Signs and symptoms

Listed below are some general signs that could be linked to drug use. However the signs could also be caused by many other reasons e.g. puberty, adolescence, social and physical changes etc.

• Secrecy about activities.
• Staying out later than usual.
• Change of peer group.
• Lack of interest in hobbies.
• Memory loss.
• Mood swings – quite suddenly, may display fits of temper.
• Short attention span.
• Neglect personal appearance/hygiene.
• Wearing sunglasses to conceal the effects of drugs.
• Using scented aerosols to mask the smell of drugs.
• Always short of money.
• Stealing.
• Savvy with drug terminology.
• Isolation from family and friends.
• Poor school work and truancy.
• Losing appetite and rapid weight loss.
• Becoming withdrawn.

Some people may display the following symptoms however this may not apply to everyone.

• Hyperactivity.
• Overconfidence.
• Spasms.
• Insomnia.
• Overtalkative.
• Grinding of teeth.
• Dilated pupils.
• Sweating.
• Thirsty.
• No appetite.
• Fixed gaze.

Comedown signs can include:

May experience signs of depression, fear, listlessness, apathy, muscle aches, cramps and mood swings.

• Slurred speech.
• Gentle, monotone voice.
• Loss of concentration.
• Serene.
• Agoraphobia – not wanting to leave the house.
• Reclusive – avoiding other people.
• Aggressive behaviour (when used with alcohol).
• Passive behaviour (when used with opiates such as morphine or heroin)

Comedown: (after long time use):

May become more reclusive and increased fear of people, may experience unusual behaviours e.g twitching of the eyes, tensing of the neck muscles etc.

Similar to amphetamines (above) but other signs include: 

• Runny, itchy nose – due to snorting.
• Accelerated heartbeat.

Comedown signs can include:

The rush of cocaine only lasts 2-3 minutes and the effects wear off in 12 - 13 minutes. The comedown effects are similar to amphetamines but are far more intense.

Some people may display the following symptoms however this may not apply to everyone.

• Hyperactivity.
• Overconfidence.
• Spasms.
• Insomnia.
• Overtalkative.
• Grinding of teeth.
• Dilated pupils.
• Sweating.
• Thirsty.
• No appetite.
• Fixed gaze.
• Foaming at the mouth.

Comedown signs can include:

May experience signs of depression, fear, listlessness, apathy, muscle aches, cramps and mood swings.

Some people may display the following symptoms however this may not apply to everyone.

• Bloodshot eyes.
• Giggles.
• Loss of concentration.
• Withdrawn.
• Irrational thinking patterns.
• Loss of short term memory.
• Burn marks on clothing.
• Sudden sporadic need to consume food (munchies).
• Change in sleeping patterns.

Comedown signs can include:

May experience anxiety, restlessness etc.

Some people may display the following symptoms however this may not apply to everyone:

• Constricted size of pupils.
• Glazed eyes.
• Lethargic.
• Unable to finish sentences.
• Slurred speech.
• Shallow breathing.
• Itchiness.
• Excessive tobacco smoking.
• Slackening of facial muscles.
• Small blood stains on clothing.
• 'Track marks’ – marks left by needles, especially on hands, arms and legs.
• The wearing of long sleeves in warm weather to hide track marks.

Comedown signs can include:

• May experience runny nose and watery eyes, excessive yawning and dilated pupils.
• Agitation, Insomnia, lethargy, irritability and depressive mood.
• Cold sweats or hot flushes.
• Disparate eating habits.
• Severe diarrhoea after periods of constipation.
• Nausea.
• Severe cramps in stomach and back of legs.
• Spasms in arms and legs.