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
...the chances that they will be misused. There are several disturbing prescription drug addiction statistics that are worth mentioning. One sad prescription drug addiction statistic reported by the U.S. Department of Health and human services is that people 60 years ...
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
...are no pharmacutical treatments for addiction. How ever, often meth addiction is followed by depression, therefore the use of some anti-depressant medications can be helpful in users who recently have become abstinent. Shock therapy is a outdated form of addiction ...
(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
...by 50% in just one year, between 1999 and 2000. The illegal sale of prescription drugs has increased enormously in recent years. The vast increase in the availability of prescription drugs increases the numbers of addicts, because more people have ...
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
...D analogues or fluorides: no data is available. Concomitant treatment should be avoided. The additional beneficial effect of HRT (hormone replacement therapy) with estrogens/progestins or raloxifene in postmenopausal women remains to be elucidated, but no interactions have been seen. The ...
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
...into a major drug abuse life crisis requiring aggressive professional intervention for drug addiction treatment of the mind and body. For parents, Hell s door has just opened as they struggle to learn new attitudes towards their child, and to ...
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
...in balance with rest of your recovery program. 9. I will spend 20 minutes a day quietly in meditation. Life can often become overwhelming and stressful. An effective way to help calm your stressed body is by sitting quietly or ...
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
...have been assisting them in the past are ready to make that commitment, wait for a time when the addict is neither drunk nor high and can focus on the conversation. Then start talking. Prepare a list of instances in ...
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
...where most of the daily activities are treatment-related. Programs like Al-Anon, CoAnon, and Alateen, 12-step programs for family and friends of drug abusers, help them to break out of codependent cycles. For every person undergoing drug treatment there are an ...
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
...diagnosis treatment programs exist in most private drug rehab and alcohol rehab programs today. The merging od addiction treatment services and psychiatric treatment services has made for a much more effective addiction treatment setting. The ability to provide the dual ...
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
...pain. The longer you wait to get treatment the worse it'll get; take action now. If you don't have insurance, check with your local mental health agencies to see what is available that's free. Find out from your local health ...
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.
...suit different age groups. Before treatment, an accurate assessment of the addiction is tested and diagnosed. Only then, proper medication is prescribed. Offering programs like rapid detox, intervention, and others, Spencer Recovery Centers also helps. Recommended by personalities like Bart ...
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,
...the mental health problem or they may have the mental health issue because of their drug use. The most effective way to deal with these two co-occurring disorders and deal with the addiction is to treat them at the same ...
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
...good pure water. It is also necessary to provide some much needed vitamin and mineral supplements for additional support. In particular, B vitamins are said to be especially helpful as alcoholics are likely to be deficient in these. You may ...
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
Do you have questions relating to addiction /
addictions / substance abuse? Contact Us…
Health Info and Videos Medical issues updated weekly.
Family Resources for the family, intervention
...other behaviors which they would never have considered before becoming addicted are now all just tools of the trade. Understanding why they are happening is not the same as condoning them, and it may impress on you the power of ...
support, and counseling.
Medical Medical information, doctor and specialists directory,
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...only when urgently required. To battle prescription drug abuse, medication directions must always be followed carefully. The physician must always be consulted regarding any change in dosage. It is not advisable to crush the tablets or take them with alcohol ...
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...the addict s system can handle any more chemicals, and whether those running the program believe going cold turkey when withdrawing is the best deterrent to future substance abuse. Once the detoxification is over, the addicts will spend their days ...
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
...out of bed in the morning, urinary retention, constipation and fecal impaction. You must make a change in your lifestyle in order to prevent you from taking pain killers and or other drugs again. Taking the time to spend in ...
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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...cycles or changes. Furthermore, women could experience complications in pregnancy if the dosage levels are reduced while the woman is pregnant. In general, the risks of these side effects can be reduced by keeping in close contact with a physician ...
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NI-COR Captions Today
...tasks, and relationships, and then we confuse that feeling of relative safety with real happiness. People who are chronically shy, for example, are addicted to safety. Alcohol and drugs are common avenues to diminish pain, yet another way to achieve ...
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action taking pages for each.
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
...a result they become a victim of prescription drug addiction. Along with prescription drug addictions, some addictive behavior like keeping secrets, lying, hiding pills and obsessively counting them, buying drugs off the street is quite noticeable. The rate of prescription ...
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
...the various threats and harms of drug abuse. They also provide support to students so that they can resist any peer pressure, which may entice them to experiment with alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, inhalants or other drugs. The D.A.R.E program teaches ...
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.)
...you are not seeing something important; especially if your child spends a lot of time partying at night. Do you need help identifying a drug that you ve found? We are here to help you! Please ask for assistance at ...
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
...and still others train straight counselors in helping gay clients.In the past gay men and lesbians occasionally encountered problems when seeking alcohol treatment at some [http://www.gay-rehab.com ]alcohol rehab programs. In many cases, counselors were not fully sympathetic to, or even ...
...60 mg or so as a general approximation but the role of comprehensive care cannot be overemphasized. Relapse is a natural part of the curable disease that drug addiction tends to be. All treatment programs should aim to budget this ...
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
...disease AND loss of control in behavior/thought/emotion are reversible with addiction treatment or dual diagnosis treatment. 10. Recovery consists of: Stabilization of the acute disease Rehabilitation of body, mind, and spirit 11. The risk of relapse in either disease is ...
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
...while in methadone treatment (5 years). Within 2 month's of being free of methadone and now taking this "miracle pill", Suboxone I was back to my old self and pursuing my music career like never before, my family life was ...
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.)