The use of illegal drugs for many people can start off as a curiosity, a false ideology of fun, having a good time, peer pressure among friends, the need to cover-up other problems within their life and/or a method of escape from reality. While not all people try or use drugs, many end up as recreational users or addicts. This may have a significant impact on family life and society as a whole.
Drug use is a problem in T&T and being able (a) to identify a person who may be using illegal substances, (b) why they resorted to drug use, and (c) understanding the type of drugs being used and what can cause or increase addictive habits of drug use, are all-important steps to bringing awareness to the problem.
In many instances, parents or loved ones are unaware of drug use, don't know how to deal with the issue or simply do not want to get involved.While this article is not intended to address issues of morality and parenting but to highlight the symptoms and indicators that someone you care about is using drugs, it also helps to identify the type of drug being used and the likelihood of that individual becoming addicted, based on common symptoms that are exhibited, and to allow for that person to get help with their addiction.Vulnerability to becoming addicted to drugs can depend on a number of different factors such as mental health, family life, abuse, neglect, traumatic experiences, social environment and self-confidence.
In addition to these factors, an increased risk of addictive behaviour may be a result of the method of drug administration, via inhalation, intravenous or orally.Illegal drugs generally fall into these main categories: hallucinogens, depressants, stimulants, steroids and synthetic hybrids. Each of these classifications has unique characteristics based on their physical and psychological effects.In addition to classifications, the US Controlled Substances Act breaks down drugs into five main schedules. These schedules are based on the drug's potential for abuse, physical and psychological dependence and medical value. So why is all this important? Simply because these illegal substances fall into different classifications based on their chemical properties and have vastly different effects both on the physical and psychological impairment of a human being.
The extent of the effect of an individual's drug use can vary greatly between users, but there are certain general symptoms based on these classifications. For example, cocaine, a stimulant, is different from marijuana, a hallucinogen that does not always act as such. Each of these has different effects and would require different types of treatment for corrective action.
There are a number of different symptoms that can indicate if your child or significant other is using drugs and which classification these drugs fall into. Here are a few common symptoms to look out for, as stated by the National Institute of Drug Abuse (USA).
�2 Marijuana–euphoria, relaxation, slowed reaction time, distorted sensory perception, impaired balance and co-ordination, increased heart rate and appetite, impaired learning, memory; anxiety, panic attacks, psychosis. Some common associated health risks include coughing, frequent respiratory infections, possible mental health decline and addiction.
�2 Stimulants (cocaine, amphetamines)–increased heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, metabolism; feelings of exhilaration, increased energy, mental alertness, tremors, reduced appetite, irritability, anxiety, panic, paranoia, violent behaviour, psychosis. Some common associated health risks include weight loss, insomnia, cardiac or cardiovascular complications, stroke, seizures and addiction.
�2 Opiates (heroin)–euphoria, drowsiness, impaired co-ordination, dizziness, confusion, nausea, sedation, feeling of heaviness in the body, slowed or arrested breathing. Some common associated health risks include constipation, endocarditis, hepatitis, HIV, addiction and fatal overdose.
�2 Club drugs (MDMA and Flunitrazepam, GHB)–mild hallucinogenic effects, increased tactile sensitivity, empathic feelings, lowered inhibition, anxiety, chills, sweating, teeth-clenching, muscle cramping. Flunitrazepam has additional symptoms such as sedation, muscle relaxation, confusion, memory loss, dizziness, impaired co-ordination while GHB-intoxicated people may exhibit drowsiness, nausea, headache, disorientation, loss of co-ordination, memory loss. Some common associated health risks include sleep disturbances, depression, impaired memory, hyperthermia, unconsciousness, seizures, coma and addiction.
While these symptoms can vary between individuals, it is important to keep a watchful eye and seek help where necessary to protect your friends, family and loved ones from being addicted to illegal drugs.There are several companies that provide chemical testing for these substances and various different agencies that provide support for drug-abuse patients.Helping address the issue of illegal drug use starts with you, at home, with your families, with your friends, and with people you know. Everyone has a role to play and the more we understand why people use drugs and their symptoms, the better we'll be prepared to deal with it.
The Caribbean Institute for Security and Public Safety provides training and development to organisations and individuals in many facets of security, law enforcement and public safety. Contact us at 223-6999 or info@caribbeansecurityinstitute.com