Created a series of photos with tough content about the life of drug addicts in Ukraine. This project earned him the 2012 World Press Photo First Prize.

Ukraine has the largest percentage of HIV-infected people in Europe. Stirton's photographs are ruthless. But perhaps this is the truth that both teenagers and children should see - so that they never touch something that disfigures this life so much - drugs.

1. Below in the photographs is the life of drug addict Tatyana (29 years old), she is HIV-positive.

Once Tatyana worked at a bakery, then she lost her job and went into prostitution, then she first tried drugs. Tatyana developed an addiction very quickly.

Gradually, Tanya's income began to fall, and she was forced to take the cheap drug desomorphine ("crocodile"). Mortality from it is very high, 80% of drug addicts who take desomorphine die within 1-2 years, the remaining 20% ​​die a little later (after 3-4 years).

Desomorphine causes vein thrombosis, tissue necrosis, promotes the spread of infection throughout the body. It is not uncommon for a purulent abscess to form in the brain of a drug addict. 5 injections are enough for the limbs to literally begin to rot. The veins of the drug addict quickly become unusable and he is forced to inject into other places, contributing to the spread of necrosis and infection. Very soon drug addicts lose the ability to move and end up in a hospital. Doctors are forced to amputate a gangrenous limb in order to somehow prolong life. Recovery is out of the question.

So Tatyana developed deep necrosis of the tissues of the left leg. The drug addict's friends help to remove necrotic tissues, but this will not lead to anything good, since Tanya has a weakened immune system, and the conditions do not allow her to clean the wound properly. Tanya lives with her 11-year-old son and six other drug-addicted prostitutes in a two-room apartment.

All drug addicts are HIV-infected and inject the potion from the same syringe.

2. In the following photographs, the life of two drug addicts and their mother.

For more than 12 years now she has been supporting her children who are drug addicts, they are also HIV-infected. The woman was forced to quit her job to look after children - this is her cross. Children are drug dealers to survive and have a fix for themselves. Children who are drug addicts often reproach their mother that it is she who is to blame for the fact that they are drug addicts. The woman confessed to a journalist that she wants to die.

8. The life of a drug addict Tatyana (45 years old).

She developed psychosis on the basis of withdrawal, she is constantly excited and rushes around the room. Tanya says that there is a motor inside her, which does not allow her to sit still. She is forced to constantly lean on the walls, as it is difficult for her to keep her balance.

In order to help a child or a loved one with such a terrible disease as drug addiction, it is necessary to immediately recognize the signs of drug use. You need to start with external signs of drug use.

What does an addict look like?

First of all, you need to pay attention to the pupils. Many may be interested in the question: dilated pupils are a sign of what? Is it necessary for drug addicts to have such a sign? In a normal state, a person's pupils can be dilated with a decrease in illumination, arousal, the use of eye drops like atropine. Sometimes this phenomenon is observed in pathological conditions associated with the nervous system or eye disease.

In a drug addict, the pupil can be steadily dilated or constricted when using various psychotropic substances - cocaine, LSD, ecstasy. In this state, it remains, not reacting to changes in lighting, all the time the drug is in action. The use of a screw ("screw") leads to a stable increase in pupil area up to two days.

Or they can cause not only dilation, but also constriction of the pupils. At the same time, the eyes become reddened and as if glassy.

A dilated pupil can also be observed during withdrawal symptoms and when refusing to use a psychotropic drug.

Signs of cocaine use

The signs are as follows: such an addict has a rapid pulse, a pronounced state of euphoria, hyperactivity, increased sweating, a decrease or lack of appetite, agitation, and possibly a manifestation of severe anxiety or fear. With prolonged use of the drug, heart rhythm disturbances, various kinds of bleeding, most often from the nose, a decrease or complete loss of smell and taste sensations, psychoses with a paranoid component, severe aggressiveness, hallucinations, and the development of heart failure are noted.

marijuana use

A drug addict who uses marijuana as a psychotropic drug has increased talkativeness, obsession, inadequately cheerful mood, reddening of the sclera, a pronounced feeling of hunger and thirst, an aggravation of the perception of external stimuli, and photophobia. Signs of marijuana use with increasing doses are lethargy, lethargy, slurred speech, impaired coordination. Sometimes - panic, fear, hallucinations. Constant use leads to severe depression, impaired memory processes and other types of mental activity, adolescents experience a slowdown in puberty, in adults - a decrease in spermatogenesis and menstrual irregularities. Women and men with prolonged use of this type of remedy remain infertile. High doses can cause paranoid psychoses. Often there is the development of pulmonary pathology (bronchitis, pneumonia, cancer).

smoking hashish

Hashish, like marijuana, is a substance derived from hemp. Therefore, the signs are not much different from the symptoms that appear in marijuana users.

Signs of the beginning of the use of psychotropic substances

In order to start treatment on time and avoid long-term consequences, which can be quite serious, parents or close relatives should know the first signs of drug addiction. This is especially important if a teenager starts using drugs, because, due to the characteristics of his body, he can very quickly acquire from psychotropic substances, the treatment of which can take a very long time, and sometimes without achieving a real result.

So, you can suspect that a child or a loved one is taking drugs by the following signs:

1. Change of cheerful mood to complete depression, for no reason. Sometimes unmotivated outbursts of anger and aggressive behavior.
2. Constant sleepiness during the day and increased alertness and activity at night.
3. Prolonged and complete lack of appetite, which can be abruptly replaced by gluttony. An addict can eat several servings at a time, while he does not get better.
4. The pupils are in a constant state, absolutely do not react to changes in lighting. They can be greatly narrowed, or maximally expanded, which indicates drug intoxication.
5. The appearance of traces of injections. As a rule, many drug addicts try to inject into places that are hidden from prying eyes by clothes.
6. There is an absolute indifference to what until recently interested or worried. Indifference to the joy or grief of loved ones. Signs of such behavior lie in the fact that the addict now cares about only one question: where to get a dose? Nothing that does not concern the drug and its use no longer worries him.
7. The way of speaking also changes. The addict can answer the question unambiguously, or be completely silent. On the phone, the conversation is in fragmentary phrases.
8. In the conversation, previously unknown terms and jargons inherent in the drug addict environment appear.
9. Perhaps either a complete change in appearance, or absolute indifference to it. There are attempts to mask the eyes by constant wearing of dark glasses.
10. Symptoms that resemble a cold. Characteristic of the initial stage of abstinence when using opiates. Chills, sweating, lacrimation, runny nose occur.
11. A drug addict often experiences dry mouth and sometimes consumes large amounts of liquid.
12. The occurrence of obsessive movements - scratching, biting nails and the like.
13. Sometimes there is anxiety and persecution mania. This is especially true when using stimulants like amphetamines or cocaine. A similar picture is given by the so-called "bath salts".
14. Some drugs can cause redness of the sclera of the eyes. Often this is observed due to the use of cannabis - under its influence, blood vessels burst, and hemorrhage occurs.
15. Finding attributes for drug use in the house. Pill packs, charred spoons, used syringes, pieces of paper or foil.
16. There are also changes in character. A person closes, stops communicating with former friends, makes contact poorly. He makes new "weird" friends.
17. A drug addict develops memory lapses, the process of memorization is disrupted, schooling worsens. Such changes occur especially rapidly during adolescence, when the formation of neural connections in the central nervous system has not yet been completed.
18. Things and money begin to disappear from the house. Requests to parents for financial assistance, under any pretext, are becoming more frequent.

The presence of at least three of these signs is a good reason to start a conversation and try to figure out the situation. If this is not possible, then you should seek help from school psychologists, or to a drug dispensary at the place of residence.

Some drug addicts, knowing about the peculiarities of their appearance, may try to disguise it. This, of course, applies to those who have not yet passed to that stage when it becomes all the same. So, the narrowing of the pupils is masked with the help of the drug becarbon. It is sold in pharmacies as a gastric remedy and dilates the pupil as a side effect. For a quick effect, it is crushed into a powder, diluted with water, and dripped into the eyes.

The presence of such a package in the pocket of a loved one, in the absence of problems with the stomach, should alert. It should be said that becarbon does not always dilate the pupils of a drug addict in the same way, so their different diameters can serve as an indirect sign. With the constant instillation of this drug in the eyes, a person's vision can be severely impaired. Atropine and atropine-like agents have the same property.

Dilated pupils, which are characteristic of those who use stimulants, are also masked with drugs (pilocarpine). And this with the same degree of probability is completed by a strong loss of visual acuity.

From the redness of the eyes when using marijuana, vizine is used.

From frequent punctures, “paths” form on the veins of a drug addict. They usually try to pass them off as scratches, or they prefer to prick themselves in the groin, legs or neck. In order to quickly remove bruises from injections, they carry with them and constantly use ointments - troxevasin or heparin.

Despite attempts to disguise the signs of the use of psychotropic drugs, with careful communication, you can identify a drug addict by many other signs. And not a single drug addict is able to hide a change in the psyche or behavioral characteristics. This is especially true for those who have been using them for a long time and constantly.

Signs of taking the most common drugs:

- the pupils are dilated, the skin is pale, the blood pressure is high, the pulse is quickened, speech is illegible.

- the pupils are dilated, the jaws are tightly compressed, insomnia is often manifested.

- the eyes appear glassy, ​​and the pupil turns into a dot. Appetite is absent, respiration and pulse are slowed down, sleepy state. The lips are often swollen and red, and there is scratching of the face or other parts of the body.

- the pupils are dilated, there is no appetite, strong mobility, anxiety.

Pervitin - dilated pupils, insomnia, appetite disappears, pulse is quickened, jaws are often cramped.

Drug addiction is a real scourge of our time, not a single person is immune from it. Such grief can happen in absolutely any family. A straight-A student, a lover of club life, an entrepreneur – drug addiction spares no one and there are people affected by it at all social levels and age categories, starting with school-age children.

The main difference from alcoholism is that the signs of the use of narcotic substances at the initial stage are difficult to determine. Complicating the situation is that the behavior of a drug addict who has just embarked on a slippery slope is very secretive. However, there are some signs by which you can understand that changes are taking place with a loved one. The sooner you can determine how to recognize an addict, the more likely you will be to save his life.

You can recognize a drug addict by constant sharp mood swings from euphoria and appeasement to aggression and fights.

The consequences of the use of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances seriously affect the human body

Drug addiction is the most terrible type of addiction, which has a huge number of "persons". Many different types of drugs have been created, each of which affects the body of the user in its own way. Changes occur in appearance, mental state and social behavior. These changes differ significantly among those taking substances such as cocaine, hashish, or psychotropic drugs. But there are common signs that will help you understand how to identify a drug addict.

External changes

In the initial stages of drug addiction, the following external changes occur:

1. The skin of the face becomes either very pale, or, conversely, purple-red.
2. Peeling, dryness or oily sheen appears.
3. The whites of the eyes are red almost all the time, madness appears in the eyes, the look wanders.
4. The pupils are dilated so that the iris is not visible, sometimes, on the contrary, they narrow to an almost imperceptible point.
5. The face comes to life, it depicts a whole range of emotions, sometimes it does not express any feelings at all.
6. The addict's hands have single or multiple injection marks.
7. Bruises and purulent wounds appear on the body.
8. The lips and tongue are covered with cracks, ulcers and scaly sores.

The appearance of a person also undergoes changes: he becomes untidy, wears the same clothes, which he practically does not wash. From the wardrobe he chooses things that cover his hands to hide injection marks. A typical drug addict looks like this: greasy uncut hair, regrown and dirty nails, dirty, wrinkled clothes and dark glasses.

Deterioration of health

If you notice any of the above symptoms in a loved one, pay attention to his physical health. Deterioration of health and constant sores are the companions of drug addiction. Signs of a drug addict may include:

• rapid weight loss (up to 10 kg per week);
• constant thirst;
• complete lack of appetite, followed by overeating;
• lack of sleep at night;
• sharp jumps in blood pressure;
• cough that does not go away even when taking medication;
• problems with the gastrointestinal tract.

Behavior changes

A change in behavior, a new circle of friends and interests, an atypical manner of speaking - should be a wake-up call that speaks of the development of drug addiction. These changes are characteristic of both mature adults and adolescents:

1. The addict has a change of interests and hobbies (favorite activities, training, study or work cease to interest the addict).
2. He tries to cut off all social ties, new people appear in the social circle, many may be suspicious or criminal in appearance.
3. A person becomes secretive, he has secrets, when close people try to find out something, he will avoid answering in every possible way.
4. The manner of conversation becomes different, addicts speak reluctantly, get by with short phrases, often get annoyed, often break down by shouting at loved ones or are completely silent. In a conversation, slang words may slip through (“plan”, “gash”, “suit”, “salt”, “wheels”, etc.).
5. There are problems with studies, drug addicts stop attending school, get low grades.
6. A previously calm person can suddenly become hostile, even towards those closest to them.

A drug is a substance, the systematic use of which causes mental and physical dependence.

Almost all drug addicts become pathological liars, lie to everyone and for any reason, ask for a loan under any pretext, they can start selling their own and other people's things.

The appearance of strange objects

If you suspect that your loved one has become a hostage to drug addiction, check their room or personal belongings for items such as:

• medicine bottles, syringes, needles;
• tablets and capsules (possibly without packaging);
• pipes for smoking, eggplants with foil instead of corks;
• paper bundles with various powders, crystals or a mass similar to plasticine with a pronounced aroma;
• cigarettes of the Belomorkanal type;
• scales for jewelry;
• medical rubber bands for pulling veins;
• fire-blackened teaspoons;
• tubes with Moment glue or acetone.

Drug users often use special paraphernalia. Therefore, the appearance of these things can indicate an addiction to this destructive habit.

Symptoms by stage of drug addiction

Any kind of drug addiction, regardless of the substances used, has three stages. Of course, this does not apply to those cases when a person has enough willpower, support from relatives or treatment in a specialized institution to give up drugs at the initial stage.

Each of the three stages has its own specific symptoms that indicate that a person has become drug addicted. Let's consider each of them.

First stage

At the first stage, signs of drug addiction are difficult to identify. The skin looks quite normal, they do not have acne, ulcers or sores. There may be constriction or dilation of the pupils. The main signs at the initial stage are behavior. A person is irritated at the slightest provocation, a lot of nervous, changes the circle of communication.

By the end of the first stage, the addict develops characteristic symptoms in the form of minor health problems: persistent runny nose, watery eyes, weight loss or cough. There are changes in the emotional state, it becomes unstable, joy is replaced by crying, and all this within just a few minutes.

The subject of abuse are, as a rule, drugs that cause pleasant or unusual states of consciousness.

Second stage

With the onset of the second stage, the addict depends on substances not only psychologically, but also physically. This greatly affects his appearance and health. The appearance of a drug addict is unpleasant, repulsive: dirty and gloomy clothes, "bags" under the eyes, there may be bruises or ulcers at the injection site. Due to weakened immunity, the addict often suffers from viral and infectious diseases, jumps in blood pressure and insomnia appear. Due to loss of appetite, the addict is rapidly losing weight.

There are problems in the field of study and work, conflicts and discord with relatives. At the second stage, the addict becomes asocial, stops communicating with colleagues and friends. Mood swings occur more and more often, tantrums can be replaced by aggression and anger. It is at this stage that the addict begins to lie to others a lot, beg for loans and sell valuables from home.

Third stage

At the last stage of drug addiction, physical and psychological degradation reaches its maximum. The addict is severely malnourished, has chronic diarrhea, and looks desolate. The skin is ulcerated, covered with bruises and sores, the teeth rot, the hair is greasy - this is what drug addicts look like in the third stage, it is almost impossible to determine the age. If the drug addict cannot get the next dose, he experiences the strongest “withdrawal”. The main signs of the final stage are: despondency, depression, loss of all interests and ties with society, all the thoughts and actions of a drug addict are aimed at searching for drugs.

Signs when using specific drugs

The symptoms, as well as the speed with which the user develops addiction, depends primarily on the substance that he uses, and only then on the psychological and physical condition. Knowing the signs of specific substances, there is a chance to recognize drug addiction at an early stage and save a loved one.

It is believed that the term drug (ναρκωτικός) was first used by the Greek healer Galen

Opium group drugs

Heroin, methadone, codeine and other opiates plunge the addict into a state of indifference. The addict becomes indifferent to everything that happens, slow, speaks quietly, draws out words. Opiates dull all feelings and will, he ceases to be interested in carnal love, any entertainment, his appetite disappears. The main reason why addicts consume a lot of sweets is that simple foods simply make them sick. The following symptoms may also indicate the use of opium drugs:

• drowsiness (may fall asleep while talking);
• inability to follow the topic of conversation;
• complaisant behavior, up to complete submission;
• desire to be alone;
• constriction of the pupils;
• slow breathing and heartbeat;
• loss of reflexes.

Cannabinoids

Cannabis (hemp) first gives the user energy, he becomes happy, open to communication, talks a lot. Then, as a rule, despondency rolls over a person, it is difficult for him to concentrate on any task, mental abilities decrease. Often, a drug addict becomes paranoid, he sees surveillance everywhere, and panic overcomes.

Of the external manifestations, one can distinguish: redness of the whites of the eyes, dilated pupils. You can identify a cannabis addict by a brutal appetite and a very strong "dry".

Psychostimulants

When using psychostimulants, the addict experiences a huge surge of strength and energy, this state can last 2-3 days. The user becomes animated, talks a lot, often changes topics of conversation. Tries to do several things at once, usually to no avail. Aggression, anxiety, or panic may then follow. With the use of certain psychostimulants, the drug addict has a tendency to commit suicide.

Hallucinogens

A characteristic sign that a person uses hallucinogens is constant hallucinations. The addict begins to communicate with himself or with surrounding objects, or sees something that is not really there. When using these substances, a person may experience visual, auditory, tactile, or olfactory hallucinations.

External signs of use can be identified: hanging blood pressure, increased heart rate, dilated pupils, dry skin, tremor of the upper limbs, loss of coordination in space. A drug addict can completely lose control over himself, become embittered, aggressive, break into a scream, cry. There have also been cases of suicide attempts under the influence of hallucinogens.

There is a conditional and controversial division into soft and hard drugs, according to the speed of addiction formation.

Sedatives

At the initial stage of the use of sedatives, there are practically no symptoms as such. Systematic use is characterized by a change in mood. Stormy joy can be replaced by despondency or anger (there have been cases of physical violence) in relation to loved ones. The addict cannot concentrate even on elementary things, hand motility is impaired, intellectual abilities are reduced.

Of the external signs, they distinguish: slowness, quiet slurred speech, impaired coordination, the appearance of acne on the face, seizures as in epilepsy, hyperhidrosis. With prolonged use of substances, persistent depression develops, panic often sets in, visual and auditory hallucinations appear.

Volatiles

Substance abuse is manifested primarily by external changes: a person reeks of a strong chemical smell, it comes from clothing, from the mouth. Over time, intellectual abilities are violated, chronic headaches appear, coordination is disturbed, speech becomes confused and slurred. The drug addict rapidly loses weight, his appetite completely disappears. Constant insomnia leads to depression, hallucinations and suicide attempts.

For many drug addicts who have not yet entered the stage when it becomes absolutely all the same, it is important that their relatives, friends and just surroundings do not understand that they are addicted to drugs. They try to hide their addiction and resort to various methods for this.

However, there are not so many such methods. And the signs of drug addiction are still quite bright and obvious to many around.

When an addict hides any one sign, and he succeeds, there are others that are not so easy to get rid of. It is by these signs that any person who is familiar with drug addiction firsthand will identify a severe addiction to drugs. In addition, in addition to obvious external signs, drug addicts change their behavior. And it is impossible to hide or disguise by any means or means.

And no tricks will allow you to hide the serious consequences that drugs leave behind. Especially if taken regularly over an extended period of time.

External signs that drug addicts manage to hide

1. Traces all over the body that remain from constant injections into the veins. These marks are especially common in drug addicts in the elbows of the arms, the knees of the legs or hips, the groin or armpits. Such visible signs of intravenous drug use cause people addicted to them, even in the most intense heat, not to wear short sleeves or shorts.
2. Narrowed to a state of points, the pupils of the eyes. In people who constantly use drugs, the eyes react badly to light, there is even such a term that they use about such a pupil - “shrunken pupil”. Sometimes drugs can cause the opposite reaction, and the pupils constantly remain very dilated.
3. Red eyes. Most addicts who use cannabis drugs in the whites of the eyeball burst capillaries and form hemorrhages that give the eyes a red color.

These are not all the signs by which a drug addict can be recognized. In fact, there are many more. And professional drug addicts always have a set of items for taking drugs with them, because without this they simply cannot imagine their life and items that help hide their addiction. How do drug addicts hide these obvious signs?

Masking constricted pupils

The problem of narrow pupils is most often experienced by those drug addicts who use opium drugs. In order to give the pupils a normal appearance, they use a medicine that, in common practice, treats diseases of the stomach. The name of this drug is becarbon.

This medicine has a side effect - when it is taken, the pupils dilate. It is this effect that adherents of heroin, poppy straw opium and crocodile use. In order to expand the pupils, pink tablets of the Becarbon preparation are ground into a fine powder and diluted with water. After that, the solution of the drug is instilled into the eyes a few drops.

Therefore, the packaging of such a drug in a bag or pocket of a friend or relative should alert his loved ones. After all, this may mean that a person is drug addicted and uses strong opiate drugs. I must say that the drug becarbon often dilates the pupils unevenly.

One of them is wider than the other. This is due to the fact that the dosage that enters both eyes can be different, for example, two drops versus three. By such pupils, you can also recognize a drug addict.

But the worst thing is that this drug, used in this way and not for its intended purpose, has a very detrimental effect on human vision. Therefore, very soon, the drug addict who regularly used it, the sharpness of the picture of the world drops dramatically and a muddy and fuzzy movie appears before his eyes.

There are other drugs that can dilate the pupils in the same way as becarbon. These include, in particular, atropine and drugs of its group.

Masking dilated pupils

Dilated pupils of the eyes are mainly among those drug addicts who use narcotic stimulants. To give the eyes a normal look, they also use drugs. For example, such a group of drugs as miotics.

These include drugs such as: fosarbine, pilocarpine, carbacholin, aceclidine, physostigmine, phosphacol and other drugs that can narrow the pupil of the eye. Like the previous camouflage, these drugs greatly impair vision and even often cause cataracts. But those drug addicts who want to hide their addictions do not stop even at complete blindness.

Concealment of injection marks

If there are many traces of intravenous injections on the human body, then for others this is the most obvious sign of drug addiction, which is simply striking. These traces can be seen by any close person, friend or relative of the addict.

And if he also compares it with other signs, for example, strange behavior, then he will make a clear conclusion about a person’s drug addiction. Of course, when the drug addict is asked questions about the nature of these traces, he has to come up with various, sometimes very ridiculous, options for their origin.

Versions may vary. From a squeezed pimple to scratches from a cat's claws. However, even a person who is far from medicine or drugs can distinguish injection marks from other skin lesions.

If you look closely at the marks on the skin, then at the injection sites you will see the inlet of the needle in the form of a small red dot. Very often, a small bruise around the point will form around the injection site. For experienced drug addicts, injection points form entire “roads”, because they follow each other.

When a drug addict injects many times in a row into the same vein, a “well” can form at this place. Each new prick expands and deepens it, making it more distinct and noticeable.

If you take a closer look at the "roads" of a drug addict, you can see some regularity. This is a clear sign that a person is injecting drugs into a vein. After all, "roads" follow only along the lines of veins.

But stubborn in their desire to hide drug addiction, people give out even the most obvious "roads" for ordinary scratches, and the appearance of "wells" is explained by burns. It all depends only on the degree of development of fantasy in the addict.

Disguise of injection marks occurs by regularly applying various ointments to the injection sites, which serve against the appearance of blood clots. KU such ointments include: troxevasin, hepatrombin and the like. Using these ointments, drug addicts get rid of bruises in a matter of days.

Another way to hide injection marks is a method in which injections are made only in those parts of the body that are not visible to others. For example: the groin area, legs, neck below and under the hair, the back of the forearm or armpit.

With injections in the groin, the addict can afford to wear T-shirts and shorts in the hot summer, no different from other people. True, any drug addict immediately gives out huge circles under the eyes and painful thinness.

Those drug addicts who do not inject in any way, intramuscularly or intravenously, but only smoke narcotic mixtures or sniff drugs, are not much different from other people. And it’s not easy to recognize them as drug addicts. I must say that those drug addicts come to such use of drugs who are afraid for their loved ones or do not want anger on their part.

Red-eye masking

Addicts who use marijuana or other cannabis derivatives suffer from constant severe hunger and dry mouth, and they also have red eyes. And if the first two consequences of taking drugs cannot be hidden, but they do not rush into the eyes, then the red-eye effect is removed with the help of eye drops.

There are many such drops that reduce redness of the eyes and relieve their dryness, the most famous drug is Vizin.

That's all the main ways that help drug addicts hide the outward signs of using certain types of drugs. But close people can always compare a person's behavior, taking these drugs and other signs in order to understand that he is really a drug addict. He suffers from severe addiction and needs help.

An addict can be recognized by the following signs of using popular drugs:

• Reception LSD- dilates the pupils, makes the skin pale, raises body temperature, creates hallucinations, causes rapid pulse and slurred speech.

• Reception Ecstasy- dilates the pupils and gives the eyes a characteristic luster, makes the jaw clenched. A person's teeth creak and his jaws play, he suffers from insomnia.

• Reception marijuana(otherwise cannabis, hashish) - dilates the pupils, makes the eyes red and puffy, makes movements uncertain, increases appetite, makes you laugh for no reason and creates a smile wandering on your face.

• Reception heroin: turns the pupils into "dots", gives the effect of "glass" eyes with half-closed eyelids, slows down breathing. The person experiences drowsiness, suffers from lack of appetite. He often has reddened swollen lips, he scratches his nose and face, and sometimes other parts of the body , there are injection marks on the body, and burnt holes on the clothes.

• Reception amphetamine(otherwise speed, hair dryer, speed) - creates a lack of appetite and mood swings, insomnia begins, a person has dilated pupils, suffers from increased talkativeness, anxiety. The addict develops vigorous activity, which is replaced by severe fatigue. Those addicted people who use the drug, inhaling it through their nose, constantly have plastic cards with traces of scratches on them, they “roll out tracks” and banknotes of money on them, with traces of rolling into a tube.

• Reception Pervitina(otherwise screw) - gives dilated pupils, insomnia, traces of injections are visible on the body. A person has a rapid heartbeat, loses appetite, his muscles and jaws are reduced. The addict is unable to sit still, constantly bites his lips and "goggles" his eyes, and in 90% of cases a strong pungent smell comes from his clothes.

• Reception cocaine(otherwise crack) - repeats the signs of amphetamine use, and adds to them sweating, rapid breathing and a tendency to lengthy reasoning.

In order for drug addiction not to become a verdict, having noticed signs of drug use in a loved one, it is necessary to seek help from specialists. The center successfully fights drug addiction and helps drug addicts to overcome addiction and become normal people again.

Addiction- chronic dysfunction of the brain system, which includes "reward", motivation and memory. It's about how your body seeks a substance or behavior, especially if it causes an obsessive craving for a "reward" in the absence of concern for the consequences.

Free consultation

38 066 992-87-00 or+38 093 324-24-86

The addicted person:

• Cannot stay away from the substance or stop using it
• Lack of self control
• Has an increased craving for the substance or behavior
• Dismiss as their behavior can cause problems
• Emotions disappear;

Over time, addiction can seriously interfere with your daily life. Addicts are also subject to cycles of relapse and remission. This means they can move between heavy and light use. Despite these cycles, tendencies tend to get worse over time. They can lead to permanent health complications and serious consequences such as death.

Types of addiction

International statistics on drug addiction show that one in three people in the world has some kind of addiction. Addiction can take the form of any substance or behavior.

The most famous and serious addiction is from drugs and alcohol. Nearly one in ten people in the world have an addiction to both. Of the people with drug addiction, more than two-thirds also abuse alcohol.

The most common addictions are:

• Nicotine found in tobacco
• THC found in marijuana
• Opioids (drugs) or pain relievers
• Cocaine

Substances or behaviors that may cause addiction.

Besides nicotine, drugs, and alcohol, other common addictions include:

• Coffee or caffeine
• gambling
• Anger as a coping strategy
• Food
• Technology
• Work

Some Habits lead to the deterioration of social behavior and look like drug addiction. But in the case of addiction, the person usually reacts negatively when they don't get their "reward". For example, someone suffering from coffee may experience physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms such as severe headaches and irritability.

Signs of addiction

Most of the signs of addiction are related to a person's weakened ability to maintain self-control. This includes the following changes:

• social, such as looking for situations that encourage the substance or behavior
• Behavioral, it's heightened secrecy
• Health-related, such as insomnia or memory loss
• Changes personality

Those close to them will not be able to stop their behavior, even if they recognize the problems that cause addiction. In some cases, they will also show a lack of control, such as using more than intended.

• Some of the behavior and emotional changes associated with addiction include: unrealistic or poor assessment of the pros and cons associated with substance use or behavior
• Blaming other factors or people for their problems
• Increased levels of anxiety, depression and sadness
• Hypersensitivity and more severe reactions to stress
• Problems identifying feelings
• Trouble expressing the difference between feelings and physical sensations of one's emotions

What medications does the drug user use?

The use of certain drugs leave their imprint on a person. A person can determine which person uses drugs.

• Opioids and opioids drugs that contain codeine, morphine, (not just heroin, all others are used as potential pain relievers for moderate to severe pain). Tramadol and morphine are among the best known, and are recommended as an adjuvant for anesthesia, postoperative pain relief, and end-stage cancer. Other well-known opioids include fentanyl, buprenorphine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, and propoxyphene.
• Cannabinoids contain THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), hashish and marijuana. Due to the high dependence potential and risk of abuse, cannabinoids are not ideally indicated as therapeutic pain relievers. According to 2017 data, according to the Russian Department of Health and Human Services, almost 15.2 million individuals (over 12 years old) are actively involved in the consumption of marijuana. Long term consumption for recreational purposes is associated with deficits in coordination, memory and intelligence. Besides a high abuse potential, hallucinogens are also associated with a high risk of side effects and significant withdrawal symptoms and toxicity.
• Hallucinogens include PCP (Phencyclidine) and similar drugs. Once again, like other types of drugs, potential therapeutic drugs, but not without complications and side effects such as hallucinations, back flashes, paranoia and delusions. It is almost never recommended as a pain reliever.
• Stimulants include amphetamine, dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate, and methamphetamine, which are sold by prescription for the management of neuropsychiatric illnesses and problems. Illicit CNS (central nervous system) stimulants include: methamphetamine, cocaine and ecstasy. As the name suggests, CNS stimulants increase the release of impulses and create a temporary state of euphoria. However, all antidepressants are associated with addiction potential, symptoms of anxiety, agitation, and mood disorders.

For most people, the effects of drugs and alcohol on users are obvious. They may become aggressive and get into a verbal altercation or simply act like another person. Drugs and alcohol can increase negative behavior. Take someone who has self-control issues. Give him drugs or alcohol and he can become very violent. On the other hand, the user may feel that changing medication is for the best.

For example, a normally shy person may drink alcohol and then become talkative and outgoing, allowing them to put their insecurities behind the wall. This may seem like a positive effect, but the truth is that it is not. When a person takes drugs, feelings of pain, stress and anxiety are blocked or hidden. The brain will begin to crave feelings of euphoria.

In addition, an adult drug addict is very easy to figure out. There is an old saying, "how can you tell when an addict is lying?" "Their lips move." Addicts won't stop until they get what he feels he should be "normal". Adult addicts are skilled in the art of lying and manipulation. You should never trust an addict. They will lie, steal, cheat, and do whatever they need to do to get their medicine. They will blame the people who are trying to help them.

When someone does, the drug is likely to take precedence over everything else in users' lives, including work, children, their own health, morality, judgment, the list is endless. Most of the time, addicts abuse multiple drugs at different times.

Almost always, a person who uses drugs does not take care of himself and is distinguished by negligence. Also, a person who uses drugs wears clothes that hide the person. This type of clothing is worn to hide traces of drug use, as well as their effects.

The appearance and condition of a person who uses drugs changes in a negative direction: weakness, pallor, cloudy eyes, dilated or too narrowed pupils, a rash, and the body and face are covered with spots. When using drugs, blood pressure jumps either up or down. Drug addicts also suffer from diarrhea, because drug use leads to an imbalance in the body. Severe cough and runny nose is a constant phenomenon. But the most unpleasant thing is bad breath, these are the consequences of the destruction of internal organs, especially the liver.

Not every drug addict has a personality disorder, and not every person with a personality disorder has an addiction. However, some personality disorders do exist in drug addicts.

Antisocial Personality Disorder

These people after doses, do not concern either social norms or other feelings of people. Characteristic features include:

• Constant violation of the law
• Acts slyly, constantly deceives, uses false names or tries to deceive other people
• Failure to plan for the future
• After taking the drug acts irritably or aggressively, constant fights
• Endangers other people
• Unemployment, inability to pay bills and other obligations
• Lack of remorse for unseemly acts, including when harming others

Borderline Personality Disorder

People with this disorder have trouble maintaining healthy relationships. Characteristic features include:

• Fear of being alone
• Unstable relationship
• The tendency to view people as good or bad
• Low self-esteem
• Impulsiveness
• Suicidal tendencies
• mood swing
• Uncontrollable anger
• Paranoia

Personal characteristics of drug addiction in adolescence

Researchers hope to prevent addiction in teenagers to see if certain personality traits are predictive of addiction.

• Popular socially but do poorly in school
• Have low self-esteem
• Absence of prohibitions
• Refuse to accept power
• Lie, cheat, steal, or destroy another's property
• Act aggressively or cruelly towards people or animals

Normal Dependency Behavior

For a person who is addicted to alcohol or drugs, the substance becomes more important than almost anything else. Addicts may lie about their whereabouts or who they are, so that they can drink or use drugs without being detected. They may use their savings or money that belongs to a friend, spouse, or child to get more alcohol or drugs. People with addiction often become defensive or angry. They may also feel guilty and go through periods of remorse during which they decide to help you, only to relapse later.

Where can you get addiction support?

Overcoming addiction, it takes a long way to get cured myself. Support can make the recovery process much easier. Many organizations can help, depending on the type of addiction.

Designed for the treatment of people who use drugs in Ukraine. A person faced with such a disaster should immediately contact our clinic. Addiction is a disease that is successfully treated thanks to our methods. Our drug addiction treatment clinic in Ukraine uses the unique and productive method of Dr. Hiller.

Intensive addiction treatment usually takes 2-6 weeks in clinics and drug treatment centers. During this treatment, the patient is given a combination of sedatives, painkillers, and hypnotics to help the addict only with withdrawal pain, which usually lasts 2 weeks or more.

Approximately 40% of drug addicts never decide to undergo treatment in a clinic because of the fear of abstinence. 60% of those who come for inpatient conservative treatment interrupt it in the early stages. 95% of those who complete outpatient treatment at an addiction treatment center return to drugs within the next 2 months. Thus, almost 95% or more of drug addicts who have been treated in drug addiction clinics and centers never return to drugs.

The results of the best addiction treatment centers Hummingbird, using the method of Dr. Hiller, show that all patients were cured of addiction without exception, and only in a few cases, drug addicts suffering from serious mental illness can return to drug addiction after a year.

The main office of the organization. Branches are located in all major cities of Ukraine -, and others.

All branches are staffed by professionals. They have honed their skills over the years. If you have problems with drug addiction or you have such acquaintances, please contact us immediately. We will help you!!!