HEALTH & HELP

Substance Abuse

Undo Drugs
Jim Still-Pepper

The good news about addiction is that it can be overcome. Whether you know someone who is using drugs or whether you have a dependency yourself, there is a way to undo drugs!

Drugs happen. Drugs happen to good people and bad. Drugs happen to rich and poor. Drugs happen to be a dangerous instrument that ruins lives. Whether you are reading this article because you know someone who is using drugs or because you are using drugs yourself, there is a way to undo drugs.

Understanding Addiction

In order for a person to undo drugs, he or she must first understand the dangers of addiction. If a person isn’t addicted to drugs at first, he or she will become addicted if the usage continues. Many people who are addicted to drugs either have difficulties admitting their dependency or may not recognize that they have a problem -- that they are addicted.

The word addiction refers to the compulsive use of drugs despite the consequences. There are three types of addictions: physical, emotional, and psychological. Drugs have different chemical make-ups; therefore, they have different levels of addiction. Some drugs are only physically addictive, whereas other drugs are only emotionally or psychologically addictive. Some drugs are addictive in all three areas.

Testing Addiction

Are you addicted to drugs or do you know someone who is? If you have any doubts, the following list should help you find out:

An addicted person . . .

• feels the need to have the drug.
• makes certain there is a supply of the drug on hand.
• fails to stop using the drug, even though he or she may want to stop. (Some addicts can stop using drugs for a short period of time but then will return to their old habits.)
• does things to obtain the drug that normally he or she would not do, such as stealing, lying, manipulating people, selling possessions, or putting self in danger.
• can’t cope with life and uses the drug as a means of escape.
• engages in risky behavior when under the influence.
• feels physical symptoms, commonly called "withdrawals," when he or she tries to stop.

Risk Factors of Addiction

While it may not be fair, certain people are more likely to become addicted to drugs than others. Look through the list below. If these traits apply to you, then you are more at risk for developing an addiction.

• Personality Types -- People who struggle with identity issues or who are insecure, overly dependent on others, or passive- aggressive are more likely to use drugs to help them become more comfortable with themselves. These people often find themselves addicted psychologically and emotionally.
• Peer Pressure -- Teens who are unable to hold up under heavy peer pressure often give in to drug use and become addicted. These teens often struggle with psychological addiction.
• Lack of Coping Skills -- Teens who cannot manage a lot of stress may be tempted to use drugs to help them cope. This type of usage often leads to psychological and emotional addiction.
• Genetics and Family History -- Some people, depending on their bio-chemical make-up, become addicted to drugs more easily than others and struggle more with dependency. These teens often struggle with physical addictions. Furthermore, there is an increased risk of addiction if family members have a history of drug abuse. This risk is even greater if the family members used the drug openly.

If you are addicted to drugs, seek help immediately. Act now. Don’t wait. Turn to a trusted adult -- parent, teacher, counselor, doctor, minister. Call a hotline (hotlines and websites with hotlines are listed in the Substance Abuse section under Health and Help on this website) or go to a rehabilitation center. Turn to God. Although you may feel far away from God, God still loves you and can help you.

Warning Signs of Drug Use*

If you think someone is using drugs, but you are not certain, observe the person’s behavior.

Look for the following warning signs:

• increased tardiness
• a drop in grades
• lack of interest in once enjoyable activities
• increased need for money or having more money than usual
• personality changes
• mood changes
• perceived inability to cope with life
• listlessness
• hung over
• increased forgetfulness
• extra secretive
• withdrawal from people
• more combative
• constant red eyes
• changes in hygiene and dress
• changes in eating and sleeping habits
• depression
• constant fatigue
• abnormal weight loss
• increased behavioral problems

If you know someone who is using drugs, try the following:

• Talk with

• the drug user about the problem, so you can offer help.
• other friends. Build a base of people who will be there to support your friend.
• your parent. Never try to handle this situation alone. Enlist the help of a parent.
• the drug user’s parents. As hard as it may be to tell the person’s parents, this is an important step. Your friend may get mad at you, but your friend’s life is more important than his or her reaction.
• other adults -- teachers, ministers, doctors, guidance counselors. The more people who get involved to help, the more support your friend will have. But be careful not to tell people who would not be helpful or who would gossip or make fun of your friend.

• Listen.
• Understand how peer pressure is affecting your friend’s decision to use drugs. You may need to help him or her come up with a plan for saying no to friends. And try surrounding your friend with a positive peer group.
• Confront your friend about his or her destructive behavior. Talk about the dangers of drug use. And support any effort your friend makes to resist using drugs.
• Be a role model. Talk about how you handle temptation to use drugs. Share scripture and pray with your friend.
• Strengthen your friendship.
• Help your friend create positive outlets for anger and frustration. Suggest sports, music, art, clubs, and of course church and youth group activities.
• Encourage the person to seek professional help from a drug and alcohol or mental health counselor or from a support group like AA. (Website links listed in the Substance Abuse section of this website are a good place to begin to look for professional help in your area.)
• Pray, pray, and pray.

The most important thing is to be a caring and compassionate friend. Don’t be judgmental and don’t give up on your friend, but don’t blame yourself if your friend doesn’t get better. You are not to blame for someone else’s decision to abuse drugs.

DIG DEEPER

Read what God has to say about drug use in Proverbs 23:29-35, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Ephesians 5:15-20, and 1 Peter 1:13-16. Before you try to help a friend who is struggling with drug abuse, read Galatians 6:1-5, keeping in mind that your friend doesn’t need condemnation but love and support.

Jim Still-Pepper has a masters degree in clinical psychology and is a therapist for youth. He lives in Zanesville, Ohio.

*Symptoms of Specific Drug Use

Alcohol
Odor to breath
Intoxication
Glazed eyes
Passive or argumentative
Deterioration in hygiene
Truancy
Unexplained accidents
Irritability
Flushed skin
Loss of memory (blackouts)
Alcohol becomes the focus
Changes in peer group
Poor relationships
Slurred speech

Marijuana
Loud talking
Outbursts of laughter
Sleepy
Forgetful
Inflammation of eyes
Pupils not dilated
Odor of burnt rope
Distorted sense of time
Having paraphernalia -- pipes, roach clip, rolled papers
Increased hunger
Less interest in others
Focused inward
Lack of motivation
Poor judgment
Paranoid
Depressed

Ecstasy (MDMA)
Nausea
Chills and sweats
Tremors
Clenching teeth
Double vision
Muscle cramps
Memory loss
Anxiety (symptom of long-term use)
Paranoia (symptom of long-term use)
Depression (symptom of long-term use)

Stimulants (Cocaine, Crack, Speed)
Dilated pupils
Dry mouth
Excessive activity
Not interested in food
Irritable or nervous
Talkative and tangential
Runny nose/nose bleeds
Having paraphernalia -- razors, mirrors, straws, small spoons,
Difficulty concentrating
Cyclical use: binges and crashes

Depressants (tranquilizers, barbiturates, i.e., Valium, Xanax)
Symptoms of alcohol use
No alcohol odor
Lack of coherent speech
Flat affect
Slurred speech
Talk of being "nervous" or overwhelmed
Frequent trips to different doctors
Drowsiness
Lack of coordination
Poor memory
Tremors
Inappropriate emotions
Acute withdrawal if not taken regularly

Inhalants (Glues, aerosols, solvents)
Odor on breath and clothes
Runny nose
Frequent headaches, nausea
Watering eyes
Drowsiness
Poor coordination
Prefers group activity
Having paraphernalia --bags, rags, and solvents
Discarded cans
Incense

Hallucinogens (LSD, mushrooms)
Dilated pupils
Warm skin
Perspiration
Body odor
Distorted senses
Hallucinations
Delusions
Depersonalization
Highly anxious/Panic
Rapid heart rate
High blood pressure
Tremors
Distorted sense of time, self
Extreme mood and behavior changes
Flashback episodes

PCP (Angel dust, designer drugs)
Hallucinations
Mood swings
Fear or terror
Rigid muscles
Strange gait
Euphoria
Psychosis
Agitation
Erratic behavior
Disorientation
Poor coordination
Paranoia
Drooling
Nausea
Placing self in danger from loss of ability to feel pain

Narcotics (Heroin, Opium, Codeine, Methadone, Morphine)
Lethargy
Drowsiness
Nasal disturbance
Scars or tracks on the body from needle injections
Having paraphernalia -- syringes, eye droppers
Slurred speech
Depression
Agitation
Anxiety
Impulsiveness
Fear of withdrawal
Low self-esteem
Need for no pain

--Copyright © 2002 by The Upper Room. All rights reserved.

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