Drug abuse and addiction - How do you know?

Common signs and symptoms of drug abuse

Youre not doing what is expected of you Youre using drugs when its not safe and doing dangerous activities when high Youre getting into trouble by the police You are tolerant to the drug You take drugs to get rid of withdrawal symptoms You cant control how often you take drugs Your life revolves around drug use. You dont do what you liked to do before You use drugs even when you know its hurting you

Common signs and symptoms of drug addiction

Making informed decisions

When you are making your decision, consider the following points:
Do you know what you are really taking? What do you know about the person who's selling you the drug? Are you taking anything else along with the drug? Will those other substances react with the drug? How likely is it that you will have a positive experience? How do you know that the next experience is also going to be a positive one? Do you know that you will be able to control your drug usage and that it will be safe? Can you really afford it? Do you know the safest method of use? Are you in the right environment is there someone to help if something goes wrong? Do you know what the risks are, and what to do if something goes wrong? Your relationships Safety Education Financial pressures Dependence Violence Stress Psychosis Depression Damage to internal organs

Consider the long-term effects

Warning signs that a friend or family member is abusing drugs

Physical warning signs of drug abuse
Bloodshot eyes, pupils larger or smaller than usual. Changes in appetite or sleep patterns. (sudden weight loss/weight gain) Shagged up or messy physical appearance Weird smells on breath, body, or clothing. Shaking, no hand-eye coordination or being unable to speak properly Not attending school and not doing as well as you should be Need for money (may include stealing/borrowing) Engaging in secretive or suspicious behaviours. Sudden change in friends, favourite hangouts, and hobbies. Getting into trouble often

Behavioural signs of drug abuse

Psychological warning signs of drug abuse

Change in personality, mood, personal schedules, etc. Periods of unusual hyperactivity, agitation, or giddiness. No motivation; tired and run down all the time Appears fearful, anxious, or paranoid, with no reason.

Ideas for supporting friends/family who you think are on drugs

Listen to them Don't judge the person or tell them what to do Make sure that they are not being too hard on themselves Be trustworthy and supportive Let the person know that you care about them Make sure they have a safe space to hang out Encourage them to get help Find things to distract them Remind the person of all the good things in their life If you believe someone you know is in serious danger because of drugs, let someone know, such as a parent or a trusted teacher.

Warning Signs of Commonly Abused Drugs

Depressants (including Xanax, Valium, GHB):
Contracted pupils; drunk-like; difficulty concentrating; clumsiness; poor judgment; slurred speech; sleepiness. Dilated pupils; hyperactivity; euphoria; irritability; anxiety; excessive talking followed by depression or excessive sleeping at odd times; may go long periods of time without eating or sleeping; weight loss; dry mouth and nose. Dilated pupils; bizarre and irrational behaviour including paranoia, aggression, hallucinations; mood swings; detachment from people; absorption with self or other objects, slurred speech; confusion. Contracted pupils; no response of pupils to light; needle marks; sleeping at unusual times; sweating; vomiting; coughing, sniffling; twitching; loss of appetite.

Stimulants (including amphetamines, cocaine, crystal meth):

Hallucinogens (LSD, PCP):

Heroin:

Contact:

Lifeline (13 11 14) Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800) Counselling Online (1800 88 8236)