DETECTION OF DRUG ABUSERS

Detecting a drug user is not an easy task. The sig and symptoms of drug abuse,
especially in the beginning stages can be identical to those produced by condition
having nothing whatsoever to do with drugs.
It is always necessary to exercise certain prudence before drawing conclusions.
Some judgments may only hurt the individual; if he is innocent and one may lose his
love and trust. Only after observing calmly and patiently his behavior appearance and
associations, may one pass judgment an act.
To detect a drug abuser, one should observe the following:
1. neglect of personal appearance
2. diminished drive, lack of ambition
3. reduced attention span
4. poor quality of school work
5. impaired communication skills
6. less care for the feeling of others, lessening of accustomed family warmth
7. pale face, red eyes, dilation or constricted pupils, wearing sunglasses at wrong
places
8. change from active to passive and withdrawn behavior
9. secretive about money, disappearance of money and other valuables from the
house
10. friends refusing to identify themselves or hang up when you answer the phone
11. over reaction to mild conditions
12. smell of marijuana, sweetish odor, like a burned rope in the clothes or room, etc.
13. symptoms of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, muscular aches, insomnia and
convulsions, etc.
14. presence of:
a) butt from marijuana joint
b) holders (i.e., pipe clips) for the joint
c) presence of leaves, seeds in pockets or lining
d) rolling paper, pipes, "bong" in closet or pocket
e) cough syrup bottles, capsules, syringes, etc.
f) visines or Eye-Mo bottles to treat red eyes
g) devices for hiding drugs like trash cans, soft drinks bottles
h) presence of other pills like valium, artane, other tranquilizers
i) presence of physician's prescription pad in blank form
IDENTIFICATION OF DRUG ABUSER
The following markers can help in identifying them:
1. Change in interest - they lose interest in their studies and in their work. They fail
in school, shift from one course to another, transfer of school of lower standard
until eventually drop out.
2. Frequent shifting of mood - they are euphoric, elated and sometimes even
ecstatic when under the influence of drugs. They would be indifferent, irritable
and eve hostile when the effect of drug is waning from the system.
3. Changes in behavior - they usually spend a lot. They are usually in the company
of known drug users in the community. They come home late; they become
disrespectful and would sell personal or family valuables.
4. Changes in physical appearance - if they can be seen while still under the
influence of drugs the following can be noted:
The following can also help in identifying drug abusers
a) They know the lingo of the abusers, i.e., OMAD Chongki, Bitin, etc.
b) Presence of linear scar in the arms, forearms and abdomen.
c) Lobule of left ear punctured and some of the male even wear
earrings.

PROCESS OF DETECTING DRUG ABUSERS

The detection of drug abuse involves five processes namely:
a) Observation
b) History taking
c) Laboratory examination
d) Psychological examination
e) Psychiatric evaluation

1) OBSERVATION
Observations of the signs and symptoms of drug abuse may take relatively a
long period of time. Good sensory equipment and a high degree of objectivity are
two requirements for a good observer. To be an effective observer, the observer
should not let his own personal judgements and reactions affect his observations.
He should exercise care in his observation such that the suspected drug abuser
is not made aware of being observed.
2) HISTORY TAKING
A. Collateral Information (Interview with information)
The best information is from the patient himself, but collateral information
is necessary. Ideally, a parent or close relative or a close friend should be
present to furnish useful details as to the different changes observed in the
patient that made them suspect the subject is abusing drugs. These changes
may be in his appearance, behavior, mood, or interest.
Added information
1. If subject's "barkadas" are also known drug abusers in the community.
2. He knows the language of drug dependents.
3. Seeing in his room, books or in his belongings or in his possession empty bottles
of cough syrups, empty medicine foils, MJ sticks or rolling paper.
B. Interview with patient
Inquire regarding the drugs being abused, onset of his drug taking activity,
reason for abusing drugs, how he supports his vice, etc.
3) LABORATORY EXAMINATION
Accurate laboratory examinations cannot be performed by any ordinary chemist since
detection of dangerous drug requires sophisticated equipment and apparatus, spec
chemical reagents and most of all, the specialized technic know-how.
4) PSYCHOLOGICAL EXAMINATION
This phase of drug detection requires the expertise of trained psychologists.
Teachers therefore are not in position to administer psychological examinations
among their students. Psychological examination findings with corresponds to
the general findings of a drug prone individual
 drowsy or lethargic appearance accompanied scratching and without
alcoholic breath, tender to giggle excessively at things which others don’t
consider funny, and over-active and over talkative
5) PSYCHOLOGICAL TESTS
a. Intelligence Test - the test is designed to cover a wide variety of mental
functions with special emphasis on adjustment comprehension and
reasoning.
b. Personality Test - this type of test is used to evaluate the character and
personality traits of an individual such as his emotional adjustment,
interpersonal relation, motivation and attitude.
c. Aptitude Test - this test is to measure the readiness with which the
individual increases his knowledge an improves skills when given the
necessary opportunity and training.
d. Interest Test - this is designed to reveal the field of interest that a client
will be interested in.
e. Psychiatric Evaluation - it is a process whereby a team of professionals
composed of psychiatrist, psychologists, psychiatric social workers
conduct an examination to determine whether or not a suffering from
psychiatric disorder.

Practical Ways of Recognizing the Drug Addict

A drug abuser will do everything possible to conceal his habit. To be able to recognize
the outward signs and symptoms, it is equally important to realize that the drug
problems are so complex. Even expert advice not to judge abruptly an individual taking
narcotics drug as it could lead to falsely accusing an innocent person.
 It should also be remembered that a person might have a legitimate reason for
possessing a tablets, syringe and needle (may be a diabetic) having capsules (they may
prescribe by doctor). Having the sniffles and running eyes may due to head cold or an
allergy. Unusual or add behavior may not be connected in any way with drug use.
Based on the lecture of U.S experts’ doctor of medicine, Forensic chemist at the London
International Police academy usually detect drugs abusers without too much trouble by
means of the following:
1. Presence of drug on the person - which he may try to conceal.
2. Presence of equipment for smoking, drinking or injection of drugs.
3. Presence of hypodermic needle marks or tracks on arms and on various parts of
the body.
4. Drug test on blood and Urinalysis
5. Drug intoxication in the absence of alcoholic smell. It is indicated by:
a) dilation or contraction of the pupils
b) unsteady gait and incoherent speech
c) loose mental processes, drowsiness and itching
d) tendency to laugh at trivial
e) Withdrawal symptoms
6. Nalline test indicates an opiate addict.
 A small dose (3 mg.) of nalline is injected into the body of the suspect.
The size of the pupil of the suspect is measured before and after the
injection. An addict will show appreciable dilation of the pupil. The drug
has practically no effect on non addicts.

The General Profile of Drug Abusers

The data may help one in understanding drug abusers in the Philippines.
AS TO: THE PROFILE
Age Mean age of 26 years old (since 1996),
27 yrs. (1999)
Sex Ratio of male to female remained 12:1
Civil Status Single (55.78%)
Married (32.58%)
Separated (4.43%)
Family Size Three to four siblings in the family
Occupation Worker/Employees (42.51%)
Unemployed (21.75%)
Self-Employed (12.58%)
Students (12.16%)
Out-of-School Youth (3.68%)
Educational High school level (27.77%)
Attainment College level (27.07%)
High School Graduate (22.77%)
 Economic Status Average monthly income of P5,290
Place of Residence Urban
Duration of Drug More than 2 years
Taking
I.Q Average
Nature of Drug Monodrug use
Taking
Drugs of Abuse Shabu; Marijuana

Actual Outward Physical Signs/ Symptoms of Drug Abusers:

The actual profile of an abuser of narcotic drugs may show some of the following
manifestations.
1. Admission of the addict himself.
2. Consistently wear long-sleeved shirt or blouses, dark eyeglasses unlikely
times to hide dilated or constricted pupils of eyes.
3. Blood spots around elbow areas of blouses shirt or pajamas.
4. Walk, talk and act as if under alcoholic influence.
5. Prolonged period of sleep or lethargy, abnormal sleepless, nervous, jumpy
and talkative.
6. School works deteriorates (grades and homeworks)
7. Work habits, become slip-shod, too many emotional explosions, loss body
weight., abnormal bowel habits, blood-shot eyes.
8. Sloppy in dress and careless in bodily hygiene, inordinate desire for
consumption of sweets. Unusual odor in the house or room (marijuana, hash,
or incense)
9. Develop defiant or contemptuous attitudes towards authority (Parents,
Teachers, Police, Etc.) constant demand for ever-increasing amount of
money.
10. Takes money from everyone and fails to repay, steel and sells all possible
items of value from home or elsewhere when opportunity comes.
11. Receives or makes numerous phone calls to people who are unknown in the
house. Associates only with people who have the reputation for playing with
using drugs.
12. Persistently lies when asked to explain in expected knock on the door.
13. Unrealistic attitudes, having difficult of concentration.

The Personality Profile of a Filipino Drug Abuser

1. They are of average or above average intelligence
2. They are witty and manipulative
3. They have negative attitude; they demonstrate hostile feelings to the world or
to anybody who does not want to conform to what they want.
4. They are emotionally immature, selfish and demanding.
5. They want immediate gratification of needs and desires.
6. They have low frustration tolerance.
7. Their interest and aptitude are on dramatics, persuasive and musical field in
that order.
8. They are depressed and excessively dependent.
9. They are rebellious and have impulsive behavior.
10. They are pleasure seeker and pathologically liars
11. They like to join anti-social groups/ delinquent groups.
12. They have difficulty in solving problems.