Signs and Symptoms of Substance Abuse/Overdose Assistance
General: General and specific guides to detection of alcohol and drug use, and definition of addiction.
Contents:
I. General Guide to Detection
II. Definition of Addiction
III. Pupil Dilation
IV. Signs and Symptoms
V. Paraphernalia a) S/S Chart Version
VI. Drug Facts
VII. Articles and Other Resources
VIII. Drug Pictures/Resources
IX. NI-COR Topics
X. Additional Articles (Alcoholism, Drugs, Teenage Addiction, Interventions)
XI. Overdose and Emergency Intervention Techniques
I. Specific: General Guide to Detection
Abrupt changes in work or school attendance, quality of work, work output, grades, discipline.
Unusual flare-ups or outbreaks of temper. Withdrawal from responsibility. General changes in overall attitude. Deterioration of physical appearance and grooming.
Wearing of sunglasses at inappropriate times. Continual wearing of long-sleeved garments particularly in
...critical of the other... nothing much has changed over the ages. Modern mainstream western medicine takes the 'outside' approach. However, in recent years the "inside" approach which has always been the underlying principle behind Chinese traditional medicine has gained much ...
appropriate. Association with known substance abusers. Unusual borrowing of money from friends, co-workers or parents. Stealing small items from employer, home or
school. Secretive behavior regarding actions and possessions; poorly concealed attempts to avoid attention and suspicion such as frequent trips to storage rooms, restroom, basement, etc.
II. Specific: DSM-IV Definition of Addiction
A maladaptive pattern of substance use, leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as manifested by three (or more) of the following, occurring at any time in the same 12-month period:
(1) Tolerance, as defined by either of the following:
a. A need for markedly increased amounts of the substance to achieve intoxication or desired effect.
b. Markedly diminished
...to quit using the pain pills. Though Limbaugh spoke out against drug use many times on his radio broadcast, he came clean about his own problems soon after the story broke in other news outlets. He made no excuses for ...
(2) Withdrawal, as manifested by either of the following:
a. The characteristic withdrawal syndrome for the substance
b. The same (or a closely related) substance is taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms. (
3) The substance is often taken in larger amounts or over
a longer period than was intended (loss of control).
(4) There is a
persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control
substance use (loss of control). (
5) A great deal of time is spent
in activities necessary to obtain the substance, use the substance,
or recover from its effects (preoccupation).
(6) Important social,
occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced
because of substance use (continuation despite
...drugs. American citizens can also place drug orders in Canadian drug stores. Their prescriptions would be reviewed by a Canadian pharmacist before the order is processed. Since Canadian drugs are of the same quality, potency, and purity as American drugs, ...
consequences).
(7) The substance use is continued despite
knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or
psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or
exacerbated by the substance (adverse consequences).
III. Specific: Pupil Dilation
Before you do anything, consider
this. There are two trains of thought prior to detection and
intervention. One thought is to catch and punish, and the
other is to identify and help- remember why you are doing
this, and the intervention will turn out much better.
Note: A 6mm, 7mm, or 8mm pupil size could indicate that a person is
under the influence of cocaine, crack, meth., hallucinogens, crystal,
ecstasy, or other stimulant. A 1mm or 2mm pupil size could
indicate a person under the influence of heroin, opiates, or other
depressant. A pupil
...correlate with violence attacks among adolescents. High drug availability has shown an increased risk of adolescent victimization in neighborhoods where drugs are more extensively available. A questionnaire-based investigation by Morojele and Brook (2005) examined the association between drug use, peer, ...
A pupil completely dilated could indicate use.
Blown out wide pupils are indicative of crack, methamphetamine, cocaine, stimulant use. Pinpoint pupils are indicative of heroin, opiate, depressant use. http://www.nicd.us/signsandsymptomsofuse.html (Click this link for pictures)
Other causes of pupil dilation
IV. Specific: Signs and Symptoms
Alcohol: Odor on the breath. 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 (particularly on
Monday). 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 (troubled
...medication than to pay for the therapies or surgeries which would eliminate the sources of the pain. Prescription drug addiction statistics revealing drug abuse among the elderly does not speak well for the US health system. Drug Abuse Among The ...
deep relationships, alienation from close family members).
Marijuana/Pot: 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. 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
...When narcotic substances are taken for a long period of time, the body does not show response to them as well. As a result to get the same effect which was originally obtained by a smaller dose, a larger dose ...
Cocaine/Crack/Methamphetamines/Stimulants: Extremely dilated
pupils. 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: 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/Prescription
...medication than to pay for the therapies or surgeries which would eliminate the sources of the pain. Prescription drug addiction statistics revealing drug abuse among the elderly does not speak well for the US health system. Drug Abuse Among The ...
Oxycontin: 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. While there may be no readily apparent symptoms of analgesic
abuse, it may be indicated by frequent visits to different physicians or
dentists for prescriptions to treat pain of non-specific origin. In cases
where patient has chronic pain and abuse of medication is suspected,
it may be indicated by amounts and frequency taken.
Inhalants: Substance odor on breath and clothes. Runny nose.
Watering eyes. Drowsiness or unconsciousness. Poor muscle control.
Prefers group activity to being alone. Presence of
...and become addicted to prescription drugs than males are in this age group. While most people who are addicted to prescription drugs abuse opioids like OxyContin and Vicodin, the number of young people who abused CNS (central nervous system) depressants ...
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).
Solvents, Aerosols, Glue, Petrol: Nitrous Oxide - laughing gas, whippits, nitrous.
Amyl Nitrate - snappers, poppers, pearlers, rushamies.
Butyl Nitrate - locker room, bolt, bullet, rush, climax, red gold. Slurred speech,
impaired coordination, nausea, vomiting, slowed breathing. Brain damage,
pains in the chest, muscles, joints, heart trouble, severe depression, fatigue,
loss of appetite, bronchial spasm, sores on nose or mouth, nosebleeds,
diarrhea, bizarre or reckless behavior, sudden death, suffocation.
LSD/Hallucinogens: Extremely dilated pupils, (see note below). Warm
skin, excessive perspiration and body odor. Distorted sense of sight, hearing,
touch; distorted image of self
...and become addicted to prescription drugs than males are in this age group. While most people who are addicted to prescription drugs abuse opioids like OxyContin and Vicodin, the number of young people who abused CNS (central nervous system) depressants ...
the extent depending on emotional state of the user and environmental conditions
Unpredictable flashback episodes even long after withdrawal
(although these are rare). Hallucinogenic drugs, which occur both
naturally and in synthetic form, distort or disturb sensory input,
sometimes to a great degree. Hallucinogens occur naturally in
primarily two forms, (peyote) cactus and psilocybin mushrooms.
Several chemical varieties have been synthesized, most notably
LSD, MDA , STP, and PCP. Hallucinogen usage reached a peak
in the United States in the late 1960’s, but declined shortly
thereafter due to a broader awareness of the detrimental effects
of usage. However, a disturbing trend indicating a resurgence in
hallucinogen usage by high-school and college age persons
nationwide has been acknowledged by law enforcement. With the
exception of PCP, all hallucinogens
...another issue entirely. Many people decide to become a member of Alcoholics Anonymous or AA. The Alcoholics Anonymous has been found to be very successful and useful for many people looking for solution to alcoholism. The AA is a fellowship ...
of use. Any portion of sensory perceptions may be altered to varying
degrees. Synesthesia, or the “seeing” of sounds, and the “hearing” of
colors, is a common side effect of hallucinogen use. Depersonalization,
acute anxiety, and acute depression resulting in suicide have also been
noted as a result of hallucinogen use. Note: there are some forms of
hallucinogens that are considered downers and constrict pupil diameters.
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.
...a person s breathing rate and can lead to death. Taking depressants and then quitting their use without proper medical supervision can cause seizures to occur. In addition, taking these medications along with other drugs, such as alcohol or allergy ...
if large amount consumed. Eyes may be open or closed.
Ecstasy: Confusion, depression, headaches, dizziness (from
hangover/after effects), muscle tension, panic attacks, paranoia,
possession of pacifiers (used to stop jaw clenching), lollipops,
candy necklaces, mentholated vapor rub, severe anxiety, sore
jaw (from clenching teeth after effects), vomiting or nausea
(from hangover/after effects)
Signs that your teen could be high on Ecstasy: Blurred vision,
rapid eye movement, pupil dilation, chills or sweating, high body
temperature, sweating profusely, dehydrated, confusion, faintness,
paranoia or severe anxiety, trance-like state, transfixed on sites and
sounds, unconscious clenching of the jaw, grinding teeth, very
affectionate.
V. Specific: Paraphernalia
Click Here
When I started using this One Proven Method, I began to experience tremendous growth and positive changes in my own recovery. Rev. Stephen J. Murray,
...These drugs interact with the body by decreasing the activity of the brain in order to produce a calming or drowsy effect. Long-term abuse of CNS depressants can lead to a physical dependence that can be dangerous to brain activity ...
V. a) Chart Version of Signs and Symptoms of Use
DRUG SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Stimulants (Cocaine, Ecstasy, Meth., Crystal)
Depressants (Heroin, Marijuana, Downers)
Hallucinogens (LSD)
Narcotics (Rx. Medications)
Inhalants (Paint, Gasoline, White Out)
PCP
Alcohol
Note: Paraphernalia- Keep in mind, that you may not find drugs, if you are searching for them, but you can usually find the paraphernalia associated with use.
VI. Specific: Drug Facts
Includes identifiers, definitions, language of users and dealers.
Drug Terms
Slang and Street Terms
VII. Specific: Articles and Other Resources http://www.nicd.us/thediseaseconceptandbrainchemistry.html (This is the link for brain chemistry and the drug user) http://www.nicd.us/signsandsymptomsofuse.html (This link is
...the most difficult part of the treatment. Withdrawal symptoms can be so severe that medical intervention is needed. At the very least, detox is time consuming and uncomfortable. Another aspect of prescription drug addiction treatment is psychological counseling. This helps ...
VIII. Specific: Drug Pictures/Resources from the DEA
CHEMICAL CONTROL
INTRODUCTION TO DRUG CLASSES
NARCOTICSNarcotics of Natural Origin
OpiumMorphineCodeineThebaine
Semi-Synthetic Narcotics
HeroinHydromorphoneOxycodoneHydrododone
Synthetic Narcotics
Meperidine
Narcotics Treatment Drugs
MethadoneDextroproxypheneFentanylPentazocineButorphanol
DEPRESSANTSBarbiturates
Controlled Substances Uses and Effects (Chart)BenzodiazepinesGamma
Hydroxybutric AcidParaldehydeChloral HydrateGlutethimide 7
MethaqualoneMeprobamate
Newly Marketed Drugs
STIMULANTSCocaineAmphetamines
MethcathinoneMethylphenidate
ANORECTIC DRUGSKhat
CANNABISMarijuanaHashishHashish Oil
HALLUCINOGENSLSDPsilocybin & Psiocyn and Other TryptaminesPeyote & MescalineMDMA (Ecstasy) & Other PhenethylaminesPhencyclidine (PCP) & Related DrugsKetamine
STEROIDS
INHALANTS
IX. Specific: NICD Topics
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addictions / substance abuse? Contact Us…
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...feel a psychological need to continue once they reach their desired weight, due to the fear of becoming overweight once again. They may also find that when they stop taking the pills, they feel tired and lethargic, due to the ...
support, and counseling.
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...are elderly may experienced heightened levels of side effects. Please use with cautious. How Does Meridia Interact With Other Drugs? Make sure you tell your doctor about all prescription and nonprescription medications you use; other weight loss medications in particular ...
Alcohol and Drug Addiction Survival Kit
General: A series, for the individual, family, friends, employers, educators, professionals, etc. on prevention, intervention, treatment, recovery, relapse prevention, support, and other issues relating to alcoholism and drug addiction.
1. Prevention- Includes tips on how to talk to your kids about alcohol, tobacco, and drugs.
2. Detection of Signs and Symptoms- A guide to detection of alcohol and various drug usage.
3. Definition of Addiction- A DSM-IV definition of exactly what constitutes alcoholism and drug addiction.
4. Intervention- Interventions can and do work. We will show you how to do it effectively.
5. Treatment & Housing- A treatment center and halfway house locator.
6. Support- Some guides to how
...medication than to pay for the therapies or surgeries which would eliminate the sources of the pain. Prescription drug addiction statistics revealing drug abuse among the elderly does not speak well for the US health system. Drug Abuse Among The ...
7. After Care- What to do prior to and after release from treatment.
8. Recovery / Relapse Prevention- Addiction can surface again, in the form of relapse.
9. Other Issues- Issues to think about regarding those affected by substance abuse, as well as those around them.
10. References- A list of those who contributed to this series of articles.
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...mention on some of the side effects associated with two of the most common Attention Deficit Disorder prescription drugs: Ritalin This particular Attention Deficit Disorder drug has been known to stimulate the central nervous system and provide a wide range ...
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...know it is wrong but can do little about it, and try to hide how many they are taking from their family. They reach a stage where they are frightened to admit it, and are terrified to ask their doctor ...
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NI-COR Captions Today
...also be employed. Longer-term treatments include residential therapeutic community treatment and methadone maintenance, outpatient treatment. Cognitive behavioral relapse prevention and contingency management are forms of behavioral therapies that are also effective means to treat the case. There is no particular ...
The Steps and Action Pages This is an overview of Steps 1-12, and the
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X. Specific: Additional Articles
Health and Medical News News, videos, text from the world of medicine,
health, and medical.
Ecstasy information.
How Do I Talk With My Kids About Alcohol?
How Do I talk to my kids about drugs?
How Do I talk with my teenager about drugs and alcohol?
What does a crack pipe look like?
Family assistance for substance abuse.
Addiction treatment for my teenager.
Overdose or OD Information
XI. Specific: Overdose & Emergency Intervention Techniques
Drug Overdose- Drug overdoses can be accidental or on purpose. The amount of a drug needed to cause
...you start taking it, it helps but, as you continue, you realize not only does it take that pain away, but you don t have to deal with daily stress and responsibility and nothing seems to bother you anymore as ...
Physical symptoms of a drug overdose vary with the type of drug(s) taken. They include: Abnormal breathing Slurred speech Lack of coordination Slow or rapid pulse Low or elevated body temperature Enlarged or small eye pupils Reddish face Heavy sweating Drowsiness Violent outbursts Delusions and/or hallucinations Unconsciousness which may lead to coma(Note: A diabetic who takes insulin may show some of the above symptoms if he or she is having an insulin reaction.)
Parents need to watch for signs
...anxiety, stop panic attacks, and cure insomnia. Some of the most common CNS depressants are Xanax, Valium, and Nembutal. Many users enjoy the calming effect these drugs have and continue using them when they are no longer needed. Misuse of ...
Prevention- Accidental prescription and over-the-counter medication overdoses may be prevented by asking your doctor or pharmacist: What is the medication and why is it being prescribed? How and when should the medication be taken and for how long? (Follow the instructions exactly as given.)
...First, the reasons for death must be determined. If there is an increase in heart related deaths (or any other disease), it should be studied further. What were the exact causes of heart disease deaths? Can they in anyway be ...
To avoid medication overdoses: Never take a medicine prescribed for someone else. Never give or take medication in the dark. Before each dose, always read the label on the bottle to be certain it is the correct medication. Always tell the doctor of any previous side effects or adverse reactions
...fact Bayers were recently forced to withdraw their statin drug from the market place because of "unacceptable" levels of fatalities. In spite of such prescription drug side effects, sales of statin drugs amount to billions of dollars per year and ...
...and become addicted to prescription drugs than males are in this age group. While most people who are addicted to prescription drugs abuse opioids like OxyContin and Vicodin, the number of young people who abused CNS (central nervous system) depressants ...
Questions to Ask:
Is the person not breathing and has no pulse?FIRST AIDPerform CPR
AND
Is the person not breathing, but has a pulse?FIRST AIDPerform Rescue Breathing
AND
Is the person unconscious?FIRST AIDLay the victim down on his or her left side and check airway, breathing and pulse often before emergency care. Do CPR or Rescue Breathing as needed.
AND
Does the person have any of these signs? Hallucinations Confusion Convulsions Breathing slow and shallow and/or slurring their words
Do you suspect the person has taken an overdose of drugs?FIRST AIDCall Poison Control Center. Follow
...rise, and it can cause serious financial problems if an addicted person needs to buy a significantly larger amount of the drug. Physical dependence is another prescription drug addiction symptom. Physical dependence is when a person needs a certain amount ...
AND
Is the person’s personality suddenly hostile, violent and aggressive?FIRST AIDUse caution. Protect yourself. Do not turn your back to the victim or move suddenly in front of him or her. If you can, see that the victim does not harm you, himself or herself. Remember, the victim is under the influence of a drug. Call the police to assist you if you cannot handle the situation. Leave and find a safe place to stay until the police arrive.
AND
Have you
...than just getting clean. It will require you to do a life inventory and get at the issues which led you to abuse alcohol or drugs in the first place. If your problem stems from overuse of prescription meds, you ...
DO NOT perform any technique unless it is a matter of life and death! If you are unsure of what you are doing, please follow the instructions given by a 911 operator. (Note: If doctor is not available, call Poison Control Center. Follow instructions given.)
Stephen J. Murray, MCRC is the Director of NICD, (National Institute on Chemical Dependency.)