A public service of

Drug Prevention and Rehabilitation

Family
Help
Guide
RESCUING A LOVED ONE FROM
SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND ADDICTION

Introduction

Welcome | Pg 1

Introduction
Welcome to the Family Help Guide from NARCONON Prevention and Rehabilitation

Services.

When someone in the family is abusing drugs or alcohol, dont feel alone if you do not know
what to do. It may even be hard to figure out what drug he (or she) is abusing. All you may
see is that there are worsening problems health, financial, educational, relationship, legal
that may go on and on. Nothing seems to get better for long. A trip to rehab brings hope that is
quickly lost when the loved one returns to drug or alcohol abuse.
To make matters worse, your loved one may resist your efforts to help him. Its like he thinks
you are some kind of enemy when all you want is his safety and happiness.
This guide was created to help you find your way out of this heartbreaking situation.

^
Continue

Introduction

How to use guide | Pg 2

How

to

Use

this

Guide

On the next page, you will learn how to start understanding your situation better. No matter
what situation of drug abuse or addiction you are confronted with, there is a way to make it
better.
Simply follow the recommendations to determine what action is needed and then continue
reading to learn how it can be improved. Your path will take you to a better understanding of
your situation and a better awareness of ways to resolve it.
This is not in any way a replacement for competent medical advice. This is simply an
educational guide to help you get started finding competent help. You dont have to wonder or
worry. Just learn and then look.
Any time you need help, feel free to call Narconon at
1-877-936-7435.

What

is the

NARCONON Program?

Since 1966, Narconon centers around the world have

been helping the addicted find lasting recovery as well
as providing drug prevention classes for youth, adults,
corporations and governments. If you want more
information on Narconon, visit www.narconon.org.

^
Find out how you can
help your loved one

Starting on the Path

Step 1 | Pg 3

Starting

on the

Path

Step 1

Click on the statement that best describes your situation and go directly
to the page indicated
- Do you think there might be a drug or alcohol problem but you are not sure? ................................. 4
- Do you know there is a problem but dont know what drug is being abused? .................................. 6
- Do you know there is a problem but dont know how serious it is? ....................................................... 16
- Are you uncertain whether or not rehab is needed? ...................................................................................... 18
- Do you need to find a drug rehab to end the drug or alcohol problem? ............................................. 20
- Have you already tried rehab and it didnt work? ............................................................................................ 20
- Have you tried to get a loved one into rehab and they would not go? ................................................ 22

^
Continue

Drug Problem

Step 2 | Pg 4

You

think there might be a

Drug

or

Alcohol Problem

You see signs that make you think there is a drug or alcohol problem. But you are not sure.
You are not certain what you should be looking for. All you know is that things have changed
for the worse and you have not been able to turn things around.

Step 2

Each drug has its own particular symptoms, but there are overall signs of drug abuse or
addiction that may help you determine if drug abuse is involved in the problems youre seeing.

Decide which of these points are true in your situation:

Negative changes in behavior or family relationships
No longer respects parents, no longer
considerate to spouse
Neglects responsibilities including raising
children
Rude, withdrawn, depressed
Secretive, silent, uncommunicative or withdrawn
Laughter or hilarity for no reason
Unusually tired or overactive
Makes constant and repeated excuses, shifts the
blame to others
Reduced motivation, goals are abandoned

^
Continue

Drug Problem

Step 2 | Pg 5

Grades or job performance fall off

Favorite activities or clubs are dropped
Money is missing or there is too much money around
Valuable items in the home are missing
Bills are unpaid or accumulating
Appearance is neglected, hair ungroomed, clothes dirty
Housing or possessions become increasingly dirty,
uncared for
Queasy, nauseated, vomiting
Increase in sick days
Sickly appearance with numerous scratches and sores on face or skin
Unexplained weight loss
Keeps body fully covered and will not expose skin on request
Headaches, dry mouth, constipation
Red eyes or face
Chemical, alcohol or sweet smells

Step 2

Its always possible that stresses and personal problems can create these symptoms, but
if you see several of these signs, it would be wise to consider drug or alcohol abuse as a
possibility.

^
Find out which drug
is being abused

Drug Type

Step 3 | Pg 6

What Drug Is Being Abused?

If you believe the problem you are dealing with is substance abuse but you do not know
which drug is being abused, consult the chart on the next page for the most common types
of drugs and their symptoms of use.
Once you have determined what type of drug seems to be involved, you can then zero in
more closely on the exact drug that seems to be being abused. A more detailed description of
the signs of use follows this chart.

Step 3

It should be noted that many people try to keep their drug abuse hidden from disapproving
friends and family. A young person may leave home to abuse alcohol or other drugs. An adult
may use drugs at work or with friends and not at home. You may not have a chance to view
all the direct symptoms of a particular drug.
Also, many people abuse more than one drug at a time. For example, a person may use
alcohol and cocaine together to avoid the fatigue and drowsiness that results from high doses
of alcohol. Combined drugs could make this determination more difficult.

^
Continue

Symptoms Chart

l
l
l

l
l

l
l

l
l

l
l

l
l

l
l

Step 3

Depressants

Inhalants

Hallucinogens

Dissociatives

Stimulants
l

Club Drugs

Opiates

Effects on Mind/Emotions
Depression
Euphoria
Irritability
Paranoia
Panic Attacks
Unwarranted Laughter
Illusion of Empathy
Anxiety
Increased Confidence
Can Cause Suicidal Tendencies
Hallucinations
High Doses or Heavy Use Can Trigger
Psychosis
Effect on Thinking
Memory Loss, Difficulty Remembering
Confusion
Difficulty Focusing Attention
Increased Focus, Mental Sharpness
Effect on Behavior
Loss of Inhibitions
Poor Judgment
Can Trigger Violent Behavior
Aggressive Behavior
Slow Reaction Time
Effect on Energy
Drowsiness
Slow Movement, Lethargy
Weakness
Sedation
Increased Energy
Awake Long Hours

Marijuana-like

Drug Abuse
Symptoms Chart

Alcohol

Step 3 | Pg 7

l
l

l
l
l

l
l

l
l

^
Continue

Effect on Perception
Disconnection from Ones Body
Disconnection from Ones Environment
Loss of Perception of Speed
Loss of Perception of Distance
Heightened Sensory Perceptions

Dissociatives

Hallucinogens

Inhalants

Depressants

Club Drugs

Stimulants

Step 3 | Pg 8

Opiates

Marijuana-like

l
l

l
l

Step 3

l
l

l
l

l
l

l
l

l
l

l
l

Depressants

Dissociatives

Club Drugs

Stimulants

Opiates

Inhalants

l
l

Hallucinogens

Marijuana-like

Effects on Body
Loss of Physical Control
Dulling of Pain
Slurred Speech
Sweating
Increased Body Temperature
Increased Heart Rate
Increased Appetite
Blurred Vision
Muscle Cramps
Muscle Tightness
Nausea, Vomiting
Loss of Appetite, Weight Loss
Shakiness, Tremors
Slowed or Labored Breathing
Slowed Heart Rate
Constricted Pupils
Dilated Pupils
Dizziness
Constipation
Headache
Sores on Face or Body
High Dosages Can Cause Coma
High Doses Likely to Cause Death

Alcohol

Drug Abuse
Symptoms Chart

Alcohol

Symptoms Chart

^
Continue

Signs & Symptoms

Step 4 | Pg 9

Specific Drugs

and their

Symptoms

of

Abuse

Once you have identified the type of drug being abused, now you can use these detailed
symptom descriptions to zero in more closely on the exact drug that your loved one may be
abusing.

Alcohol

Loss of inhibitions, physical control and balance. Dulling of pain. At

lower doses, increase in energy and confidence, followed by fatigue
and drowsiness at higher doses. Dehydration, hangover. Slurred
speech, sweating, blurred vision, poor judgment. Depression. Loss
of ability to determine distances and heights. Very high dosages can
result in coma and death.

Step 4

Marijuana-Like Drugs
Marijuana and hashish: Loss of inhibitions, mellowness, exhilaration,

increased sociability, unwarranted laughter. Dizziness, flushing, red

eyes, dry mouth, shakiness. Distortions of time, space or speed. Loss
of coordination, difficulty thinking, learning or problem-solving, loss of
memory. Sudden increases in appetite, especially for sweets. Sedation,
drowsiness. At high doses, anxiety, panic attacks, nausea and vomiting
may occur. Red eyes. Yellow tar stains on fingers.

Spice/K2/Synthetic marijuana: Euphoria, giddiness, paranoia, panic attacks. Increased heart

rate and blood pressure. Vomiting, confusion, anxiety, hallucinations.

^
Continue

Signs & Symptoms

Step 4 | Pg 10

Opiates (including pills)

This class of drugs includes heroin, morphine, opium and prescription painkillers like
OxyContin, oxycodone, hydrocodone, fentanyl, codeine, oxymorphone, methadone,
meperidine and others.
Sluggish movements, pupils stay very small, flushed
face and neck, constipation, nausea, vomiting, slow
breathing. Person may dope off or be very drowsy and
hard to rouse. Euphoria, sense of well-being, reduced
stress or anxiety, pain relief. Apathy, inability to focus
attention.

Step 4

Stimulants
This class includes both prescription and illicit
stimulants.
Prescription stimulants could include:

Adderall/Ritalin: Excitement, stimulation, artificial

sense of confidence and self-worth, unusually
increased energy, loss of appetite. Awake for long
periods, unusually focused. Temporary effect of slurred
speech or drooling at times. Dilated pupils. Highdose use can result in aggression, panic, suicidal or
homicidal tendencies. Paranoia and hallucinations
may also occur. Termination of use may be followed by
depression and fatigue.

^
Continue

Signs & Symptoms

Step 4 | Pg 11

Amphetamine/Desoxyn: Excitement, stimulation, greatly heightened but artificial sense

of confidence and self-worth, unusually increased energy that is sustained over time,
suppression of appetite and awake for long periods. Temporary increase in mental sharpness
and focus. Increased body temperature, blood pressure and heart rate. Dilated pupils. Highdose use can result in aggression, panic, suicidal or homicidal tendencies. Paranoia and
hallucinations may also occur. Termination of use always followed by depression and intense
fatigue.
Illicit stimulants may include:

Cocaine or crack cocaine: Rapid onset of effects with

a short duration. Excitement, stimulation, delusionally
amplified senses of confidence and self-worth,
unusually increased energy, loss of appetite, awake for
long periods, unusually focused. Dilated pupils. Dry or
cracked lips. High-dose use can result in aggression,
panic, suicidal or homicidal tendencies. Paranoia and
hallucinations may also occur. Termination of use may
be followed by depression and intense fatigue. Many
users binge on this drug.

Step 4

Bath salts (new type of synthetic drug): Agitation,

insomnia, depression, irritability, decreased ability to
think clearly. Severe effects include paranoia, delusions,
suicidal thoughts, psychotic and violent behavior.
Bizarre choices like stripping ones clothes off in public.

^
Continue

Signs & Symptoms

Step 4 | Pg 12

Methamphetamine: Excitement, stimulation, exaggerated sense of confidence and selfworth, sustained increase in energy, suppressed appetite and wakefulness for long periods.
Temporary increase in mental sharpness and focus. Dry or cracked lips. Dilated pupils,
increased body temperature, blood pressure and heart rate. High-dose use can result in
aggression, panic, suicidal or homicidal tendencies. Termination of use always followed by
depression and intense fatigue. Chronic abuse may result in memory loss, severe weight loss,
a psychosis that includes paranoia, compulsive picking at ones skin, violent behavior and
hallucinations. Overheating and irregular heartbeat may result. Most users binge on this drug
and stay awake for days.
Khat (plant substance chewed by Middle Eastern immigrants and others): Delusional
mania of self-worth, paranoia, nightmares, hallucinations, excessive energy and activity.
Increased blood pressure and heart rate. Brown staining of teeth, insomnia, stomach upset.
Chronic use can result in exhaustion.

Step 4

Club drugs
Illicit drugs commonly used in nightclubs, dance venues or at parties.
Ecstasy (MDMA): Increased energy and activity, particularly
dancing. Increased wakefulness, heart rate, blood pressure.
Raised body temperature (sometimes to dangerous levels).
Artificially increased empathy and sexuality which may lead to
unwanted sexual activity. Increased sensitivity to touch, sound,
light. Muscle tension, tremors, sweating. Users may clench teeth
uncontrollably, leading to the use of baby pacifiers to prevent the
teeth from grinding. It is easy to dehydrate and overheat after
taking this drug. When drug use is terminated, a person may
become severely depressed.

^
Continue

Signs & Symptoms

Step 4 | Pg 13

GHB (a steroid): Lightheadedness, loss of physical coordination, blurred vision, dizziness,

nausea, headaches, vomiting. Low blood pressure and slow breathing. May cause either
reduced anxiety and sleepiness or excited, aggressive behavior and hallucinations. Euphoria.
Often used in sexual assaults as the drugged person may be defenseless and not remember
the event later. Increase in libido.
Rohypnol: Loss of physical coordination, weakness, headache, slowed breathing. Relief
of anxiety, sleepiness, may cause amnesia. Euphoria. Often used in sexual assaults as the
person given the drug may be defenseless and not remember the date rape later.
Dissociative drugs Ketamine: Pain relief, loss of identity or sense of ones own body,
hallucinations. Some people use the drug to the point that a near-catatonic condition is
reached while eyes may still be open. Agitation, depression, amnesia, difficulty thinking clearly
or problem solving. Dilated pupils. Stiff muscles, nausea. May be used for sexual assault.

Step 4

PCP (Angel Dust): Increased heart rate and blood

pressure, dilated pupils. Distortions of time, shape, color
or sound. Total suppression of pain. Flushed skin. Violent
hallucinations may occur. Weeks or months later, there
may be flashbacks.
Salvia: Very short-lasting effects include perception of
bright lights, vivid colors and distortions of objects. Fear,
panic, uncontrollable laughter, hallucinations. Loss of
coordination, dizziness, slurred speech.

^
Continue

Signs & Symptoms

Step 4 | Pg 14

Cough medicine/dextromethorphan (DXM): Euphoria, laughter,

hallucinations involving sight and sound, confusion, agitation, paranoia, sense
of floating. Lethargy, loss of coordination, slurred speech, sweating. Eyes may
move around spasmodically. Certain preparations of DXM may also cause
vomiting, seizures, rapid heart rate and coma.

Hallucinogens
LSD: Increased heart rate and blood pressure, dilated pupils. Distortions

of time, shape, color or sound. Loss of appetite, sleeplessness, hallucinations. Impaired

perception of current dangers that can result in injury or death. Weeks or months later,
flashbacks may occur.
Heavy use may result in psychosis or severe depression. Bizarre choices like stripping ones
clothes off in public.

Step 4

Mescaline/peyote (cactus buttons): Hallucinations, altered

perception of time, space or ones own body. Euphoria,
anxiety, nausea, vomiting. Increased heart rate, blood
pressure and body temperature. Headaches, weakness.
Psilocybin (mushrooms): Hallucinations, inability to tell
real from inactual events. Panic attacks and psychosis,
particularly after large doses. Nausea, vomiting, muscle
weakness, poor coordination.

Inhalants
Inhalants include paint, glue, solvent, computer dust-off, butane, fabric protector, vegetable
oil sprays, hair spray, whipped cream cans, CO2 canisters, refrigerants, gasoline, propane,
degreasers, paint thinners and more.

^
Continue

Signs & Symptoms

Step 4 | Pg 15

Weight loss, muscle weakness, depression, irritability. Slurred speech, lack of coordination,
euphoria, dizziness. Lingering headache and disorientation. Drowsiness and lack of
attentiveness. Red marks or sores around the nose and mouth. Drunk or dazed appearance,
smell of chemicals. A person inhaling paint fumes may have paint stains on face or clothes.

Prescription depressants other than opiates

Ambien: Sleepiness, sedation, memory loss. When

coming off high doses of this drug, a person may

experience panic attacks, psychosis and suicidal thoughts.

Barbiturates like phenobarbital, Seconal, Tuinal:

Lightheadedness, loss of physical coordination, blurred
vision, headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting. Low blood
pressure and slow breathing. Temporary relief of anxiety,
sleepiness, may cause amnesia. Euphoria and lack of
inhibition. Poor judgment. Dangerous to withdraw from.

Step 4

Benzodiazepines like Valium, Xanax, Librium:

Lightheadedness, loss of physical coordination, blurred
vision, headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting. Low blood
pressure and slow breathing. Temporary relief of anxiety,
sleepiness, may cause amnesia. Euphoria. Hostility,
irritability, unpleasant dreams. Withdrawal can result in
extreme anxiety.
Soma: Confusion, sleepiness, loss of coordination, slow reaction time. A person driving or
operating machinery may be at risk. Dazed expression, hallucinations, disorientation.

^
Learn the actions you
can take to help

Taking Action
Step 5 | Pg 16

Learn About Your Best Course

of

Action

Now you have an idea of what drugs might be being abused by your loved one. You need to
understand the actions you can take to make your situation better.

Here are a few facts that might make it easier to take your next steps:
1. Realize that drugs take control of a person, his (or
her) mind, body, decisions and thoughts. The brightest, most
caring person in the world can turn into someone else when
drunk or high or after using drugs. He can become abusive
and frightening or lethargic and apathetic. When addiction
takes over, his entire personality can change until he is
someone you dont know any more. Realize that the drugs are
making this change. That person you knew is still there and
in most cases can come back, if he gets the right help.

Step 5

2. Many families are shocked and ashamed when they

realize that they need to find drug rehabilitation for a loved
one. But consider this: More than two million Americans per
year entering drug rehabs means that this is a broad social
problem. Many of todays drugs are so highly addictive that
it may only take one or two mistakes for a person to start
experiencing cravings that lead straight into addiction.

^
Continue

Taking Action
Step 5 | Pg 17

3. For every person who finds rehab help, there are ten more who dont find the help they
need. By taking action to help your loved one, you show that you care enough to make sure
that they avoid arrests, overdoses, losses, emergency room visits and other desperate effects
of addiction.
4. In most cases, your loved one will make it to rehab because of your efforts, not just her
own. Yes, some addicted persons do ask for help. But most of the time it is their families who
make rehab happen or start the process and carry it through to arrival at a rehab center.
Addiction is overwhelming. She (or he) needs your help. Dont give up. And dont be afraid
to start the process. You may run into protests of innocence and denial. Things may get
noisy but a life is at stake.
Step 5

Whats Next?
This guide will next help you look for the signs that
substance abuse has progressed to addiction. If you
do not see signs of addiction in your situation, you might
be able to prevent further drug abuse problems by
using the drug prevention tools provided by Narconon
International. You can find these tools at:
http://www.narconon.org/drug-prevention/

^
How to tell if your loved
one is addicted

Addiction Severity
Step 6 | Pg 18

Is Your Loved One Addicted?

To see where things are truly headed in your
loved ones life, you need to estimate his level of
addiction. As a person becomes addicted, he loses
control of his own life. The drugs take over. You will
need the help of a competent rehab program to
put him back in control. Saving a life is worth the
effort.
As you read in the headlines almost every day, the
outcomes of addiction are lies, losses, crime, jail
time and overdose deaths. The points below will
help you estimate the severity of the situation you
are confronting.

Is your loved one still abusing street drugs, prescription drugs,

inhalants or alcohol even though he (or she) has:

Step 6

Tried to quit or promised to quit and then returned to drug or alcohol abuse?
Suffered damage to health?
Been arrested once or more than once for DUI, DWI or drug possession?
Been arrested for crimes he (or she) committed to get money for drugs or alcohol?
Suffered serious damage to family life?

^
Continue

Addiction Severity
Step 6 | Pg 19

Suffered severe financial damage or ruin?

Overdosed once or more than once and needed
emergency medical help?
Abandoned goals or educational plans?
Suffered significant personality changes that
could include aggression, paranoia, dishonesty
or loss of motivation?
Created suffering for those around him due to
neglect, physical or mental abuse?
Been seriously affected by substance abuse in
other ways?
Already been to rehab one or more times and relapsed every time?

Or has this problem been going on for years?

Step 6

If you have answered yes to even one question above, you need to immediately
find a drug rehab program before things get worse or end in tragedy.
As many families realize, the next day could bring an overdose, arrest, accident caused by
drug impairment or even death. You may not have time to waste.

^
Finding effective
rehabilitation help

Effective Rehab
Step 7 | Pg 20

Effective Rehabilitation Help

What makes drug rehabilitation work? What makes it fail? These are essential questions if
you are going to protect both the life of your loved one and see a lasting benefit from your
investment in rehab.
Here are the types of changes that must occur during rehabilitation for it to be effective
and lasting.
Effective drug rehab must repair the types of damage done by addiction.
A person must find relief from the incessant, intense cravings that make sobriety difficult
or lead to repeated relapses.
He (or she) must overcome the depression that accompanies addiction.
He must gain more self-control and improve his perception of his current environment.
He must also find relief from the guilt that results from addiction.
He must regain a sense of morals and personal responsibility.
He must learn the life skills that make it possible to maintain a sober path toward
success after he returns to his usual life. In other words, he must feel better and more
competent after rehab than before it.
When you look at this list, you are probably looking at the changes and life skills you hope to
see in your loved one. The Narconon drug and alcohol rehabilitation program can help you
bring your loved one back to the way he was before addiction stole him away. He (or she)
may even develop the abilities to live a better life than ever before.

Step 7

^
Continue

Effective Rehab
Step 7 | Pg 21

This level of repair takes longer than twenty-eight

days. According to the National Institute on Drug
Abuse, a rehab program of ninety days or longer is
recommended for the best chance of success in
rehabilitation.
The Narconon program is 10-12 weeks on average,
giving a person the time to recover from the destruction
that occurs during addiction, and enabling him to learn
and practice sober living skills. There is no fixed time
limit for completing the Narconon program. A person
graduates when he demonstrates that he is prepared
for the challenges of staying sober and living an ethical,
more productive life.

There are no drugs administered as part of the Narconon Program

Instead, the program uses drugless methods of detoxification and life skills training, along with
healthful nutrition and exercise to result in:

Lasting sobriety
Responsibility for self and others
Productivity
Morality in decisions and actions
Life back under control

Step 7

^
Help a person who
refuses help

Offering Help
Step 8 | Pg 22

When A Person Refuses Help

Even when an addicted person refuses the most sincere offer of help, there is a way for the
family to succeed in saving his life. Heres how you can accomplish this despite resistance.
Step One: Talk to an addiction counselor who can help. This is a time that experience
counts. You dont have to face this on your own. A Narconon intake staff member can help
you understand your situation better and work out a way save your loved ones life.

You can reach Narconon intake staff by calling 1-877-936-7435

Step Two: If, despite your best efforts, your loved one fails to accept your offer of help, an
interventionist should be brought in to help. This is exactly what interventions are for.
There are many different models for interventions. They all have the same goal enabling
the addicted person to start the rehab program that can save his life. When you talk to a
Narconon intake staff member, he can help you understand the intervention process and
locate an interventionist to help you.
Many rehab centers have relationships with professional interventionists they consider
reliable and effective. When you talk to an interventionist you are referred to, get a thorough
briefing on their method of performing an intervention. Make sure they use a procedure that
is acceptable to you and the other members of the family. Discuss costs, as an intervention is
normally an extra, paid service that is not part of the rehab service you may be considering.
Step 8

^
Rehabilitation
Service Help

Rehab Locator

Rehab help services | Pg 23

Drug Rehabilitation Services Help

For immediate help for a loved one, call Narconon at 1-877-936-7435 today. We understand
how hard it is to deal with this kind of problem on your own. We have been supporting
families as they faced this problem for more than forty years. Our intake staff will help you like
you were part of their own family. They can help you understand the problem and also help
you plan out the steps you need to take to get it under control.
If the Narconon program does not fit the needs of
your loved one or your family, we can help refer you
to one that does.

Dont Wait to get Help

Addiction is a complex condition composed of
physical, mental and social problems. Perhaps the
most important factor in helping your loved one is
not to wait any longer before seeking competent
professional help.
It is easy to get overwhelmed by the stresses related to this problem. This guide was
assembled to help you start knowing more about what to do and where to look for answers.
Now that you have begun your education on this subject, you can find much more assistance
on the Narconon International website. On the next page, you will find more resources to help
you understand the problem of addiction and how it can replaced by lasting sobriety.

If you know someone who needs help

with drug or alcohol addiction
call Narconon Ojai today.

1-877-936-7435

www.narcononojai.org

Drug Prevention and Rehabilitation

2015 Narconon Ojai All Rights Reserved. NARCONON and the NARCONON logo are trademarks and service marks owned by the Association for Better Living and Education
International and are used with its permission. Other trademarks of the property of their respective owners.