AUTHOR: Eric DATE: 5/31/2007 07:24:00 AM ----- BODY:
Have you ever been concerned that someone you love might be taking drugs but have no way to verify it? Many of the effects of drugs are felt only to the user, but there are signs and symptoms noticeable to an outsider and they may be an indication that your loved one is using drugs and might need drug rehab. Here’s a list of what to look for, and what drug to suspect. Poor memory: Although all drugs can impair memory, it is most common with marijuana, tranquilizers, designer drugs and ketamine – one of the ‘club drugs’. Coordination problems: Also common with marijuana, tranquilizers and ketamine. Changes in appetite: Stimulants and PCP tend to depress the appetite, while marijuana does the opposite. Difficulty concentrating or confusion: These are also common with marijuana and tranquilizers, but opioids should also be suspected, especially if the person seems sedated and is having digestive troubles. Opioids are among the most addictive and dangerous of drugs. If you suspect opioid use, get the person into drug rehab fast. Certain drugs manifest in ways that are somewhat unique to that drug: marijuana produces red eyes, for example, and someone using tranquilizers often seems drowsy and has slurred speech. LSD can cause tremors, someone on stimulants tends to speak much faster than normal, and stimulants also cause insomnia and weight loss. PCP can create a noticeable sense of panic, which sometimes turns to aggressive or violent behavior. Ketamine causes stomach problems such as nausea and vomiting. If you notice any of the above symptoms in someone you care about, don’t ignore them – even if you only notice them occasionally. Occasional use can easily turn into a serious drug abuse problem, dependency, and addiction. The fact is this – if a person is taking drugs, there’s a reason for it. Unless that reason is found and addressed, there’s a good chance that the situation will get worse. Get them into a successful drug rehab program fast and you could avert disaster.

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