- Marijuana. Use of marijuana causes red eyes, a glassy, blank stare, giddiness and inappropriate laughter, talking too loud, apathy and lack of motivation or interest in activities, and changes in weight.
- Opioids. Opioids include heroin and prescription opioid painkillers like OxyContin, hydrocodone, Vicodin, Percocet, Demerol, and others. These drugs cause the pupils to contract even in good lighting, loss of appetite, excessive sleeping, vomiting, coughing, sweating, twitches, and sniffling. Someone using heroin is likely to have needle marks on the arms or feet.
- Stimulants. Stimulants are drugs that increase the activity of the central nervous system and include prescriptions like amphetamine and methamphetamine, as well as cocaine, crack, and crystal meth, a crystallized form of methamphetamine. Stimulants cause euphoria, increased energy, alertness and less sleep, decreased appetite, weight loss, dry mouth, irritability, and anxiety. Someone on stimulants may be hyper, talkative and cheerful, and then suddenly depressed.
- Depressants. Depressants are sedatives that cause relaxation and sleepiness. Prescription sedatives are used to treat insomnia and anxiety. They include barbiturates, tranquilizers, and benzodiazepines. These drugs cause sleepiness, poor coordination, poor judgement, slurred speech, trouble concentrating, and other signs similar to being drunk.
- Hallucinogens. These are drugs that cause hallucinations and include LSD, peyote, mushrooms, and PCP, or angel dust. In addition to hallucinations they cause dilated pupils, confusion, slurred speech, paranoia, mood swings, detachment, aggression, and preoccupation with certain things.
- Inhalants. Inhalants are household chemicals that can be inhaled to produce a high, like glues, aerosols, and paints. They cause memory problems, rashes around the mouth or nose, runny nose, vision problems, headaches, drowsiness, anxiety, nausea, poor control of muscles, and changes in appetite.
