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Detoxification and Substance Abuse Treatment [Internet]. Rockville (MD): Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US); 2006. (Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series, No. 45.)

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Detoxification and Substance Abuse Treatment [Internet].

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Appendix B: Common Drug Intoxication Signs and Withdrawal Symptoms

CocaineAlcoholHeroinCannabis (marijuana)
Intoxication
Action StimulantSedativeSedative, euphoriant, analgesicEuphoriant, at high doses may induce hallucinations
Characteristics of intoxication

BP, HR, temp,

energy,

paranoia,

fatigue,

appetite, move bowels/urinate

Sedation, ↓respiration,

Depresses CNS system, can result in coma, death

Drowsiness, “nodding,” euphoria (happy giddiness)↓BP, □HR, ↓intraocular pressure (pressure in the eyes) conjunctival injection (reddening of the eyes)
Withdrawal
Onset Depends upon type of cocaine used: for crack will begin within hours of last use24–48 hours after blood alcohol level dropsWithin 24 hours of last useSome debate about this, may be a few days
Duration 3–4 days5–7 days4–7 daysMay last up to several weeks
Characteristics Sleeplessness or excessive restless sleep, appetite increase, depression, paranoia, decreased energy□BP, □HR, □temp, nausea/vomiting/diarrhea, seizures, delirium, deathNausea, vomiting, diarrhea, goose bumps, runny nose, teary eyes, yawningIrritability, appetite disturbance, sleep disturbance, nausea, concentration problems, nystagmus, diarrhea
Medical/psychiatric issues Stroke, cardiovascular collapse, myocardial and other organ infarction, paranoia, violence, severe depression, suicideVirtually every organ system is affected (e.g., cardiomyopathy, liver disease, esophageal and rectal varices); fetal alcohol syndrome and other problems with fetusDuring withdrawal individual may become dehydrated
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Bookshelf ID: NBK64114

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