Chapter 18: Substance Misuse and Abuse

Define: Substance misuse Substance abuse Drug Medication Dependency Addiction Tolerance Overdose Withdrawal Synergistic effect AMERICAN RED CROSS FIRST AID–RESPONDING TO EMERGENCIES FOURTH EDITION Copyright © 2005 by The American National Red Cross All rights reserved.

Misused and Abused Substances Substances are categorized according to their effects on the body. Commonly misused and abused substances are— Stimulants. Depressants. Hallucinogens. Narcotics. Inhalants. Cannabis products. Designer drugs. Steroids. AMERICAN RED CROSS FIRST AID–RESPONDING TO EMERGENCIES FOURTH EDITION Copyright © 2005 by The American National Red Cross All rights reserved.

General Signs of Substance Misuse and Abuse Signs of substance misuse and abuse are similar to those of other medical emergencies. General signs of abuse or misuse include— Moist or flushed skin. Sweating, chills, nausea, vomiting. Fever. Headache. Dizziness.. Rapid pulse, rapid breathing. High blood pressure. Chest pain. AMERICAN RED CROSS FIRST AID–RESPONDING TO EMERGENCIES FOURTH EDITION Copyright © 2005 by The American National Red Cross All rights reserved.

Specific Signs of Substance Misuse and Abuse Signs of stimulant abuse— Respiratory distress, disruption of normal heart rhythm and even death can result from using a stimulant. Very excited. Restless. Talkative. Irritable. Unconscious. Signs of hallucinogen abuse— Sudden mood changes. Flushed face. Seeing or hearing something that is not present. Anxiousness or being frightened. Signs of depressant abuse— Drowsiness. Confusion. Slurred speech. Slow heart and breathing rates. Poor coordination. AMERICAN RED CROSS FIRST AID–RESPONDING TO EMERGENCIES FOURTH EDITION Copyright © 2005 by The American National Red Cross All rights reserved.

Care for Substance Misuse and Abuse Follow care for poisoning: Check the scene to make sure it is safe to help the person. Call 9–1–1 or the Poison Control Center. Care for any life-threatening conditions. Care for any other conditions you find. Withdraw from the scene if it becomes unsafe. Look for product or medicine containers, drug paraphernalia and signals of other medical conditions. If you suspect that someone has taken a designer drug, tell EMS personnel. After a substance abuse emergency, the victim may need additional support to overcome addiction. AMERICAN RED CROSS FIRST AID–RESPONDING TO EMERGENCIES FOURTH EDITION Copyright © 2005 by The American National Red Cross All rights reserved.

Preventing Substance Misuse and Abuse The following guidelines may help prevent unintentional misuse or overdose: Read the product information and use only as directed. Ask your physician or pharmacist about the intended use and side effects of prescriptions and over-the-counter medications. If you are taking more than one medication, check for possible interaction effects. Never use another person’s prescribed medications. Always keep medications in their appropriate, marked containers. Destroy all out-of-date medications. Always keep medications out of the reach of children. AMERICAN RED CROSS FIRST AID–RESPONDING TO EMERGENCIES FOURTH EDITION Copyright © 2005 by The American National Red Cross All rights reserved.