Drug Addiction: Signs and Symptoms
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The range of drugs to which you can become addicted is wide. The drugs include:
Cannabis compounds. These compounds are found in marijuana and hashish.
Central nervous system depressants. Barbiturates and benzodiazepines are examples of central nervous
system depressants. Phenobarbital, amobarbital (Amytal) and secobarbital (Seconal) are examples of
barbiturates. Benzodiazepines include tranquilizers such as diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax),
oxazepam (Serax), lorazepam (Ativan), clonazepam (Klonopin) and chlordiazepoxide (Librium).
Central nervous system stimulants. This class of drugs includes amphetamines, methamphetamine,
cocaine and methylphenidate (Ritalin).
Designer drugs. Synthetic compounds, such as Ecstasy, which has both amphetamine-like and
hallucinogenic effects, are included in this category.
Hallucinogens. LSD, phencyclidine (PCP) and ketamine (special K) are examples of hallucinogens.
Inhalants. Glue, paint, solvents and nitrous oxide can all be used as inhalant drugs.
Opioids. Opioids are narcotic, painkilling drugs produced naturally from opium or made synthetically. This
class of drugs includes heroin, morphine, codeine, methadone and oxycodone (Oxycontin).
General signs and symptoms
Addiction to any drug may include these general characteristics:
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
Failing repeatedly 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
A sense of relaxation and happiness
A heightened sense of visual, auditory and taste perception
Poor memory
Increased blood pressure and heart rate
Red eyes
Decreased coordination
Difficulty concentrating
Increased appetite
Slowed reaction time
Paranoid thinking
Central nervous system depressants: Signs and symptoms
Drowsiness
Slurred speech
Lack of coordination
Memory impairment
Confusion
Slowed breathing and decreased blood pressure
Dizziness
Depression
Central nervous system stimulants: Signs and symptoms
Euphoria
Decreased appetite
Rapid speech
Irritability
Restlessness
Depression as the drug wears off
Nasal congestion and damage to the mucous membrane of the nose in users who snort drugs
Insomnia
Weight loss
Increased heart rate, blood pressure and temperature
Paranoia
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. Ecstasy produces a mild hallucinogenic effect and a feeling of euphoria.
It also causes an increased heart rate, overheating, high blood pressure, kidney and liver toxicity, and
memory problems.
