Recovery Resources

Drug Information

Symptoms Associated with Specific Substances

Alcohol

  • Odor on the breath.
  • Intoxication.
  • Difficulty focusing: glazed appearance of the eyes.
  • Absenteeism (particularly on Monday).
  • 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.
  • 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 marriage, unexplainable termination of deep relationships, alienation from close family members).


Hallucinogens (e.g. LSD, Mescaline)

  • Warm and/or clammy skin
  • Body odor
  • Sensitivity to light or sounds
  • Dilated pupils
  • Distorted image of self
  • Flashbacks
  • Poor perception self and environment
  • Swift Mood and behavior changes


Marijuana

  • Odor of burnt rope
  • Altered perception of time
  • Dilated pupils: glazed appearance of the eyes
  • Lack of concentration and coordination
  • Craving for sweets
  • Increased appetite
  • Unusual laughter
  • Appearance of plastic baggies, rolling paper, clips and other equipment for preparation of smoking


PCP ( Angel Dust )

  • Excessive fear
  • Rigid frame
  • Oblivious to surroundings
  • Easily agitated
  • Strange walk
  • Dilated pupils
  • May become comatose
  • Unpredictable behavior and mood swings may include violence
  • Symptoms of intoxication but no odor of alcohol


Depressants

  • Acting like intoxicated but no alcohol odor on breath
  • Few, if any facial expressions
  • Complaints about being nervous
  • Disorientation
  • Slurred speech


Inhalants (Glue, Vapor-producing Solvents, Propellants)

  • Watery eyes
  • Runny nose
  • Odd odor on breath and clothing
  • Drowsiness or unconsciousness
  • Poor muscle control
  • Presence of baggies, wet or dry plastic cement or other solvent
  • Presence of pressurized containers (Pam, paint, etc.)


Narcotics (Heroin, Morphine, Narcotic Analgesics)

  • Lethargic or drowsy
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Euphoria
  • Constricted pupils
  • Pupils may fail to respond to light
  • Red, cracked or raw nasal passage from inhaling heroin
  • Scars (needle tracks) on arms or other parts of body
  • Possession of syringes, spoons, eye droppers, tubing, and other similar items
  • Slurred speech


Stimulants (Cocaine, Crack, Crank, Speed, Amphetamines, Methamphetamines)

  • Talkative but doesn't make sense
  • Excessive activity, jittery
  • May have no desire to eat or sleep
  • Cotton mouth and nose
  • Irritable and may argue a lot
  • Dilated pupils
  • Nervousness
  • Runny nose
  • Chronic sinus problems and/or nose bleeds
  • Possession of spoons, razor blades, mirrors, little bottles, swizzle sticks or drinking straws


General Substance Abuse Warning Signs

Behavior characteristics associated with substance abuse:

  • Abrupt changes in: work or school attendance or performance
  • Decrease in quality or quantity of work
  • Unusual temper tantrums
  • General attitudinal changes
  • Loss in physical appearance, hygiene and grooming habits
  • Wearing dark glasses at odd times.
  • Continual wearing of long-sleeved garments particularly in hot weather
  • Association with wrong crowd/friends
  • Disregard for responsibility
  • Borrowing or stealing money
  • Secretive and odd behavior