after extremely high doses. This state clears as the user eliminates the drug from the body. A person under the influence of marijuana has a harder time making decisions that require clear thinking; therefore, the user becomes more open to other people's suggestions. Since marijuana affects people’s reflexes and thinking, their performance of some tasks while under the influence of the drug is dangerous, such as driving. ABUSER IDENTIFICATION Drug abuse in its various forms can produce identifiable effects. However, persons taking drugs under a physician’s instructions may sometimes experience side effects that may be mistaken as signs of drug abuse. For example, such disorders as epilepsy, diabetes, or asthma may require maintenance drug therapy that will produce low-level side effects; or a person might be drowsy from taking a nonprescription product, such as an antihistamine. Many people use legitimate  drugs  following  a  physician’s instructions–but without the knowledge of their associates. Therefore, finding tablets, capsules, or other forms of drugs on a person suspected of being an abuser does not necessarily mean the drugs are narcotics or some other dangerous drug. A clue to the possibility of drug abuse comes with seeing the same symptoms over and over again. No instant tests exist for identification of most drugs. The only way many drugs can be identified is through a series of complicated laboratory procedures performed by a trained technician. Simple visual inspection cannot be relied upon for drug identification. Many potent drugs that are misused arc identical in appearance to relatively harmless drugs-many of which people can easily get without a prescription. Not all drug abuse-related character changes appear harmful in the initial stages. For example, a person who is normally bored and sleepy may, while using amphetamines, become more alert and thereby improve performance. A nervous, high-strung person may, while using barbiturates, be more imperative and easier to manage. Consequent y, you must not look only for changes for the worse, but you must look for any sudden changes in behavior. The cause could be drug abuse. Signs that may suggest drug abuse include sudden and dramatic changes in discipline and job performance, unusual degrees of activity or inactivity, and sudden displays of emotion. Abusers may show significant changes for the worse in personal appearance; they often become indifferent to their appearance and health habits. Other more specific signs should also arouse suspicion, especially if a person exhibits more than one of these signs. Among them is secretive behavior regarding actions and possessions (fear of discovery). For example, abusers may wear sunglasses at inappropriate times and places to hide dilated or constricted pupils; they may also wear long-sleeve garments, even on hot days, to hide needle marks. Of course, when a person associates with known drug abusers, that is a sign of potential trouble. Because of the expense of supporting a drug habit, abusers may try to borrow money from a number of people. If they fail to get money that way, abusers will often steal items, such as cameras, radios, or jewelry, that can easily be converted to cash. Persons with a severe habit will use drugs while on duty. In such cases, you may find them at odd times in places such as closets or storage rooms. Generally, drugs have indirect harmful effects. Because abusers may not feel hungry, they often suffer from malnutrition; and because they are so involved with taking the drug, they usually neglect themselves. They are more likely to contract infections because of their poor nutrition and because they may inject contaminated drugs intravenously. They are also likely to use poor or unsterile injection techniques. That may result in serious or fatal septicemia (blood-poisoning), hepatitis, and abscesses at the point of injection as well as in internal organs. Contaminated needles are also known to spread AIDS. Although you may have difficulty recognizing drug abusers, you should take the steps needed to provide them with help when you realize they have a drug problem. Spotting drug abuse in its early stages (when professional help can be effective) can result in the rehabilitation of many potential hard-core addicts. Urinalysis Testing The Navy has adopted the use of urinalysis testing as a major means of detecting and deterring drug abuse. The main objective of urinalysis testing programs is to detect and deter abuse. This ensures the continued visibility of the command’s drug abuse program. The term random sampling applies to any command urinalysis testing program in which the individuals to be tested are selected at random. All members, regardless 3-13