DRUG USE WARNING SIGNS EXPLAINED

Recognition of drug abuse is the first step to helping someone recover.

Luis Vlana, a pharmacist consultant for long term care services, says
there are 10 key warning signs that might indicate a person is
addicted to some sort of substance.

Vlana was the guest speaker at the Chatham-Kent Crime Stoppers
appreciation luncheon, held May 17.

He said physical and emotional symptoms can include defensiveness,
social withdrawal, running eyes and nose, a change in daily
appearance and greater sensitivity to sunlight. "The picture of abuse
is not always someone shooting up in a dark ally," said Vlana.

He said the average drug abuser in Canada is of European descent and
in their mid-30s.

"I'd like to argue that addiction is a sickness. It's a sickness like
any other illness out there," he said, adding it is a behavioural
syndrome just like any other mental illness that has certain
behavioural characteristics.

"What's really important here is the word compulsive...that leads to
continued use despite harm."

Vlana said many drug addicts sink into a world of abuse because
without it they experience withdrawal.

"Use of drugs is psychologically-based, not physically-based."

Vlana said he associates the high a person feels after a long run
with the high off of a drug. The drug acts a substitute for a bodies
lack of "feel good" chemicals like endorphins and dopamine leaving
them feeling content with life, he said.

An addiction to a legal or illegal drug can begin four to 24 hours
after its last use.

"Many people that have it, don't choose to have the addiction."

Vlana said legal drugs are not exempt from addiction, but unlike
diabetic or blood pressure medications, codeine and morphine alter
the brain's perception of pain.

He said the acceptance of nicotine and alcohol lends to the
acceptance of drug abuse as "normal."

The impact of drug abuse is often felt in society through crime, Vlana added.

Police Chief Carl Herder commended the Crime Stoppers agency for the
dedication its members have to relieving crime.

"This is the best community-based policing tool we have," he said.

Anonymity Praised

Coun. Marjorie Crew said she believes the program has worked so well
because of its anonymity.

Since January, Crime Stoppers has seized over $1.3 million in drugs
and property. Fifty-five arrests have led to nearly 146 charges. In
2006, almost $8 million in drugs and property was seized through anonymous tips.