rapidly acting of the opiates.
-Constricted pupils
-Droopy eyelids, lethargy, drowsiness, nodding
-Watery eyes
-Itchy skin
-Loss of appetite
-Sniffles, cough, nausea
-Scars caused by injections
Injection continues to be the predominant method of heroin use among addicted users seeking treatment. Researchers however, have observed a shift - from injection to sniffing and smoking.
Heroin is currently ranked as the second most frequently mentioned drug in overall drug-related deaths.
Inhalants
Sniffing volatile solvents, which includes most inhalants, can cause severe damage to the brain and nervous system.
-Substance odor on breath and clothes.LSD / Hallucinogens
-Runny nose.
-Watering eyes.
-Drowsiness or unconsciousness.
-Poor muscle control.
-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).
-Extremely dilated pupils.Long term use produces physical tolerance and psychological dependence (and possible psychosis), prolonged depression, anxiety, and flashbacks.
-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.
Marijuana
Extensive medical research shows that the negative health impact of marijuana consumption far outweighs any possible benefits.
-Rapid, loud talking and bursts of laughter in early stages of intoxication.Marijuana users are difficult to recognize unless they are under the influence of the drug at the time of observation. Casual users may show none of the general symptoms. Marijuana does have a distinct odor and may be the same color or a bit greener than tobacco.
-Sleepy or stupor 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.
Meth Amphetamines
A dangerous, unpredictable drug that is a potent central nervous system stimulant. It can cause cardiovascular problems - and irreversible damage to the small blood vessels in the brain.
-Dilated pupilsLong term use can cause strong psychological dependence and varying degrees of physical tolerance. Malnutrition, psychosis, kidney & other tissue damage. Severe withdrawal symptoms - irritability, violence, psychotic behavior, memory loss, paranoia.
-Sweating -Dry Mouth
-Talkative
-Flushed skin
OxyContin
A time-released opioid prescription pain killer that is often abused.
-Drunken like statePCP
-Nausea
-Drowsy, tired
-Impaired coordination
-Weakness
-Confusion
This drug produces unpredictable behavior; mood may swing from passiveness to violence for no apparent reason.
-Symptoms of intoxication.PCP has stimulant, depressant, hallucinogenic and analgesic effects. Which of these will be most pronounced is unpredictable and depends on users personality, psychological state and the setting at time of use.
-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.