Drugs and its Effects
Security guards may encounter individuals under the influence of drugs or alcohol. They need to be aware of the signs of substance abuse as well as the impact of different drugs on human behaviour. Here is a list of some of the most abused drugs and the effects they have on people.
| Drug Name | Class / How Administered | Drug Effects |
|---|---|---|
| Alcohol (ethyl alcohol) Found in liquor, beer, and wine |
Depressant / Swallowed | • Low blood pressure, Slow breathing • Muscle relaxation, Addiction • Disturbed sleep • Fetal alcohol syndrome, Alcohol poisoning • Death • Lower inhibitions, Impaired motor skills Slurred speech • Nausea • Vomiting • Headaches • Hangovers • Dehydration |
| Amphetamines (Biphetamine, Dexedrine) | Stimulant / Swallowed, snorted, smoked, injected | • Psychosis • Hallucinations • Delusions • High blood pressure • Depression, Sleeplessness |
| Crack Cocaine (Cocaine hydrochloride) Street names: Crack, flake, snow, coke, and blow |
Stimulant / Snorted, smoked, injected | • Highly addictive • Dominant drug on the streets • Short highs, instant addiction, craving creates a ready supply of addicts for dealers. • Causes paranoia, hallucinations, aggression, insomnia, depression. |
| Ecstasy (MDMA) | Stimulant / Swallowed, snorted, injected | • Psychiatric disturbance; panic, anxiety, depression, paranoia • Muscle tension, nausea, blurred vision, increased heart rate • Nausea, sweating, tremors (shaking), hallucinations • Temporary loss of consciousness, chills • Sleep problems, loss of appetite. |
| GHB (Gamma Hydroxybutyric Acid) | Depressant – Inhalant / Swallowed | • Intoxicant • Date Rape Drug • Dizziness • Agitation • Drowsiness |
| Heroin (Diacetylmorphine) Street names: Smack, skag, junk, brown sugar, and dope Other opiates: Opium, morphine, codeine |
Opiates / Injected, smoked, snorted | • Addiction & high tolerance developed • Users need more & more • Slurred speech, slow gait • constricted (small) pupils • Droopy eyelids, loss of night vision, fall asleep • Respiratory depression & failure • Dry/itchy skin, skin infections • HIV, hepatitis due to injection |
| LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethyl Amide) Street names: Acid, blotter, microdot, tabs, doses, trips |
Hallucinogen / Swallowed, absorbed through mouth tissues | • Hallucinations • High body temperature, increased blood pressure • Loss of appetite, sleeplessness • Tremors • Chronic recurring hallucinations (bad trips) |
| Marijuana – Cannabis Street names: Blunt, dope, ganja, grass, bud, Mary Jane, pot, smoke, skunk, weed |
Depressant – Hallucinogen / Smoked, swallowed | • Bloodshot eyes • Dry mouth • Lack of comprehension, altered perception of time • Loss of comprehension & coordination • Impaired driving • Paranoia, anxiety attacks, altered cognitive state (mental/knowledge), Impaired learning, judgment, loss of speaking & listening skills |
| Meth (Methamphetamine Desoxyn) Street names: Crank, crystal, glass, ice, speed |
Methamphetamine / Swallowed, snorted, smoked, injected | • Addiction • Irritability, aggression, hallucinations, paranoia • Hypothermia (cold) • Stroke, heart arrhythmia • Formication – an hallucination that bugs are crawling under the skin. Causes toxicity in the cardio-vascular system. |
| Mushrooms (Psilocybin) Often referred as magic mushrooms, purple passion, shrooms, and little smoke |
Hallucinogen / Swallowed | • Hallucinations • High blood pressure • Sweating, nausea |
| PCP (Phencyclidine) Street names: Angel dust, boat, hog, love boat, peace pill |
Hallucinogen / Swallowed, smoked, injected | • Hallucinations • Out of body experiences • Impaired motor function, loss of coordination • Impervious to pain • Disorientation • Fear, panic, aggression • Respiratory attack. |
| Steroids (Anabolic) Street names: Juice, gym candy, pumpers |
Injected, swallowed, applied to skin | • Aggression, depression, mood swings • Liver cancer • Sterility, creates cross gender traits, severe acne |
