Drug I.D. Guide

This is a help page for parents with different signs and symptoms, along with dangers associated with various drugs and is only a guide for these signs. This in no way is intended to be a medical assumption of the actual drug being used.

Alcohol (beer, wine, liquor)

• Physical Symptoms: Intoxication, slurred speech, unsteady walk, relaxation, relaxed inhibitions, impaired coordination, slowed reflexes.
• Look For: Smell of Alcohol on clothes, breath, intoxicated behavior, hangover, glazed eyes.
• Dangers: Addiction, accidents as a result of impaired ability and judgement, overdose when mixed with other depressants, heart and liver damage.

Cocaine (coke, crack, rock, base, snow, blow)

• Physical Symptoms: Brief intense euphoria, elevated blood pressure and heart rate, restlessness, excitement, feeling of well being followed by depression.
• Look For: Glass vials, glass pipe, white crystalline powder, razor blades, mirrors, syringes, needle marks.
• Dangers: Addiction, heart attack, seizures, severe depression and paranoia.

Marijuana (pot, dope, grass, smoke, weed)

• Physical Symptoms: Altered perception, red eyes, dry mouth, reduced concentration and coordination, euphoria, laughing and hunger.
• Look For: Rolling papers, pipes, dried plant material, odor of burnt hemp rope or leaves, small spring clips.
• Dangers: Panic reaction, impaired short term memory, addiction.

Hallucinogens (Acid, LSD, PCP, MDMA, Ecstasy, psilocybin mushrooms, peyote)

• Physical Symptoms: Altered mood and perception, focus on detail, anxiety, panic, nausea, synaesthesia (smell, colors, sounds).
• Look For: Capsules, tablets, micro dots, blotter squares.
• Dangers: Unpredictable behavior, emotional instability, violent behavior (PCP).

Drugs generally fall into one of four categories: Inhalants, Narcotics, Stimulants and Depressants. If you find something that you suspect may be a controlled substance, do not transport this item. You should contact your local Law Enforcement Agency and advise them of what you have found. Most departments are trained to field test suspected materials and will be able to assist you in determining the substance you have found.