Use of recreational drugs, over the counter medications or prescription drugs can lead to substance use issues. It can frequently lead to problems at work, home, school, and in relationships, and leave the user feeling isolated, helpless, or shamed. If you’re worried about your own or a loved one’s drug use, it’s helpful to know the warning signs and more importantly, that help is available and treatment works.

Common signs and symptoms of drug abuse

• Neglecting responsibilities at school, work, or home
• Risk taking when you’re using, such as driving, having unprotected sex
• Legal trouble, such as arrests for disorderly conduct, driving under the influence

Physical warning signs of drug abuse

• Bloodshot eyes, pupils larger or smaller than usual
• Changes in appetite, sleep patterns, physical appearance
• Unusual smells on breath, body, or clothing, or impaired coordination

Behavioral signs of drug abuse

• Drop in attendance and performance at work or school
• Engaging in secretive or suspicious behaviors
• Sudden change in friends, favorite hangouts, and hobbies

Psychological warning signs of drug abuse

• Unexplained change in personality or attitude
• Sudden mood swings, irritability, spaced-out, or angry outbursts
• Appears fearful, anxious, or paranoid, with no reason

Recognizing there’s a problem is the first step on the road to recovery, which often takes tremendous courage and strength.  If you’re ready to face your addiction and are willing to seek help, you have the opportunity to build a satisfying, drug-free life for yourself.

For immediate help and information on treatment, contact the Redline
Phone: (800) 889-9789

Source: The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Inc.
The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. (NCADD) is a voluntary health organization dedicated to fighting the nation’s #1 health problem – alcoholism, drug addiction, and the devastating consequences of alcohol and other drugs on individuals, families, and communities.

In counties and communities across Tennessee, prevention coalitions are working to reduce dependence on harmful and potentially lethal substances such as prescription drugs, alcohol, and tobacco. These local efforts, funded by the State of Tennessee since 2008, help get the word out about the dangers and consequences of substance misuse.

“These coalitions are made up of people who care a lot for their communities and want to make them safer, and free of drugs. Their members include police officers, school teachers, doctors, nurses, elected leaders, mayors, council members, parents and students,” said E. Douglas Varney, former Commissioner for the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. “They are people who come from all walks of life, see what’s going on in their area, and then take action, informing citizens about potential threats, and to help prevent substance use.”

Regional Overdose Prevention Specialists (ROPS) are located throughout the state of Tennessee as a point of contact for training and education on opioid overdose and for overdose prevention through the distribution of naloxone.  From October 2017 to December 2019, the ROPS distributed more than 134,000 units of naloxone, and TDMHSAS has documented at least 13,400 lives saved because of naloxone distributed during that time.  Because of stigma and other factors, the department believes the actual number of lives saved is much higher.

Syringe services programs (SSPs) are community-based prevention programs that can provide a range of services, including linkage to substance use disorder treatment; access to and disposal of sterile syringes and injection equipment; and vaccination, testing, and linkage to care and treatment for infectious diseases.

SSPs protect the public and first responders by facilitating the safe disposal of used needles and syringes. Providing testing, counseling, and sterile injection supplies also helps prevent outbreaks of other diseases.

See the resources attached for more information and locations.

The Lifeline Peer Project is established to reduce stigma related to the disease of addiction and increase access to substance abuse recovery like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous meetings.

Lifeline Representatives help start Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Celebrate Recovery, and other self-help support groups. They help connect individuals with treatment and they speak publicly about their own personal experience with recovery.

A Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) is someone who has self-identified as being in recovery from mental illness, substance abuse, or co-occurring disorders of both mental illness and substance use disorder.  To become certified, a CPRS has completed specialized training recognized by the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services on how to provide peer recovery services based on the principles of recovery and resiliency.

Certified Peer Recovery Specialists can provide support to others with mental illness, substance abuse, or co- occurring disorder and help them achieve their personal recovery goals by promoting self-determination, personal responsibility, and the empowerment inherent in self-directed recovery.

Tennessee Recovery Navigators are people in longterm recovery who meet patients who have recently overdosed in the Emergency Department and connect them with the substance abuse treatment and recovery services they need. Navigators maintain a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) Certification in order to use their lived experience to help others find recovery. In total, the TN Recovery Navigators have worked with 2,275 patients from 77 Tennessee counties since the program began (through 12-31-19).

Count It! Lock It! Drop It!® (CLD), a comprehensive community plan for prescription drug misuse prevention, is based in Coffee County, Tenn. The program stems from the Coffee County Anti-Drug Coalition (CCADC), whose mission is to create a safe and drug-free local community.

Now, with support from the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Health Foundation and the community at large, the initiative is launching a statewide effort to combat the misuse of prescription pain medication.

CLD is focused on community outreach and education to reduce prescription drug misuse and addiction. With Tennessee’s ranking third in the nation in prescribing opioids, it is CLD’s mission to make the community aware of the risks and dangers associated with the prescription drug misuse epidemic.

Prescription drug take-back boxes provide a place where unused prescription drugs can be safely disposed. These permanent boxes prevent prescription and over-the-counter medications from getting into the hands of children and into the waterways. They make sure they are disposed of in a safe, environmentally-friendly manner. Medication collection events and programs are part of a nationwide effort to reduce the amount of pharmaceutical products being flushed or poured down drains.

The Tennessee REDLINE is the 24/7/365 resource for substance abuse treatment referrals.  Anyone can call or text 800-889-9789 for confidential referrals.