Symptoms of DRUG WITHDRAWAL

General varcharacteristics of drug addiction: Feeling that you need the drug regularly and in some cases many times a day Making certain that you maintain a supply of the drug Failure in your attempts to stop using the drug Doing things to obtain the drug that you normally wouldn't do, such as stealing Feeling that you need the drug to deal with your problems Driving or doing other activities that place you and others at risk of physical harm when you're under the influence of the drug The particular signs and symptoms of drug use and dependence vary depending on the type of drug. Cannabis compounds signs and symptoms: Less interest in others, more focus inward on yourself Poor memory Lack of motivation Poor judgment Disorientation Agitation Paranoid thinking Central nervous system depressants signs and symptoms: Slurred speech Lack of coordination Memory impairment Confusion Unsteady gait Agitation Paranoia Inappropriate display of emotions Drowsiness or coma Central nervous system stimulants signs and symptoms: Euphoria Agitation Rapid speech Irritability Difficulty concentrating Debilitating cycle of runs (heavy use for several days a week) and crashes (letdowns when you're forced to stop using the drug, associated with intense fatigue, hunger and depression) Nasal congestion, as drugs such as cocaine wear off Designer drugs signs and symptoms Signs and symptoms of using designer drugs vary depending on the drug. You might be able to tell that a family member or a friend is using or abusing a drug based on the physical and behavioral signs and symptoms associated with the drug. If you think a family member or friend has a drug dependency, encourage that person to talk with a doctor or another health professional who is knowledgeable about addiction. Hallucinogens signs and symptoms: Use of hallucinogens produces different signs and symptoms, depending on the drug. The most common hallucinogens are LSD and PCP. Signs and symptoms of LSD use include: Hallucinations Greatly impaired interpretation of reality. You may interpret input from one of your senses as another, such as hearing colors. Panic reactions Permanent mental changes in perception Rapid heart rate High blood pressure Tremors Signs and symptoms of PCP use include: Hallucinations Euphoria Acute psychosis Agitation and irritability Erratic behavior Disorientation and incoordination Paranoia Drooling, nausea or vomiting Suicidal thoughts Placing yourself in physical danger from loss of response to pain Opioids signs and symptoms: Depression, often of an agitated type Apathy Impaired judgment Drowsiness Impaired attention or memory Fear of having to stop using the drug and of withdrawal Limited coping strategies and low frustration tolerance Need for rapid or immediate pain relief or gratification Recognizing drug abuse in teenagers Possible indications that your teenager is using drugs include: School performance. Your child suddenly shows an active dislike of school and looks for excuses to stay home. Contact your school officials to see if your child's attendance record matches what you know about his or her absent days. A student who experiences a drop in performance, possibly failing courses or receiving only minimally passing grades, may be using drugs. Physical health. Listlessness and apathy may indicate your child is using certain drugs. Appearance. How they look is extremely important to adolescents. A sudden lack of interest in clothing, grooming or looks may be a warning sign of drug use. Personal behavior. Teenagers enjoy privacy, but exaggerated efforts to bar you from entering their room or knowing where they go with their friends might indicate drug use. Money. Sudden requests for money without a reasonable explanation for its use may be a sign of drug use. You also may discover money stolen from previously safe places at home. Items may disappear from your home because they're being sold to support a drug habit.