Warning Signs of Addiction

Drug Information:

• Alcohol: Beer, Wine, or Liquors:
  • Physical Symptoms: Intoxication, blurring of speech, lowered inhibitions, lowered coordination/reflexes.
  • Warning Signs: Hangover, smell of alcohol on clothes or breath, intoxicated behavior.
  • Dangers: Addiction, heart or liver damage, accidents caused by impaired judgment and/or ability, overdose when used with other depressants.

• Cocaine: Coke, Crack, Rock, Base:
  • Physical Symptoms: Elevated blood pressure and heart rate, restlessness, feelings of euphoria or excitement, usually followed by depression.
  • Warning Signs: Finding glass vials, glass pipes, white, crystalline powder, razor blades, syringes, needle or track marks.
  • Dangers: Addiction, seizures, lung damage, heart attack, paranoia, severe depression.

• Marijuana: Pot, Dope, Weed, Grass, Hash, Mary Jane.
  • Physical Symptoms: Excessive laughing, hunger, lowered coordination or concentration, dry mouth, red eyes, euphoria, altered perceptions.
  • Warning Signs: Finding rolling papers, pipes, roach clips or dried plant materials resembling herbs. The smell of burnt hemp rope.
  • Dangers: Lack of motivation, slowed thinking and reaction time, impaired short-term memory/learning, anxiety, addiction.

• Hallucinogens: Acid, LSD, PCP, MDMA, Ecstasy, E, Ketamine, Psilocybin Mushrooms, Peyote.
  • Physical Symptoms: Anxiety, panic, focus on detail, altered mood and perception, nausea, synestheia - smelling colors, seeing sounds.
  • Warning Signs: Finding capsules, tablets, "microdots" or blotter squares. Dangers: Emotional instability, unpredictable or violent (with PCP) behavior.

• Inhalants: Gas, Aerosols, Glue, Nitrites, Rush, Correction Fluid, Paint.
  • Physical Symptoms: Lack of coordination and control, headaches, dizziness, nausea.
  • Warning Signs: drowsiness, flushed skin, poor muscle control, intoxication, odor of substance on breath or clothes.
  • Dangers: sudden death, suffocation, nausea and vomiting, unconsciousness, damage to the brain and central nervousness system.

• Narcotics: Heroine, Junk, Dope, Black Tar, OxyContin, Demerol, Morphine, Codeine.
  • Physical Symptoms: insensitivity to pain, watery eyes, euphoria, drowsiness, vomiting and nausea, runny nose.
  • Warning Signs: Needle marks on the arms (track marks), pipes, spoons, syringes, needles, cold moist skin, pinpoint pupils.
  • Dangers: Addiction, weight loss, accidental overdose, hepatitis or AIDS from unclean needles, lethargy.

• Stimulants: Speed, Uppers, Crack, Ice, Ritalin, Crystal, Meth, Amphetamines, Caffeine, Nicotine, Cocaine.
  • Physical Symptoms: Loss of appetites, talkativeness, alertness, mood elevation, wakefulness, increased blood pressure.
  • Warning Signs: Loss of sleep/appetite, weight loss, hyperactivity, irritability, anxiety. Finding pills or capsules.

• Depressants: Sedatives, Alcohol, Valium, Quaaludes, Tranquilizers, Downers.
  • Physical Symptoms: Uncoordinated movements, intoxication, drowsiness, depressed breathing and heartbeat.
  • Warning Signs: Slurring of speech, confused behavior, sleeping for longer periods of time. Finding capsules or pills.

Talking to Your Kids:

• Be educated. With more information it will be easier to discuss.
• Stay relaxed and calm. Have a conversation, not a lecture.
• Listen to your kids are they will be more willing to listen to you.
• Ask questions, and be sure you're on the same page.
• Don't lecture, give reasons and explain your thoughts.
• Let the media help you. If you catch a TV show or movie on the topic use it to start a dialog with your kids.
• Come up with ways for your kids to resist to peer pressure as it is very powerful.
• Stay calm if your child comes to you with a drug/alcohol related problem.
• Make plans in advance. Assure your child you'll pick them up, no questions asked, if they need a ride home after a party, and adhere to your plan.
• Remember, and remind them, that it is illegal to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Drugs to Watch Out For:

• Prescription Medicine i.e.. Ritalin, OxyContin "OC", Hydrocodone.
• Inhalants, aka "huffing", "wanging" or "sniffing".
• Cough, cold, sleep, or diet pills.
• MDMA or "Ecstasy", Rohypnol or "Rophies", Ketamine, GHB, and Methamphetamine.

Ways to Get Help:

• Contact New Insights II.
• Ask your family doctor, school counselor, or minister, rabbi or priest for information or names of services.
• Use the internet to search for Alcohol and Drug Abuse/Addiction Information and Treatment.