RISK FACTORS, SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

RISK FACTORS

• Drug availability
• Previous use
• Decreased socioeconomic status
• Mental health history
• Genetic predisposition
• Young male
• Complex history of illicit drug use

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Key elements of dependence:

• strong desire/compulsion to use
• difficulty in controlling use
• prioritising dependence over other activities
• evidence of tolerance
• persistent use despite evidence of harmful consequences
• withdrawal symptoms when decreasing or stopping the medication

Intoxication:

• Pupil constriction
• Sedation
• Euphoria
• Disrupted speech/coordination
• Impaired cognition/consciousness

Withdrawal:

Heroin: onset within 12hrs, persists 4-5 days Methadone: onset 24-72hrs, peaks 7-14 days Features:

• Rhinorrhoea
• Lacrimation
• Tremors
• Agitation
• Diarrhoea
• Nausea/vomiting
• Sweating
• Pupil dilation

Physical signs:

• Needle tracks
• Skin abscesses
• Poor nutrition