Indicators of Substance Abuse

Alcohol

•       Odor on breath

•       Slurred speech

•       Loss of memory, black outs

•       Difficulty focusing, glazed appearance of the eyes

•       Mental slow down; inability to grasp the meaning of facts

•       Impaired social functioning – low frustration tolerance; impulsiveness; anxiety; over-sensitivity;    isolation; defiance; uncharacteristic passive behavior

•       Unexplained bruises and accidents

•       Loss of motor coordination

•       Chronic fatigue

•       Weight loss

•        Absenteeism  

Marijuana

A crude drug made from the plant cannabis sativa.  Although many believe it is not addictive, research indicates it is.

•       Rapid loud talking

•       Forgetfulness in conversation

•       Appears intoxicated with no smell of alcohol

•       Appears sleepy or stuporous in later stages

•       Inflammation in whites of eyes; pupils unlikely to be dilated

•       Increase in appetite, especially after use

•       Excessive laughter or inappropriate happiness

•       Distorted sense of time passage with tendency to over-estimate time intervals

•       Use of eye drops to hide red eyes

•       Presence of roach clips

Cocaine

A drug extracted from the leaves of the coca plant.  It is a central nervous stimulant and highly addictive. Crack is a form of cocaine

•       Runny nose; reddened and sore nose, cold or chronic sinus/nasal  problems, nosebleeds

•       White powder in container and/or around nose

•       Possession of paraphernalia including small spoon, razor blades, mirror, straw

•       Free basing instruments such as ether, small torch, mixing plates or containers

•       Unexplained bursts of energy

•      Restlessness or nervousness

•       Irritability and anxiety

•       Repetitive and non-purposeful behaviors

•       Long periods without eating or sleeping

•       Dilated pupils

•       Respiratory problems

Amphetamines

Stimulants used to increase alertness and physical activity.  In pure form they are yellowish crystals that are manufactured into tablets or capsules. 

•       Unusual energy, accelerated movements and activities

•       Lack of sleep, insomnia

•       Dryness of mucous membranes

•       Possible loss of appetite

•       Dilated pupils

•       Irritability, anxiety, aggressiveness, panic and nervousness

•       Excessive sweating and shakiness

•       Talkative but conversation lacks continuity

Opiates

Sometimes referred to as narcotics, opiates are a group of drugs which are used medically to relieve pain.  Some come from Asian Poppy; others are manufactured.

•       Pinpoint pupils that fail to respond to light

•       Drowsiness and lethargy

•       Apathy and decreased physical activity

•       Respiratory depression

•       Scars on inner arms if using needle for injections

•       Nausea and vomiting

•       Possession of paraphernalia including syringes, rubber tubing, cotton and needles

 Phencyclidine

This drug was first developed as an anesthetic in the 1950s and taken off the market because it sometimes caused hallucinations.  It is available in various forms-powder, tablet, or capsule.

•       Hallucinations

•       Irrational speech or 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 and terror

•       Rigid muscles, strange gait

•       Deadened sensory perception

•       Mask-like facial appearance