LESSON 4 DETECTION

IDENTIFICATION OF DRUG ABUSER

Learning Objectives: The following markers can help in identifying them:

1. Understanding the different identification of drug abuser 1. Change in interest – they lose interest in their studies and
2. Familiarizing process of detecting drug abuser in their work. They fail in school, shift from one course to
3. Familiarizing the general profile of a Filipino drug abuser another, transfer of school of lower standard until eventually
drop out.

DETECTION OF DRUG ABUSERS 2. Frequent shifting of mood – they are euphoric, elated and
sometimes even ecstatic when under the influence of drugs.
Detecting a drug user is not an easy task. The signs and They would be indifferent, irritable and even hostile when the
symptoms of drug abuse, especially in the beginning stages can effect of drug is waning from the system.
be identical to those produced by conditions having nothing
whatsoever to do with drugs. 3. Changes in behavior – they usually spend a lot. They are
usually in the company of known drug users in the community.
It is always necessary to exercise certain prudence before They come home late; they become disrespectful and would sell
drawing conclusions. Some judgments may only hurt the personal or family valuables.
individual; if he is innocent and one may lose his love and trust.
Only after observing calmly and patiently his behavior, 4. Changes in physical appearance – if they can be seen while
appearance and associations, may one pass judgment and act. still under the influence of drugs the following can be noted:

To detect a drug abuser, one should observe the The following can also help in identifying drug abusers.
following:
a. They know the lingo of the abusers, i.e. OMAD.
1. neglect of personal appearance Chongki, Bitin, etc.
2. diminished drive, lack of ambition b. Presence of linear scar in the arms, forearms
3. reduced attention span and abdomen.
4. poor quality of school work c. Lobule of left ear punctured and some of the
5. impaired communication skills males even wear earrings.
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 PROCESS OF DETECTING DRUG ABUSERS
8. change from active to passive and withdrawn behavior
9. secretive about money, disappearance of money and The detection of drug abuse involves five processes namely:
other valuables from the house
10. friends refusing to identify themselves or hang up a. Observation
when you answer the phone b. History taking
11. overreaction to mild conditions c. Laboratory examination
12. smell of marijuana, sweetish odor, like a burned rope d. Psychological examination
in the clothes or room, etc. e. Psychiatric evaluation
13. symptoms of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors,
muscular aches, insomnia and convulsions, etc.
14. presence of: 1. OBSERVATION
a. butt from marijuana joint
b. holders (i.e. pipe clips) for the joint Observations of the signs and symptoms of drug abuse
c. presence of leaves, seeds in pockets or lining may take relatively a long period of time. Good sensory
d. rolling paper, pipes, “bong” in closet or pocket equipment and a high degree of objectivity are two
e. cough syrup bottles, capsules, syringes, etc. requirements for a good observer. To be an effective
f. visines or Eye-Mo bottles to treat red eyes observer, the observer should not let his own personal
g. devices for hiding drugs like trash cans, soft judgements and reactions affect his observations. He
drinks bottles should exercise care in his observation such that the
h. presence of other pills like valium, artane, other suspected drug abuser is not made aware of being
tranquilizers observed.
i. presence of physician’s prescription pad in blank
form
 Psychological examination findings will correspond to the
2. HISTORY TAKING general findings of a drug prone individual:
- drowsy or lethargic appearance accompanied by
A. Collateral Information (Interview with scratching and without alcoholic breath, tendency to
information) giggle excessively at things which others don’t consider
funny, and over-active and over talkative
The best information is from the patient himself, but
collateral information is necessary. Ideally, a parent or 5. PSYCHOLOGICAL TESTS
close relative or a close friend should be present to
furnish useful details as to the different changes a. Intelligence Test – the test is designed to cover a wide
observed in the patient that made them suspect the variety of mental functions with special emphasis on
subject is abusing drugs. These changes may be in his adjustment comprehension and reasoning.
appearance, behavior, mood, or interest. b. Personality Test – this type of test is used to evaluate
the character and personality traits of an individual
Added information such as his emotional adjustment, interpersonal
1. If subject’s “barkadas” are also known drug relation, motivation and attitude.
abusers in the community. c. Aptitude Test – this test is to measure the readiness
2. He knows the language of drug dependents. with which the individual increases his knowledge
3. Seeing in his room, books or in his belongings and improves skills when given the necessary
or in his possession empty bottles of cough syrups, opportunity and training.
empty medicine foils, MJ sticks or rolling paper. d. Interest Test – this is designed to reveal the field of
interest that a client will be interested in.
B. Interview with patient e. Psychiatric Evaluation – it is a process whereby a
team of professionals composed of psychiatrists,
Inquire regarding the drugs being abused, onset of psychologists, psychiatric social workers conduct an
his drug taking activity, reason for abusing drugs, examination to determine whether or not a patient is
how drug use has progressed over time, and any suffering from psychiatric disorder.
patterns or triggers associated with their substance
abuse. Explore the patient’s history of drug use,
including frequency, quantity, and the specific Practical Ways of Recognizing the Drug Addict
substances involved.
Ask about the impact of drug abuse on various A drug abuser will do everything possible to conceal his
aspects of life, such as work, relationships, health, habit. To be able to recognize the outward signs and symptoms,
and legal issues. Inquire about previous attempts to it is equally important to realize that the drug problems are so
quit or reduce drug use, including any treatments or complex. Even expert advice not to judge abruptly an individual
rehabilitation efforts, and what factors influenced the taking narcotics drug as it could lead to falsely accusing an
success or failure of those attempts. innocent person.
Assess the patient's mental and emotional state, It should also be remembered that a person might have a
including any co-occurring psychiatric conditions, legitimate reason for possessing a tablets, syringe and needle
stressors, or trauma that may contribute to the (may be a diabetic) having capsules (they may prescribe by
behavior. Explore their support system and coping doctor). Having the sniffles and running eyes may due to head
mechanisms, and determine their readiness and cold or an allergy. Unusual or add behavior may not be
motivation for seeking treatment or making changes. connected in any way with drug use.

3. LABORATORY EXAMINATION Based on the lecture of U.S experts’ doctor of medicine, Forensic
chemist at the London International Police academy usually
Accurate laboratory examinations cannot be performed detect drugs abusers without too much trouble by means of the
by any ordinary chemist since detection of dangerous drugs following:
requires sophisticated equipment and apparatus, special 1. Presence of drug on the person – which he may try to
chemical reagents and most of all, the specialized technical conceal.
know-how. 2. Presence of equipment for smoking, drinking or
injection of drugs.
4. PSYCHOLOGICAL EXAMINATION 3. Presence of hypodermic needle marks or tracks on
arms and on various parts of the body.
This phase of drug detection requires the expertise of 4. Drug test on blood and Urinalysis
trained psychologists. Teachers therefore are not in a position to 5. Drug intoxication in the absence of alcoholic smell. It
administer psychological examinations among their students. is indicated by:
a. dilation or contraction of the pupils
 b. unsteady gait and incoherent speech 5. Prolonged period of sleep or lethargy, abnormal
c. loose mental processes, drowsiness and itching sleepless, nervous, jumpy and talkative.
d. tendency to laugh at trivial 6. School works deteriorates (grades and home works)
e. Withdrawal symptoms 7. Work habits, become slip-shod, too many emotional
explosions, loss body weight., abnormal bowel habits,
6. Nalline test indicates an opiate addict. blood-shot eyes.
8. Sloppy in dress and careless in bodily hygiene,
A small dose (3 mg.) of nalline is injected into the body of inordinate desire for consumption of sweets. Unusual
the suspect. The size of the pupil of the suspect is measured odor in the house or room (marijuana, hash, or incense)
before and after the injection. An addict will show appreciable 9. Develop defiant or contemptuous attitudes towards
dilation of the pupil. The drug has practically no effect on non- authority (Parents, Teachers, Police, Etc.) constant
addicts. 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
The General Profile of Drug Abusers elsewhere when opportunity comes.
11. Receives or makes numerous phone calls to people
The data may help one in understanding drug abusers in who are unknown in the house. Associates only with
the Philippines. people who have the reputation for playing with using
drugs.
Age Mean age of 26 years (since 12. Persistently lies when asked to explain in expected
1996), 27 yrs (1999) knock on the door.
Sex Ratio of male to female 13. Unrealistic attitudes, having difficult of
remained 12: 1 concentration.
Civil Status Single (55.78%)
Married (32.58%) The Personality Profile of a Filipino Drug Abuser
Separated (4.43%)
Family Size Three to four siblings in the 1. They are of average or above average intelligence
family 2. They are witty and manipulative
Occupation Workers/Employees (42.51%) 3. They have negative attitude; they demonstrate hostile feelings
Unemployed (21.75%) to the world or to anybody who does not want to conform to what
Self-Employed (12.58%) they want.
Students (12.16%) 4. They are emotionally immature, selfish and demanding.
Out-of-School Youth (3.68%) 5. They want immediate gratification of needs and desires.
Educational Attainment High school level (27.77%) 6. They have low frustration tolerance.
College level (27.07%) High 7. Their interest and aptitude are on dramatics, persuasive and
School Graduate (22.77%) musical field in that order.
Economic Status Average monthly income of 8. They are depressed and excessively dependent.
P5,290 9. They are rebellious and have impulsive behavior.
Place of Residence Urban 10. They are pleasure seeker and pathologically liars
Duration of Drug Taking More than two years 11. They like to join anti-social groups/ delinquent groups.
IQ Average 12. They have difficulty in solving problems.
Nature of Drug Taking Monodrug use
Drugs of Abuse Shabu; Marijuana

Actual Outward Physical Signs/ Symptoms of Drug Abusers:

The actual profile of an abuser of narcotic drugs may

1. Admission of the addict himself.