There are signs that are exhibited by persons indulging in drug abuse which would appear to be cross cutting amongst various drugs. However, there are certain specific warning signs that are portrayed by different drugs to the users. This is because these drugs have different components which produce different sensations to the individuals. Thus, individuals would display different warning signs of drug abuse depending on the type of drug that they are consuming. Some of these specific signs of drug abuse have been identified for different drugs that are taken by individuals. To begin with, some of the warning signs of persons consuming marijuana would include; red eyes, fatigue, improper laughter that would be followed by sleepiness, weight loss or gain and loss of interest. Secondly, individuals who are intoxicated with alcohol would reveal warning signs which include; difficulty in locomotion, poor judgment, clumsiness, inaudible speech and sleepiness.
Thirdly, persons abusing cocaine and other stimulants also portray specific warning signs which are specific to these drugs. These signs include; anxiety, euphoria, dry mouth and nose, hyperactivity, unnecessary talking coupled by depression or sleepiness, long periods without sleep and irritability. Lastly, the specific signs that are present in individuals who abuse heroin include; needle marks, coughing and whimpering, loss of appetite, twitching and pupils that are irresponsive to light. As a result, different people would demonstrate these warning signs based on the type of drug that they are abusing at that moment. Drug addiction occurs after a continued intake of a given drugs up to levels where the users cannot live without consuming the drug to satisfy their needs. However, the symptoms of addiction amongst the users of drugs depend on the type of drugs that a person consumes. Hence, we have different symptoms for every type of drug that is consumed by individuals.
This is caused by the reason that the drugs have different compounds in their composition which might be manifested distinctively in the bodies of the users. To begin with, persons addicted to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) that is found in marijuana would use the drug in their daily lives. Some of the symptoms of dependence on marijuana include; poor memory, amplified blood pressure and heart rate, paranoid thinking, increased appetite and difficulties in concentrating. Consequently, the symptoms of individuals addicted to cocaine and other stimulants would include; restlessness, weight loss, depression, rapid speech and insomnia. However, to be able to recognize these warning signs and symptoms, parents or guardians of the users would need to apply various guidelines. To begin with, students abusing drugs would develop problems at school such as repeated missing of classes which would subsequently lead to lack of interest in school.
It is also important to note that users of drugs would have physical health issues such as fatigue. Another guideline that would improve recognition of the signs is the development of a neglected appearance amongst drug abusers. As a result, the drug users lack interest about their appearance which would be caused by their poor grooming or clothing. Lastly, parents and guardians would also be keen to look at the changes in behavior of the suspected drug users. It is believed that drug abusers tend to enjoy privacy and would even prevent family members from distracting their privacy. Changes in behavior would also be displayed by the alteration in spending habits amongst the drug users. A parent who has suspected drug use or addiction would be advised to undertake the following important guidelines.
To begin with, it is proper that this information remains confidential.
The parent would also be advised to refer the drug user to a guidance counselor. The counselor would then work together with the victim through a course of guidance and rehabilitation to save the drug user from addiction. Thus, the method applied to get rid of drug use is counseling the drug users to change their mindset on the drugs. However, in extreme cases drug users can be referred to a detoxification program handled by qualified personnel to deal with addiction. Consequently, external treatment can also be sought to help bring the drug user’s condition to normal. This treatment is administered if the users cannot stop consuming the drug and also if drug use would have exposed the user to unsafe behaviors such as needle sharing or sex without protection. Lastly, external treatment can also be required if individuals experience withdrawal symptoms that would need a doctor’s help.
References
Hollander, B. (2012). Addiction. New York: Rosen Pub.
Langwith, J. (2007). Drug Abuse. Detroit: Greenhaven Press.
Lawford, C. K. (2005). Symptoms of withdrawal: A memoir of snapshots and redemption. New York: William Morrow.
