Drug abuse and dependence

Alternative names:

drug addiction

Symptoms:

OPIOID SYMPTOMS:

• needle marks on the skin
• scars from skin abscesses
• rapid heart rate
• constricted pupils
• coma, respiratory depression in high doses
• respiratory arrest

CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM STIMULANT SYMPTOMS

• euphoria (exaggerated feeling of well-being)
• dilated pupils
• rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
• anxiety
• restlessness
• hyperactivity
• aggressive or violent behavior
• fever
• convulsions
• hallucinations
• stroke

CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM DEPRESSANT SYMPTOMS

• slurred speech
• lack of coordination
• decreased attention span
• impaired judgment
• mood swings
• double vision
• dizziness
• aggressive or suicidal behavior

CANNABIS SYMPTOMS

• panic and paranoid reactions

HALLUCINOGEN SYMPTOMS

• anxiety
• frightening hallucinations
• depression
• schizophrenia behavior
• paranoid delusions (with PCP)

Note: Symptoms vary depending upon the abused substance.

High blood pressure may also be associated with drug abuse.

Signs and tests:

Toxicology screens (drug testing) done on blood and urine specimens can reveal the presence of many chemicals and drugs in the body. The sensitivity depends upon the substance itself, when the substance was taken, and the testing laboratory.