Recognizing Drug Paraphernalia

 In 1979, the Drug Enforcement Administration helped enact legislation (called the Paraphernalia Law) that made it a crime to possess drug paraphernalia with the intention of using it to ingest an illegal substance (Read Drug Scheduling and the DEA).  Although it may be possible for someone to argue that they did not intend to use it for drugs, possession of many of the items listed below will raise the suspicion of law enforcement officials (Read Legal Problems? 10 Questions for a Criminal Attorney).  Importantly, the paraphernalia described in this article are not listed by type of drug because some substances can be administered in a few different ways (Read Method of Administration: Why “How” Matters).

Intravenous (IV) Injection (aka “Shooting up”) (Read The Dangers of IV Drug Use)

Drugs: heroin, morphine, crack cocaine, Oxycontin and other prescription medications that are being abused

Hypodermic Syringes – These look like syringes you might see in a hospital or other health-care facility (Read Needle-Exchange Programs: A Harm-Reduction Approach).  By delivering the substance directly into the blood stream, the addict can reach a faster, more intense high.

Tourniquets –  In order to make veins more easily visible, addicts will use pieces of cloth or bands of rubber to constrict circulation.

Spoons – Especially in the case of drugs that need to be heated and dissolved (like crack) prior to injection, addicts may use a spoon for this purpose.

Lighters – For heating a substance before injecting; see spoons above.

Sterile Swabs – Addicts who are being careful not to contract diseases will sterilize the injection site.

Smoking

Drugs: crack, tobacco, opium, crystal meth, PCP, marijuana and other plants 

Bongs (aka Water Pipes) – Although legally bongs can only be sold for use with tobacco products, they are often utilized for other drugs, especially marijuana.  Bongs have become so popular that many are artistically designed. Still, all bongs will have a mouthpiece and a place to put the substance that is being smoked (the smoke is directed through water and bubbles up to the mouthpiece).

Pipes – Pipes for smoking crack will often look like a clear glass tube.

Papers – For rolling the substance to be smoked, if smoking like a cigarette.

Lighters

Snorting (cocaine, heroin, meth, Ecstasy, ketamine, any crushed prescription medicine)

Mirrors – Although a desperate addict will use any surface, mirrors tend to be smooth (easier to make lines on) and the substance will not stick to it (meaning more for the addict).  They also come in many sizes and are easily transportable.

Rolled Paper or Straws – These can help an addict direct the substance into their nose without missing any.  Sharing straws has been shown to put users at risk for contracting Hepatitis C.

Razor Blades – For chopping the substance into a fine powder and assembling into “lines” that can be snorted.

I’ve found some of these items in a loved one’s possession.  How can I intervene?

Contact an eDrugRehab professional today to discuss their options for rehab and arrange an intervention if necessary.  The toll-free number is 1-866-902-0610.