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The Safety Net
Drug Use and Abuse Education
As a provider of services you may suspect that a consumer is abusing drugs or alcohol, but how do you know? There are seven possible symptoms that could indicate a problem. They are:
- Change in attendance or performance in school, day program, or work
- Alteration of personal appearance
- Mood swings or attitude changes
- Withdrawal from responsibilities or contact with family
- Association with drug-using peers
- Unusual patterns of behavior
- Defensive attitude concerning drugs
Keep in mind that these symptoms may be aggravated by the interaction of prescription drugs and alcohol or street drugs. Some examples include the combination of the prescription drug Xanax and alcohol. This may lead to depressed Central Nervous System (CNS) functioning and can be fatal. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and excessive amounts of alcohol may result in liver damage. When alcohol is consumed while using crack or cocaine, the heart rate may increase between three and five times the normal rate, potentially leading to heart attacks and heart failure.
The following chart may be helpful to you and to staff who wish to have more information about specific drugs, symptoms, and dangers.
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Type of Drug
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PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS
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LOOK FOR
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DANGERS
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Alcohol
(beer, wine, liquor)
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Intoxication, slurred speech, unsteady walk, relaxed inhibitions, slowed reflexes
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Smell of alcohol on clothes or breath, glazed eyes, hangover, intoxicated behavior
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Addiction, accidents of impaired ability and judgment, heart and liver damage
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Cocaine
(coke, rock, crack, base)
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Brief intense euphoria, elevated blood pressure & heart rate, excitement followed by depression
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Glass vials, glass pipe, white crystalline powder, razor blades, syringes, needle marks
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Addiction, heart attack, seizures, lung damage, severe depression
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Marijuana
(pot, dope, weed, grass, hash, herb, joint)
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Altered perceptions, red eyes, dry mouth, reduced concentration and coordination, euphoria, laughing, hunger
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Rolling papers, pipes, dried plant material, odor of burnt hemp rope, roach clips
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Panic reaction, impaired short term memory, addiction
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Hallucinogens
(acid, LSD, PCP, MDMA, Ecstasy, psilocybin mushrooms, peyote
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Altered mood and perceptions, focus on detail, anxiety, panic, nausea,
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Capsules, tablets, “microdots”, blotter squares
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Unpredictable behavior, emotional instability, violent behavior (with PCP)
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Inhalants
(gas, aerosols, glue, nitrites, Rush, White out)
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Nausea, dizziness, headaches, lack of coordination and control
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Odor of substance on clothing and breath, intoxication, drowsiness, poor muscular control
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Unconsciousness, suffocation, nausea and vomiting, damage to brain and central nervous system, sudden death
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Narcotics
Heroin (junk, dope, Black tar, China white) Demerol, Dilaudid (D’s) Morphine, Codeine
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Euphoria, drowsiness, insensitivity to pain, nausea, vomiting, watery eyes, runny nose
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Needle marks on arms, needles, syringes, spoons, pinpoint pupils, cold, moist skin
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Addiction, lethargy, weight loss, contamination from non-sterile needles (hepatitis, AIDS), accidental overdose
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Stimulants
(speed, uppers, crank, Bam, black beauties, crystal, dexies, caffeine, nicotine, cocaine, amphetamines)
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Alertness, talkativeness, wakefulness, increased blood pressure, loss of appetite, mood elevation
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Pills and capsules, loss of sleep and appetite, irritability, weight loss, hyperactivity
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Fatigue leading to exhaustion, addiction, paranoia, depression, confusion, possible hallucinations
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Depressants
(barbiturates, sedatives, tranquilizers, downers, ludes, yellow jackets, reds)
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Depressed breathing and heartbeat, intoxication, drowsiness, uncoordinated movements
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Capsules and pills, confused behavior, longer periods of sleep, slurred speech
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Possible overdose, especially in combination with alcohol, addiction, withdrawal & overdose require medical treatment
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