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Indicators of drug use
Early detection of a drug problem will assist in the organisation
of appropriate treatment. Other problems associated with drug
use, such as those concerning health, housing or financial needs,
may be impossible to effectively manage before the drug problem
is addressed. Intervention with a drug dependent person is often
resisted and is often unsuccessful. However, if the carer's expectations
are realistic, then appropriate support will be beneficial.
Although the following signs may indicate significant levels of
drug use, they are not absolutely indicative signs. For
example, signs of neglect and degenerative behaviour are seen
with severe mental illness or acquired brain damage. Indications
include the following:
- Neglect of significant personal concerns such as health,
hygiene, personal appearance, housing needs or nutritional needs.
Weight loss, poor appetite or obvious dental decay may be seen.
Neglect is the result of both drug seeking behaviour and
mental deterioration.
- Inexplicable sudden changes in personality, for example
the sudden onset of aggression and/or paranoia, may be due to
amphetamine or alcohol abuse in particular.
- Acute changes in mental functioning, such as the onset of
drowsiness, confusion or disorientation.
- Acute mood changes, including euphoria, depression
or irritability.
- Recurring signs of drug withdrawal such as irritability,
confusion, restlessness, tremor, sweating, cramps, and the complaint
of 'aching bones'.
- Homelessness and itinerancy (frequent moving from place to
place).
- Significant and repeated inconsistencies in statements to
persons such as health care workers, and general lack of cooperation.
- The need to regularly take large amounts of either benzodiazepine
medication (see the section on 'the Pams' on page 123) or other
sedating medication.
- Attempts to manipulate health care workers with such
talk as: 'You know I need X and if I don't get X, I won't be able
to control myself! I'm going to kill someone unless...etc. etc.'
- 'Track marks', usually seen as longitudinal scars on
the inside of the elbow areas, due to chronic intravenous
drug use.
- Continued inability to provide identification.
- The complaint of insomnia, without obvious reason.
Remember that marijuana abuse may be a possible cause of insomnia.
- 'Doctor shopping', or the indiscriminate consultation
of numerous doctors to obtain medication.
- Accusations of theft by co-residents or confirmed involvement
in crime to support a 'habit'.
- Denial of the problem may occur and should not be accepted
if signs of drug use are present.
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