5 Signs Your Loved One is Using Illegal Drugs

Drug use is a growing problem in the United States. According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics (NCDAS), about 50% of Americans aged 12 and older have used illegal drugs at least once. With this shocking trend, it's no wonder many people are worried about their loved ones using illegal drugs.

If you're concerned that your loved one may be using drugs, it's important to identify the instance of abuse early, so you can intervene before it turns into a full-blown addiction. The longer your loved one abuses drugs, the harder it will be for them to quit without experiencing cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Long-term drug or alcohol abuse can also lead to serious health problems, like liver damage, heart disease, and brain damage.

How to tell if someone is on drugs

It can be difficult to tell if your loved one is using illegal drugs. However, some warning signs may indicate drug use. If you notice any of the following signs, it's important to talk to your loved one and get them help:

A shift in mood and personality

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One of the most common signs is a dramatic change in mood or personality. This can manifest itself in various ways, from sudden outbursts of anger to withdrawing from social activities. For example, a person who is usually cheerful may become withdrawn and sullen. Or a person who is typically outgoing may become more introverted and subdued.

These changes in behavior may be accompanied by other signs, such as changes in sleep patterns, appetite, or energy level. Drug use can also cause a person to become more impulsive, irritable, or paranoid. If you notice any sudden or dramatic mood swings or changes in personality, it could be a sign that the person is using drugs, and you should take action accordingly.

Behavioral changes

Another common sign of drug use is a change in behavioral health. This can include neglecting responsibilities, engaging in risky behaviors, or exhibiting criminal behavior. For example, a person who suddenly starts skipping work or school, getting into fights, or breaking the law may be using drugs. They may also isolate themselves from friends and family, become withdrawn and outspoken, avoid eye contact, lock doors, borrow money, disappear for extended periods and chew gum to cover up.

Changes in hygiene and appearance

A change in physical appearance can also be a sign of drug use. The reason is that people abusing drugs don't care about their appearance much more than finding the next shot of drugs. They also may be unable to eat or sleep, leading to weight loss.

Besides, drug admission modes like injection can cause visible track marks and infections that can change a person's appearance. As a result, a person may look unkempt, have bloodshot eyes or red eyes, and dilated pupils. They may also look thin and tired; their skin can be pale or odd in color.

Changes in physical health

If someone is using drugs, it can sometimes cause them to have physical health problems. This might include weight loss, frequent sickness, mouth sores, runny nose, etc. That's because drug use can lead to a weakened immune system, making it harder for the body to fight infection.

Drug use can also lead to accidents or injuries that result in bruises and skin abrasions. But the most obvious physical sign of drug use is slurred speech, like when a person's words are jumbled or they have difficulty speaking. This happens because drugs can slow down the body's central nervous system.

Recognize paraphernalia

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Last but not least, if you see any drug paraphernalia, it's a sure sign that the person is using drugs. This includes pipes, syringes, rolling papers, lighters, and roach clips. Drug paraphernalia is often used to store, prepare, and consume drugs.

So, if you see any of these items lying around it's a good indicator that the person is using drugs. You can find paraphernalia in your loved one's room, car, or even on their body.

Tips when looking for signs of drug use

People who abuse drugs won't make it obvious that they're doing so. In fact, they will often try to hide their drug use from others. So it's important to be vigilant and look for the subtle signs of drug use. Here are some tips:

Talk face-to-face with a loved one

When your loved one comes home, take some time to talk with them face-to-face. This will give you a better opportunity to look for any signs of drug use, such as changes in appearance or dilated pupils. You might also catch some smell of drugs like marijuana, alcohol, or tobacco.

Observe their behavior

Are they more withdrawn than usual? Do they seem more tired or have less energy? Have they been skipping work or school? Are they engaging in risky behaviors? Do they have any mental health disorders? These are all potential signs of drug use.

Listen to what they say

Do they avoid eye contact when talking to you? Do they make excuses for their behavior? Do they seem paranoid or anxious? These could all be signs that they are using drugs.

Trust your gut

If something doesn't feel right, trust your gut instinct. If you think your loved one is using drugs, there's a good chance they are.

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Search their spaces

If you suspect your loved one is using drugs, it's important to search their personal spaces, such as their room, car, or locker. Check the drawers, wardrobe, inside prescription drugs containers, in a plant, under the bed or sofa, between books, inside containers, candy bags, etc. Most drug users hide drugs or paraphernalia in such places.

Check their phone

Nowadays, people use their phones for everything. So it's not surprising that drug users also use their phones to keep track of their drug supply and contact dealers. If you have access to your loved one's phone, check it for any suspicious texts or calls. You can also look for apps associated with drugs, such as those used to buy or sell drugs.

Drug use can be difficult to spot, but there are some warning signs to look out for. If you think your loved one is using illegal drugs, take action and talk to them about it. If they are unwilling to get help, you can reach out to a professional addiction treatment center for help.

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The Importance of Proper Disposal of Unused Medication 

Prescription medications are a vital part of our society. They save lives, improve quality of life, and make us more productive. But like all powerful tools, they can be dangerous in the wrong hands. They can also be hazardous to the environment. That's why it's important to ensure that unused or expired prescription drugs are disposed of properly.

Storing unused or expired medication can be dangerous if you have kids, veterans, and people with underlying mental health issues at home. Kids may accidentally take them, or veterans may deliberately misuse them to self-medicate.

The Dangers of Not Disposing of Unused Medication

Every year, millions of Americans find themselves in need of medication. Medication can be an important part of maintaining our health, whether for a short-term illness or a chronic condition. However, once we no longer need a particular medication, it is important to dispose of it properly. Unused medication can seriously risk our safety, well-being, and environment.

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  1. One of the most significant dangers of unused medication is the risk of accidental poisoning. Medication cabinets often contain pills and potions, which can be easily mistaken for something else. Even a small amount of medication can have serious consequences if ingested accidentally or intentionally. By properly disposing of unused medication, we can help reduce this risk.
  2. In addition to the danger of accidental poisoning, unused medication can also be abused or diverted for illegal purposes. Drug addicts often raid medicine cabinets in search of pills to get high on. By disposing of our unused medication, we can help to prevent it from falling into the wrong hands.
  3. Finally, not disposing of unused drugs can lead to drug abuse, dependence, and overdose deaths. Every year, thousands of people die from drug overdoses, many of which involve prescription opioids like Vicodin and OxyContin. According to the CDC, about 44 people died each day from overdoses involving prescription opioids in 2020. The NIH also points out that prescription opioids are a gateway drug, with many users turning to illicit opioids like heroin. 

How to Dispose of Unused Medication

Disposing of unused or expired medication can be tricky. You want to ensure that the medication is properly disposed of so that it doesn't end up in the wrong person's hands or the environment. Here are some proper ways to safely dispose of unused medications:

Use the Drug Take-Back Programs

One option for disposing of unused medication is to take advantage of the national prescription drug take-back day or programs. These programs are typically run by state and local law enforcement agencies, hospitals, DEA, or pharmacies and provide a safe and convenient way to dispose of unwanted medication.

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Before you hand over your medication, check with the take-back program to find out the types of drugs they accept and their specific policies. Walgreens, for example, accepts prescription medications, ointments & patches, pet medications, vitamins, OTC medications, ointments, lotions & liquids, inhalers, and aerosol cans. However, they don't accept illegal drugs, hydrogen peroxide Needles & thermometers.

Dispose of the Medications at Home

If the drug take back is not an option, you can dispose of the drugs at home using one of the following ways. Always check your local community information services to see if they allow for medicines dropped off at local collection sites. Note that the mode of drug disposal varies depending on the type of drugs.

Flush the Medication Down the Toilet

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends flushing certain medicines down the sink or toilet when they are no longer needed and cannot be disposed of through other means. Flushing is the best way to dispose of medication that is a controlled substance or has the potential to be harmful if taken by someone other than the person for whom it was prescribed. According to the FDA, drugs on the flush list are those: 

If you have veterans, children, or people with mental health in your home that can intentionally or accidentally touch, ingest, abuse, or misuse a medicine on the flush list, they can suffer serious consequences, including death. Some examples of these drugs include those that contain the following words on them: 

You can find this information on the label or leaflet that came with your medicine. If unsure, contact your pharmacist or doctor for advice on how to dispose of your particular medication.

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Dispose of the Medicines in Household Trash

Another option for disposing of medication is to mix it with an undesirable substance, such as used coffee grounds or kitty litter, and place it in a container with a lid. The container should then be placed in the trash. Before throwing it away, remove all personal information from the prescription label. This will help to protect your identity and keep your confidential medical information private.

Always check your local community information services to see if they allow for medicines dropped off at local collection sites.

Flushing Drugs and the Water Supply

Some people are concerned about flushing drugs down the toilet because they worry that the drugs will end up in the drinking water supply. However, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), there is no evidence that pharmaceuticals in the environment harm humans or wildlife. In fact, the EPA states that the concentrations of pharmaceuticals in the environment are so low that they pose no known risk to human health or the environment.

Never Share Your Drugs

Never share prescription drugs with anyone else, even if they seem to need them. Sharing drugs is not only illegal, but it can also be dangerous. The person taking the drug may have an allergy to it, or they may not be able to metabolize the drug properly, which could lead to serious health consequences.

Don’t leave unused or expired medication in your home, even if it is in a child-resistant container. Unused or expired medication can be dangerous if it falls into the wrong hands, and it can also be tempting for someone to take if they are struggling with addiction. If you have unused or expired medication, take it to a drug take-back location or dispose of it at home according to the FDA's guidelines.

What Drugs Are Tranquilizers? How Are They Abused?

If you don’t mind the risk of having a panic attack, the new Netflix show "Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story" is a chilling account of the Milwaukee cannibal's crimes. It outlines his horrific behavior while revisiting the heinous crimes. Dahmer would lure his unsuspecting victims back to his home or hotel and drug them using tranquilizer drugs like Triazolam and temazepam. These drugs were an unusual but regular part of his killing routine. 

Dahmer would drug his victims first and kill them while they lay unconscious. He would then perform sexual acts with the corpse, eat some of their body parts and preserve others, like genitalia, head, skull, skeleton, etc. In total, Jeffrey Dahmer killed 17 victims between 1978 and 1991. A majority of them were young, gay men.

He Used Tranquilizers Like Triazolam to Drug His Victims

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In the first episode of the 10-episode Netflix series, Jeff takes Tracy Edwards home and hands him the spiked drink. He uses Halcion (Triazolam), a prescription drug that his doctor had prescribed to help with his sleeping issues, to sedate Tracy. A few moments later, Tracy gets groggy and compliant, making it easier for Dahmer to commit his gruesome crimes. But luckily, Tracy Edwards managed to escape and notify the authorities.

How do Sedatives and Tranquilizers Work?

Tranquilizers are a class of drugs that are typically used to treat a range of mental health issues like anxiety disorders, insomnia, etc. They are classified as:

Tranquilizers work by affecting the central nervous system, which helps to slow down the body's response to stress. When used properly, these drugs are generally safe and effective. However, they can cause side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination.

Tranquilizers should only be used under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. They should also never be combined with alcohol or other drugs, as this can create a dangerous reaction.

But like millions of other Americans, Dahmer misused his prescription sedatives - not on himself but on his victims. This ultimately led to the horrific murders for which he is now infamous. Larger doses of tranquilizers can lead to unconsciousness and even death.

Dahmer was later arrested and convicted of the 16 murders he committed. He was sentenced to 16 terms of life imprisonment but died on Nov 28, 1994, after being beaten to death by a fellow inmate at the Columbia Correctional Institution in Portage, Wisconsin.

Prescription Sedatives and Tranquilizers

In addition to Triazolam, other types of sedatives and tranquilizers used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders include:

Benzodiazepines are the most commonly prescribed type of tranquilizer. They work by binding to GABA receptors in the brain, which helps to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. Examples of benzodiazepines include:

Barbiturates are sleep-inducing sedative drugs made from barbituric acid. They include drugs like:

Hypnotic drugs or sleeping pills are often prescribed to patients with sleep issues. They work differently on the brain compared to other drugs listed above. Examples of hypnotic drugs include:

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Side Effects of Tranquilizers

The side effects of tranquilizers can include:

Tranquilizer Abuse

According to SAMHSA, about 6.1 million people misused prescription tranquilizers in the past year, constituting 2.3% of the population aged 12+.

People abuse tranquilizers for a variety of reasons. For some, the sedative effects of the medication can provide a sense of relaxation or euphoria. Others may use tranquilizers to self-medicate underlying mental health conditions such as depression or PTSD.

Some people may also abuse tranquilizers in combination with other drugs or alcohol to magnify the effects. Xylazine is a good example of how people abuse tranquilizers.

People are adding a drug called Xylazine to street drugs, making them more deadly.

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Another recent news story has highlighted the dangers of mixing Xylazine with street drugs. According to reports, the tranquilizer drug is increasingly added to street drugs like cocaine and meth, making them more deadly.

Xylazine, or "Tranq" is a veterinary anesthetic that is also used as a sedative in humans. Like other tranquilizers, it slows down the central nervous system, causing drowsiness, dizziness, and loss of coordination. When combined with street drugs, the effects of Xylazine can be even more dangerous. The drug can cause respiratory depression, seizures, and even death.

The spike in Xylazine use was first reported in some parts of Puerto Rico, followed by Philadelphia, where it was found in 91% of opioid samples in 2021. Massachusetts Drug Supply Data Stream (MADDS) found the drug in 28% of tested drug samples. But some areas of Massachusetts had Xylazine in 50%-75% of samples.

Sadly, as the rate of Xylazine surge, so does overdose rates. A 2015 study of 10 states and cities only found Xylazine in 1% of overdose deaths. However, the percentage increased to 6.7% in 2020 when the country hit a new record for overdose deaths. A year later, in 2021, the record was broken with over 107,000 deaths.

Addiction Treatment at More Than Rehab

If you are struggling with addiction to tranquilizers, it is best to seek addiction treatment. Treatment centers like More Than Rehab offer comprehensive addiction treatment programs to help you recover from addiction and live a sober life.

At More Than Rehab, we offer a variety of treatment options, including inpatient, outpatient, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient treatment (IOP) programs. This makes it easy to find something that works for you. We also have a detox program to help you safely and comfortably detox from tranquilizers. Don't wait to get help, contact us today. We are available 24/7 to take your call.

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