| Here are some signs and symptoms to look out for if | | | | Always remember that any one of the above signs |
| you are concerned about the possibility of a loved one | | | | may not be enough to indicate substance abuse but |
| being involved with substance abuse of any kind. | | | | should be enough to suggest that there may be a |
| Different drugs produce different effects resulting in | | | | problem. |
| slight variations in outward indications. Some signs and | | | | There are several other signs and symptoms that |
| symptoms are specific to opiates and narcotics and | | | | relate more specifically to the mental and physiological |
| distinct from those experienced with Central Nervous | | | | effects of substance abuse. |
| Stimulants like Cocaine or depressants like alcohol. | | | | An obvious sign of opiate and narcotic abuse is the |
| The National Library of Medicine documents these | | | | tracks of needle marks normally found on the upper |
| telltale signs in drug-taking children that should alert | | | | arms of users. These needle marks often turn into skin |
| parents: | | | | abscesses that may leave visible scars. People who |
| * Change in friends. | | | | use this type of drug often cover up their arms even |
| * Hanging out with a new group. | | | | when the weather suggests more appropriate wear. |
| * Seclusive behavior - long periods spent in self | | | | Opiate and narcotic abusers will experience an |
| imposed isolation. | | | | accelerated heart rate, constricted pinpoint pupils and a |
| * Long, unexplained absences. | | | | relaxed or euphoric state that may lead to a |
| * Lying and stealing. | | | | dangerous level of respiratory depression resulting in |
| * Involvement on the wrong side of the law. | | | | coma or death. |
| * Deteriorating family relationships. | | | | Other signs and symptoms of drug abuse are dilated |
| * Obvious intoxication, delirious, incoherent or | | | | pupils, restlessness, hyperactivity, euphoria, slurred |
| unconscious. | | | | speech, disabled co-ordination, decreased attention |
| * Changes in behavior and attitude. | | | | span and impaired judgment. |
| * Decrease in school performance. | | | | |