Now that the holidays are in full swing, people are gathering with friends, family, and coworkers who may seem a little… different.
Maybe your face is shining with sweat on a cold, wintry night. Or they can’t stop licking their lips. Maybe they are chatting non-stop or don’t talk much.
According to experts, these and other traits could simply be due to vacation stress, or they could be signs of drug use.
And drugs combined with alcohol at holiday gatherings can be particularly risky.
“With alcohol, any of the depressants, opiates, barbiturates or benzodiazepines, can be very dangerous.” Emily Skogrand, clinical pharmacist at Oregon Health and Science Universityhe told The Post.
“The risk of harm is much greater” with alcohol, Skogrand said. While teens and young adults are often profiled as drug users, older adults, who may not metabolize prescription medications well, are also at risk.
“Really anyone can take too much at any time,” Skogard said. And many prescription drugs have legitimate uses, so don’t jump to conclusions about who is using what or why, but exercise some discretion when someone shows signs of abusing them.
When socializing with someone who may have overused any substance, instead of ignoring them or your own concerns, offer to take them home or take advantage of ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft.
But if you’re worried about a friend or family member who may need help with drug use, remember that they may not realize that their drug (or alcohol) habit has become a problem.
Experts in Oregon Trail Recovery and other organizations point out that although it can be difficult to know what to do or how to cope, most people overcome their drug problems before any harm is done.
In cases where opioids like fentanyl (or prescription pain relievers like oxycodone or hydrocodone) may be involved, Skogrand suggests people take advantage of the fact that Narcan (naloxone) can help prevent an overdose.
Naloxone is now available as a nasal spray or injection without a prescription in many pharmacies in New York, New Jersey, and many other states.
“Naloxone might help if there is a mixed picture of substances and one of them happens to be an opioid,” Skogrand said.
These are some of the most commonly used drugs (both prescription, recreational and illegal) you are likely to encounter.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines, one of the most prescribed drugs, are nervous system depressants. They can be abused by people looking to relax, trying to sleep, or looking for a way to manage stress and anxiety. according to the Indiana Department of Health.
Valium (diazepam), Xanax (alprazolam), Ativan (lorazepam), Klonopin (clonazepam), and Librium (chlordiazepoxide) are frequently prescribed “benzos.”
More than 30 million American adults reported using benzodiazepines, but abuse of these drugs (especially among people ages 18 to 25) accounted for 17% of overall benzodiazepine use. according to a 2019 report.
“When someone becomes dependent on benzos, stopping abruptly can be a problem,” Skogrand said.
People who use or abuse benzodiazepines or barbiturates may show the following signs:
- Drowsiness
- slurred speech
- Lack of coordination
- Euphoria or a strong feeling of well-being.
- Lack of concentration
- Memory problems
- Involuntary eye movements
- Lack of inhibition
- Slow breathing and reduced blood pressure.
- Dizziness
- Depression
K2 and spices
K2 and Spice are synthetic cannabinoid drugs that can be sprayed on dried herbs and smoked, brewed as herbal tea, or vaporized in e-cigarettes.
Far from being “natural” substitutes for marijuana, these artificial drugs are illegal in most states and can be dangerous, since their ingredients are unknown and could contain any number of substances. according to the mayo clinic.
Signs of recent use may include:
- Elevated or euphoric mood.
- Extreme anxiety or agitation
- Paranoia or hallucinations
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure.
- Vomiting
- Confusion
- Aggressive or violent behavior.
Bath salts
Synthetic cathinones, commonly called “bath salts,” are mind-altering substances that have somewhat similar effects to amphetamines such as ecstasy (MDMA).
Bath salts, which are eaten, inhaled, inhaled, or injected and are powerfully addictive, can cause severe poisoning, which can lead to the following health effects or death:
- Greater sociability, energy and agitation.
- Increased sexual desire
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure.
- Loss of muscle control.
- Paranoia or panic attacks
- Hallucinations
- Irrational or violent behavior.
methamphetamine
Crystal methamphetamine is methamphetamine in the form of a rock-like crystal that is usually opaque white or light blue in color. It can be smoked, inhaled or injected. according to the American Addiction Centers.
Regardless of how it is used, methamphetamine produces a rapid high that can last for hours. The powerful stimulant can cause:
- Almost instant euphoria
- High energy levels and alertness.
- Motivation and focus on achieving goals.
- Confidence in intellect and problem-solving abilities.
- Loss of appetite and weight loss.
- Change in sleep patterns.
- Frequent licking of lips
- Humor changes
- Tremors or seizures
- Sensation of heat (hyperthermia)
- Elevated blood pressure and heart rate.
Ecstasy/MDMA
This synthetic drug, chemically similar to stimulants and hallucinogens, produces sensations of increased energy, pleasure, emotional warmth, and distortions in time perception.
It has become popular at raves, nightclubs and other events, where it is sometimes known as molly, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. People who use ecstasy may have:
- rapid eye movement
- high body temperature
- Profuse sweating
- Confusion, paranoia, or severe anxiety.
- trance-like state
- Clenching the jaw and grinding the teeth.
- very affectionate
Opioids
Opioids (narcotic pain relievers made from opium or produced synthetically) include heroin, morphine, codeine, methadone, fentanyl, and oxycodone.
They can be very addictive and people who have been using opioids may need a medication replacement prescribed by a doctor to treat their addiction. Signs of opioid use and dependence may include:
- Pupils that are smaller than usual.
- Drowsiness
- slurred speech
- Problems with attention and memory.
- Lack of awareness
- Lack of coordination
- Depression
- Confusion
- Constipation
- Runny nose or nose sores from inhaling opioids
- Needle marks (if you inject drugs)
Marijuana
Marijuana or cannabis is a widely used recreational drug that is now legal in many states, although it remains illegal at the federal level.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 48 million people, or about 18% of Americans, used it at least once in 2019. Signs of use include:
- A sense of euphoria or feeling of “euphoria”
- Greater sensation of visual, auditory and gustatory perception.
- Increased blood pressure and heart rate.
- Red eyes or “glassy” look
- Dry mouth
- Decreased coordination
- Difficult to focus
- Slow reaction time
- Anxiety or paranoid thinking.
- Great cravings for certain foods.
