DRUG ABUSE

Symptoms

The symptoms associated with drug abuse can be both physical and behavioral and can vary depending upon the type of drug being used. Most drug addiction symptoms, however, involve a noticeable change, either in attitude or appearance. For example, changes in sleeping patterns, changes in eating habits, and changes in energy levels are all common drug abuse symptoms. Sudden changes in friends, interests, and priorities, as well as changes in work or school performance are also frequently seen symptoms. Dramatic changes in mood, such as becoming suddenly hostile or violent, as well as dramatic changes in health, such as an erratic heartbeat or blood pressure, are further signs that can indicate a drug dependency problem.

Behavioral Signs

People abusing drugs often exhibit a variety of behavioral signs and changes. Such signs usually involve a prolonged change in mood and include irritability, depression, secretiveness, hostility, and unpredictability. A decrease in responsibility, such as missing work or school or forgetting family occasions is another sign, as well as a sudden change in friends or hobbies. Additional behavioral changes include difficulty or refusal to communicate, as well as physical and mental deterioration. If excessive drug use continues, the person can become more demanding and intolerable, even to the extreme of committing crimes and attempting suicide.

Physical Signs

While many of the obvious signs of drug abuse are behavioral, there are some physical signs that can indicate a drug dependency problem as well. These physical signs will vary depending upon the type of drug being used. Marijuana, for example, can produce an increased heartbeat, bloodshot eyes, a dry mouth and throat, altered depth perception, and impaired short-term memory. Cocaine abuse often results in insomnia, headaches, nausea, weight loss, nose bleeds, and anxiety. Opiates, such as morphine and heroin, are usually injected, so physical signs of their use can include scarring and vein inflammation. Extreme lethargy and contracted pupils are also characteristics of opiate misuse.

Amphetamines

Amphetamines (am-FET-a-meens) are powerful stimulant drugs. Some of the street names for amphetamines include "speed," "crank," "meth," or "crystal." They affect the brain and central nervous system by producing a powerful sense of euphoria, along with extreme alertness, increased energy, nervous excitement, irritability, and insomnia. This sense of euphoria is followed by a “crash,” caused by the exhaustion of the central nervous system, which, in turn, may cause panic, paranoia, and nervousness.

Other effects of amphetamines include an increase in heart and respiration rates and in blood pressure. The pupils become dilated, and there is usually a decrease in appetite. It is not unusual for the casual user to experience dry mouth, dizziness, sweating, headache, blurred vision, sleeplessness, and anxiety. High doses can cause irregular heartbeats and severe tremors. Frequent users are subject to greatly increased chances of stroke or heart failure.

Tolerance to the drug builds rapidly, requiring increases in the amount of the drug to produce the desired effect. Chronic users suffer from side effects, including increased aggression, fear, hallucinations, or seizures.

Barbiturates and Tranquilizers

Barbiturates and tranquilizers are depressants often prescribed to relieve anxiety or induce sleep. They also, however, are among the drugs most commonly abused. When used as prescribed, they are quite safe, but overuse can result in a dangerous physical dependence. The effects these drugs have are very similar to those of alcohol. Low doses usually produce relaxation, while higher doses can produce drowsiness, confusion, slurred speech, poor judgment, and loss of emotional control.

Some people, however, are not relaxed, but stimulated by these drugs. They may initially become more active and uninhibited, but overuse can produce a coma or complete respiratory failure. Treating the compulsive use of barbiturates and tranquilizers usually begins with gradual withdrawal under medical supervision.

For more information about barbiturates and tranquilizers, contact your physician, the Alcohol and Drug Council of Middle Tennessee at www.adcmt.org, or The BABBCENTER at 824.3772 or 800.458.1755.