Potential Signs of Substance Abuse

Category	Examples	Examples of General Effects
Alcohol	beer, wine, spirits	impaired judgement, slowed reflexes, sleepiness or drowsiness, coma; overdose may be fatal
Cannabis	marijuana, hashish	distorted sense of time, impaired memory, impaired coordination
Depressants	sleeping medicines, sedatives, some tranquilizers	inattention, slowed reflexes, depression, impaired balance, drowsiness, coma; overdose may be fatal
Hallucinogens	LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide), PCP (phencyclidine), mescaline	inattention, sensory illusions, hallucinations, disorientation, psychosis
Inhalants	hydrocarbons, solvents, gasoline	intoxication similar to alcohol, dizziness, headache
Nicotine	cigarettes, chewing tobacco	initial stimulant; later depressant effects
Opiates	morphine, heroin, codeine, some prescription pain medications	loss of interest, “nodding;” overdose may be fatal
Stimulants	cocaine, amphetamines	elevated mood, over-activity, tension/anxiety, increased heart rate and blood pressure

Source: Blume, S.B., “Alcohol and Drug Abuse” in the Encyclopaedia of Occupational Health and Safety 4th edition, International Labour Office, 1998.

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