Drug Paraphernalia Associated with Opiates
- Sunglasses worn to hide small pupils
- Long sleeves worn even in hot weather to cover track marks from needles
- Pouches used to carry tools such as syringes and spoons
- Foil, glassine envelopes or paper bundles used as containers
- Piles of burned matches or many lighters used to heat drugs prior to injection
- Bloody tissues used to clean injection sites
Opiate addicts often try to conceal the signs of their drug use, especially their paraphernalia. Common places that addicts hide their goods include the following locations:
- Between books
- CD cases
- Inside over-the-counter medication packages
- Under floorboards
- Inside empty food cans or jars
- Inside lipstick tubes with false bottoms
According to the United States Code Controlled Substances Act, it is illegal to transport or sell drug paraphernalia. Enforcing this law is difficult, because so many items used to stash drugs such as opiates are legally available. Furthermore, many items can be sold under different names. While shops may refuse to sell bongs, they may readily sell the same items, but call them water pipes.
Things to Consider
What to Do If You Find Opiate-Related Paraphernalia
Finding drug-related paraphernalia can be shocking, but if you do find these things, then the best way to help your loved one is to respond in the following ways:
- Keep calm. Feelings of fear, anxiety and anger are normal, but they will not help you resolve the situation. Adjust to the shock as quickly as possible by venting to a trusted friend or counselor.
- Brace for an attack. A drug addict may accuse a loved one of snooping if the concerned party searches the addict’s room. Be prepared to defend your actions and explain that your loved one’s safety is more important than his privacy.
- Maximize the opportunity. Confronting a loved one with evidence may break through her denial and start the recovery process.
Opiate abuse is a serious problem that requires professional expertise. Getting help early improves treatment outcomes, so do not delay taking action if you recognize a problem with opiate abuse.
Help for Opiate Addiction
If you or a loved one suffer from opiate addiction, we can help. Recovery counselors are available at our toll-free, 24 hour helpline right now, and they can guide you to wellness and affordable solutions. Please call today and take the first step toward a life of health and wholeness. You can live a drug-free life if you reach out for help.