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Indicators of Substance Abuse
Alcohol
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Odor on
breath
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Slurred
speech
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Loss of
memory, black outs
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Difficulty
focusing, glazed appearance of the eyes
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Mental slow
down; inability to grasp the meaning of facts
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Impaired
social functioning – low frustration tolerance; impulsiveness; anxiety;
over-sensitivity; isolation; defiance; uncharacteristic passive behavior
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Unexplained
bruises and accidents
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Loss of
motor coordination
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Chronic
fatigue
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Weight loss
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Absenteeism
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Marijuana
A crude drug made from the plant
cannabis sativa. Although many
believe it is not addictive, research indicates it is.
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Rapid loud
talking
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Forgetfulness
in conversation
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Appears
intoxicated with no smell of alcohol
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Appears
sleepy or stuporous in later stages
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Inflammation
in whites of eyes; pupils unlikely to be dilated
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Increase in
appetite, especially after use
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Excessive
laughter or inappropriate happiness
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Distorted
sense of time passage with tendency to over-estimate time intervals
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Use of eye
drops to hide red eyes
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Presence of
roach clips
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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
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Runny nose;
reddened and sore nose, cold or chronic sinus/nasal
problems, nosebleeds
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White powder
in container and/or around nose
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Possession
of paraphernalia including small spoon, razor blades, mirror, straw
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Free basing
instruments such as ether, small torch, mixing plates or containers
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Unexplained
bursts of energy
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Restlessness or nervousness
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Irritability
and anxiety
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Repetitive
and non-purposeful behaviors
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Long periods
without eating or sleeping
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Dilated
pupils
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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.
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Unusual
energy, accelerated movements and activities
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Lack of
sleep, insomnia
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Dryness of
mucous membranes
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Possible
loss of appetite
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Dilated
pupils
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Irritability,
anxiety, aggressiveness, panic and nervousness
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Excessive
sweating and shakiness
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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.
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Pinpoint
pupils that fail to respond to light
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Drowsiness
and lethargy
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Apathy and
decreased physical activity
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Respiratory
depression
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Scars on
inner arms if using needle for injections
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Nausea and
vomiting
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Possession
of paraphernalia including syringes, rubber tubing, cotton and needles
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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.
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Hallucinations
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Irrational
speech or unpredictable behavior; mood may swing from passiveness to
violence for no apparent reason
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Symptoms of
intoxication
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Disorientation;
agitation and violence if exposed to excessive sensory stimulation
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Fear and
terror
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Rigid
muscles, strange gait
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Deadened
sensory perception
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Mask-like
facial appearance
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