What to Know if You Were Drugged: Tips from an Expert FHE Health

If you think you’ve been drugged, there are things you can do during and after the incident to take care of yourself, mentally and physically. With that in mind, HuffPost asked experts like Michonski to describe some of the most common signs that someone has been nonconsensually drugged. Under current law, if an officer smells marijuana when they pull someone over and the driver is exhibiting signs consistent with marijuana usage, the driver can be charged for drugged driving. GHB has definitely has contributed to assaults where the victims took GHB on purpose, but the ‘slipped into the drink’ scenario is less likely because of the horrific taste of GHB. However, perpetrators of date rape frequently mix GHB with things like juice to mask its vile taste.

Remember, it’s important to approach this topic without judgment or assumption. Substance abuse is a complex issue, and providing a supportive environment can make a significant difference in someone’s journey towards recovery. Education and prevention programs contribute to creating healthier and safer communities by providing accurate information, promoting prevention strategies, and offering support. Avoid making assumptions about the decline’s reasons; substance use is one possibility among others. By understanding the situation and seeking appropriate help, the person experiencing difficulties can receive support to overcome challenges.

Loss of Interest in Previously Enjoyed Activities

If they have a job or career, you may also notice declining performance in the professional aspects as drug use becomes the number one priority. There may also be no drive to complete work or perform how they once did, especially if work-related stress is what led to substance abuse in the first place. Being Dishonest or Sneaky, Hiding Things, or Needing Increased Privacy. Most people are not going to be very public about their drug use, especially if it’s to an illegal substance. You may notice your loved one is lying about where they are or who they’re with. Maybe their story keeps changing, and they can never seem to be honest about what they’ve been up to.

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They may no longer participate in discussions, contribute ideas, or take on additional responsibilities. This lack of motivation and withdrawal from previously enjoyed activities can indicate a larger problem at hand. One of the telltale signs of drug use is a noticeable decline in academic or work performance. Someone who was once diligent and accomplished may start to show a decrease in productivity, quality of work, or grades.

Behavioral and Physical Signs to Look Out For

  • There is often a direct link between chemical alterations of the brain becoming visible through the eyes.
  • In addition, substance use can strain relationships with family, friends, and romantic partners.
  • Seeking professional help is not a sign of weakness but rather a courageous step towards a healthier and happier life.

People often use drugs to change the way they feel, whether to increase pleasure or calm anxiety. If you notice that your loved one has a drastic change in their usual mood, either they are extremely euphoric or drowsy, it could indicate drug use. When drug use becomes a priority in someone’s life, hygiene and outward appearance may become less and less important. Some may forget they haven’t taken care of themselves because of the mental effects of their drug use. Others simply stop caring as their time is consumed by the high and then getting more of their drug so they can get high again.

“If there were this magic breathalyzer for 30 different drugs, that would be 30 pre-calibration tests before they even ran the first test.” “I’m also concerned that, particularly, you know, communities of color get overpoliced, and I just don’t want this to be something that opens the door to overpolicing.” The proposal expands the definition of a drug to include any substance that impairs.

The type of drug taken, such as alcohol or methamphetamine, will determine the specific effects experienced. The key indicator of hallucinogen use is experiencing hallucinogenic effects, such as visual distortions, seeing things that aren’t there, or perceiving objects or sounds differently. It’s important to note that the signs of hallucinogen use may vary depending on the specific substance used and the individual. Many people struggling with an addiction have some interaction with the law at some point in their life. This may be because they got caught in possession of a drug, they were selling it, or they may drive while intoxicated and hurt someone. You may notice this person spraying areas such as their room or car, wearing very strong cologne or perfume, or even burning candles and incense to cover it.

Some drugs, like alcohol, marijuana, crack, or meth, have distinct smells that individuals may try to cover up. You may notice those smells on their clothes, in their car or bedroom, or on their breath or skin. If you wake up with gaps in your memories or experience symptoms such as nausea, dizziness and high blood pressure after drinking, get a taxi to the nearest emergency room for proper care. The FHE Health team is committed to providing accurate information that adheres to the highest standards of writing. This is part of our ongoing commitment to ensure FHE Health is trusted as a leader in mental health and addiction care. First, “If you think you have been drugged, inform someone you know and trust immediately so they can protect you.

  • Seeking professional help is vital when dealing with substance use.
  • SAMHSA’s national helpline is a dependable resource that provides valuable information and connects individuals with treatment referral services.
  • However, if this sign is accompanied by other behavioral or physical signs mentioned in the article, it may be necessary to seek further assistance or professional help.
  • Education and prevention programs contribute to creating healthier and safer communities by providing accurate information, promoting prevention strategies, and offering support.
  • “When they give somebody a breathalyzer, they calibrate it right on the spot,” he said.

How do drugs affect different people?

This confusion is portrayed movingly in Michaela Cole’s hit HBO series, I May Destroy You. Lindsay Kramer is a freelance writer and editor who has been working in the legal niche since 2012. Her primary focus areas within this niche are family law and personal injury law. Lindsay works closely with a few legal marketing agencies, providing blog posts, website content and marketing materials to law firms across the United States.

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In this section, we will delve into the behavioral and psychological indicators that may signal drug use. Don’t miss this important insight into recognizing substance use. Drug use can also manifest through changes in behavior and emotions. Sudden mood swings, ranging from high energy to extreme agitation or irritability, may be indicative of substance use.

Even if this is true in your state, you are not required to speak with law enforcement if you do not want to. In states without mandatory reporting, emergency department staff should ask if you would like them to notify the police. This withdrawal from social activities can be a result of the person prioritizing their drug use over other aspects of their life. It is important to pay attention to any significant changes in a person’s social behavior and reach out to offer support and understanding. It’s important to remember that these signs can vary among individuals.

“At least 50% of sexual assaults involve alcohol consumption by the perpetrator and/or victim,” Michonski said. You may change your mind at a later point when you feel safer or if you learn about other crimes this person has committed. The rape kit/tox panel establishes a chain how to know if someone drugged you of custody for evidence and preserves evidence that otherwise would rapidly deteriorate if not collected, analyzed, and documented.

If you start feeling strange at a social event, request to be put in a safe place away from the crowd so you’re not in further danger from the perpetrator. Contact emergency services immediately before your symptoms get out of hand. The people around you are invaluable for noticing your roofie symptoms and getting you the necessary assistance, so use alcohol and other recreational drugs around people you trust. You should also have easy access to emergency contacts who can quickly aid you if you get roofied. As soon as possible, tell someone you trust or a bystander that you think you’ve been drugged, so that you can make a record of whatever you remember and get medical care, Michonski said.

Unfortunately, the bar had no cameras near the drink station, so there was no way to identify whoever had drugged them. One month before his high school graduation in 2007, Migdalia and Henry Rivera’s son Alex was killed by a drugged driver. “When they give somebody a breathalyzer, they calibrate it right on the spot,” he said.

People struggling with substance abuse may frequently call in sick or arrive late to work or school. These absences may be more frequent and prolonged than usual, and they may struggle to provide a valid explanation for their attendance issues. Chronic absenteeism or tardiness can be a red flag for potential drug use.

Mixing Dextromethorphan and Alcohol Effects

Initially approved by the FDA in 1958, the drug is one of the most common ingredients in over-the-counter medications for cough. Experts think the drug acts on the brain to suppress the cough reflex but are unsure exactly how it works. Although DXM is structurally similar to opioids, it works on different receptors in the brain than opioids. Nonetheless, about 1.5 million Americans misuse DXM and other cough medications to get high. Alcohol can increase the nervous system side effects of dextromethorphan such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating.

  • It’s unclear how safe the drugs would be for a person of normal weight, Klein said.
  • Dextromethorphan has a half-life of around 2 to 4 hours, meaning it takes about 24 hours for the drug to be fully eliminated from your system.
  • Initially approved by the FDA in 1958, the drug is one of the most common ingredients in over-the-counter medications for cough.
  • Completing an assessment at a medical or addiction facility will provide the person in need with a professional recommendation based on usage.
  • This amount is calibrated to produce the best possible effects without getting the consumer intoxicated or putting them at risk of overdose.

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DXM works by affecting the brain’s cough center in the medulla, which is responsible for triggering the cough reflex. By altering the signals sent alcohol and dextromethorphan to this area, DXM reduces the urge to cough. At higher doses, DXM acts on the NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptors in the brain. This interaction can lead to dissociative and psychoactive effects, including altered perceptions and hallucinations.

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Anton also said he’d like to see data on whether side effects like nausea and fatigue had an effect on alcohol drinking, and also whether there was a correlation between weight loss and drinking reduction. In the study, participants on semaglutide lost about 5% of their body weight over nine weeks. Although exciting, these data are preliminary and there is a need to learn more. Being well-informed about potential health risks and exercising caution is key to safely using cough drops with alcohol. When in doubt, it is best to abstain from drinking when taking any kind of medication. These harmful side effects can occur at lower doses of DXM when it is mixed with alcohol.

For those struggling with misuse or addiction, seeking professional treatment from facilities like The Recovery Village can provide the necessary support for recovery. Overuse or abuse of DXM can result in serious side effects, including severe agitation, hallucinations, impaired motor function, and potentially dangerous conditions like seizures or respiratory depression. It is also important to recognize that DXM presents some abuse risks. At high doses, DXM can produce effects such as euphoria, hallucinations, and a dissociative state. This has led to its misuse, especially among adolescents and young adults seeking recreational effects. Dextromethorphan is largely considered safe for most healthy adults when used as indicated.

Is It Safe to Mix Cocaine and Xanax? Dangers, Effects & Treatment

Another side effect of Ozempic is an increased risk of pancreatitis. To lower the risk of pancreatitis, you should avoid excessive alcohol use during Ozempic treatment. One of the ways Ozempic works is by slowing the movement of food through your stomach. If combined with alcohol, this can cause digestive side effects such as nausea or vomiting.

Misusing either substance alone can be dangerous enough, but taking them together amplifies this risk and reinforces addictive behaviors. “Before considering semaglutide as an off-label treatment for AUD, more research is needed to determine its long-term effectiveness, optimal dosing, and safety in patients with severe alcohol dependency,” said Isaac. Researchers also reported that the significance of semaglutide’s positive effects on several drinking outcomes was relatively greater than what is normally seen with existing AUD medications. Male participants had a history of drinking more than 14 drinks per week, and two or more heavy drinking episodes of five or more drinks. Also known as alcoholism, AUD has been linked to an increased risk for many diseases, including heart disease, liver disease, osteoporosis, dementia, and digestive issues.

Dextromethorphan and Alcohol/Food Interactions

  • Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly have been slower to pursue addiction indications for the medicines, while running trials proving their cardiovascular benefits, effects on kidney disease, heart failure and sleep apnea.
  • For those struggling with misuse or addiction, seeking professional treatment from facilities like The Recovery Village can provide the necessary support for recovery.
  • But at higher doses, particularly at those used recreationally, it starts to have some opposite effects.
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  • It is often combined with other ingredients such as antihistamines, decongestants, or pain relievers in multi-symptom cold and flu medications.
  • Each volunteer was randomly assigned to receive weekly semaglutide injections or a placebo.
  • The drug is sometimes mixed with soda or candy to mask the unpleasant taste of cough syrup.

And Lilly’s CEO told an audience at an event in December that the company planned to start large studies in alcohol abuse, nicotine use and drug abuse this year. And, Anton said, those seeking treatment generally drink more than people in this trial reported – seven to eight drinks per day, and often much more, on the majority of days. The trial found that semaglutide didn’t appear to affect how many days out of the week people chose to drink alcohol – just that when they drank, they drank less.

As codeine cough syrup became more restricted, ingredients shifted to DXM-based cough syrups. What’s more, in the second half of the experiment, people on semaglutide reported drinking about 30 percent fewer drinks on the days they drank versus their baseline drinking habits. People on placebo dropped their drink count on drinking days only a smidge.

The term “robotripping” refers to getting high on DXM from cough syrups like Robitussin. “Skittling” involves taking large amounts of Coricidin HBP pills, known as “skittles” for their bright colors. While these products are safe and effective when used as directed, they can be extremely dangerous in high doses. Some extract the DXM via simple chemical processes described online. Lastly, even those who take DXM as directed are at risk when mixing it with alcohol.

Effects of alcohol

Smokers in the study who got the semaglutide also cut back on cigarettes, noted Luba Yammine of UTHealth Houston, who is leading other research on GLP-1 drugs for people who want to quit smoking. It’s unclear how safe the drugs would be for a person of normal weight, Klein said. The study also found a 40% lower rate of opioid overdose among people with opioid use disorder who were using GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic.

Tips for safe alcohol use while taking cough drops

It is critical for individuals to understand the severe risks of mixing dextromethorphan with alcohol and to avoid the combination to prevent life-threatening consequences. In fact, mixing DXM with alcohol can lead to serious health risks due to the synergistic depressant effects both drugs will have on the central nervous system. When these substances are mixed, individuals may experience heightened side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, and impaired judgment. Some people intentionally drink alcohol while taking DXM to intensify the high and dissociative effects. Teens consume DXM at parties where people are drinking alcohol, often without understanding the risks involved.