A person defines himself as "high" when he is under the influence of drugs. If you suspect someone is high, you could ask them openly or spot physical signs and behavioral changes in them. In many cases, a high person recovers and disposes of the effects of the high independently, without running any danger. In others, however, he may need help. Observing someone who is high can help you determine if they need medical attention or assistance to get home safely. It is especially important to understand if someone has been drugged without their knowledge.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Finding the Physical Signals
Step 1. Look the person in the eye
Smoking a narcotic substance can cause redness of the eyes. Narrow or dilated pupils may indicate that the person has taken narcotics, stimulants, or ecstasy. Check for rapid or involuntary eye movements. The regular and oscillatory movement of the eyes, the so-called nystagmus, is symptomatic of the abuse of many types of drugs.
If someone wears sunglasses indoors or in the shade, they are probably trying to hide red eyes
Step 2. Feel her smell
A person who has smoked marijuana may give off a sweet, smoky, cannabis odor, while the stench of chemicals or metals could mean that they have inhaled a toxic household product, such as glue or paint.
An intense scent of incense, deodorant or cologne indicates that the person is trying to cover the unpleasant smell of a drug he has smoked
Step 3. Look at his mouth
Notice the way he swallows and observe the involuntary movements of his mouth. Salivation and constant licking of the lips could indicate that the person has a dry mouth, a sign of drug use. Licking your lips, clenching your teeth frequently, or moving your jaw probably indicate that you have used ecstasy.
Step 4. Look at the nose
If he bleeds for no other apparent reason, it may mean that he has snorted a substance, such as cocaine, methamphetamine or a narcotic. A congested or runny nose could depend on many factors, but associated with other symptoms it denotes the use of drugs. Its continuous rubbing could also be a sign that should not be underestimated.
A person who has snorted may also have drug residues in the nostrils or on the upper lip
Step 5. Look at the hands
Shaking hands could indicate taking ecstasy, inhalant drugs or hallucinogens. Sweating of the palms of the hands often denotes the presence of intoxication. Burns on the fingertips indicate that the subject smoked crack.
Step 6. Check your vital signs
Pulse, breathing, body temperature and blood pressure can change due to the use of drugs. If you are not afraid to touch the person concerned, grab his wrist and check his temperature: a cold and sweaty skin is a sign of drug use. The increase or decrease in blood pressure, the increase in heart rate or wheezing may indicate the use of drugs.
Some drugs cause chest pain and even heart attacks. If you are concerned that someone is experiencing severe chest pain, contact a doctor immediately
Step 7. Check for signs of habitual drug use
People who use methamphetamine, "bath salts" (methylenedioxypyrovalerone) or heroin often inject the drug, leaving holes in their arms. Check the color of the veins on the surface and the presence of edema and ulcers. Open and healing wounds could be a sign of recent drug use.
Even sores or irritation of the oral cavity or nose can be symptomatic of the habitual use of drugs
Step 8. Check for tools used to take drugs
While pipes, papers, syringes and plastic tubes can be easily identified, even the unjustified presence of household items can indicate the use of drugs. Bent spoons, droppers and cotton balls could be used for taking narcotics. Razors, pocket mirrors and spoons indicate the use of stimulants. Candies and lollipops are often used by those who use drugs such as ecstasy, which cause jaw numbness.
Part 2 of 2: Observing Behavior Alterations
Step 1. Pay attention to the way you speak
A high person may speak too much or very slowly, or have communication problems. A person who mumbles words but doesn't smell like alcohol may be high.
If you have the impression that the person you are talking to is unable to concentrate or follow the speech or if they seem more paranoid, embittered or afraid than usual, they may be under the influence of drugs
Step 2. Watch his movements
Those who are high often do not have quick reflexes or are not very reactive towards the people and objects around them. If he feels numb to physical pain, he may be high. Gradual lack of motor coordination is also a sign of drug use.
- A person who acts as if he is drunk but does not smell like alcohol is probably high.
- A drunk person who seems overly battered to you may also have taken drugs or been drugged without his knowledge.
Step 3. Note the increase or decrease in energy
Depending on the drug taken, a high person may be elated, relaxed, anxious and agitated, elated, overconfident, or aggressive. Pay attention to an unusual exaltation of his behavior or mood swings. If you know someone very well and notice that they behave strangely, their eccentric attitudes could denote drug use.
Insomnia and nervousness could be signs of a high as well as sleepiness. If you are unable to awaken a "sleeping" person, they may have passed out and need medical attention
Step 4. Don't overlook unusual attitudes
If you know a person well, you can easily tell if they are too outgoing or uninhibited, if they have no capacity for judgment or if they are inappetent and show an increase or decrease in sexual desire. Laughing for no reason and constantly nibbling indicate marijuana intake.
- A person high on a hard drug may hallucinate and see or hear things that are not there. Delusional, psychotic or violent behavior could also be induced by drug abuse.
- Some addicts appear to undergo a total personality change.
Advice
- None of the aforementioned symptoms, taken alone, represents irrefutable proof that a person is under the influence of drugs. Look at the combination of symptoms before drawing the conclusion that a person is done.
- Some physical or mental handicaps can cause effects similar to those of drugs. Difficult articulation of words, unusual movements and mood swings can be caused by other problems, in addition to drug abuse.
- If you're on good terms with someone or think they need your help, asking them what substance they've been on might be the most direct way to find out if they're high.
- Ask him questions, if you are close, and try to help him.
Warnings
- Confronting someone who is acting eccentrically could be dangerous. Distance yourself from any situation that makes you nervous.
- Get medical help if you have reason to suspect someone has overdosed or needs physical or psychological help as a result of their substance abuse.
- Take action if you have reason to believe that someone has been drugged against their will. People who seem drunk to you and are being led elsewhere by someone else may have been drugged with Rohypnol (flunitrazepam) or other benzodiazepines and "rape drugs". Call 118 or 113.
- Get help immediately if someone faints, can't breathe, has a fit or fits, or complains of chest pain and tightness.
