Rabun County Sheriff’s Office

Drug Prevention

Learn about substance abuse, warning signs, prescription drug safety, overdose response, and how to report drug activity in Rabun County.

What Is Substance Abuse?

Alcoholism, drug dependence, and addiction are often referred to as substance use disorders. These are complex medical issues, not simply character flaws or moral failings. Most researchers now view substance dependence as a long-term illness, much like asthma, hypertension, or diabetes.

Substance use disorder can affect anyone. Genetics, environment, stress, and psychological factors can all play a role. Long-term drug and alcohol use can also change the brain in lasting ways, which helps explain why some people develop dependence while others do not.

Recognizing Warning Signs

It can be difficult to distinguish normal stress or mood changes from signs of drug use. These warning signs may indicate unhealthy substance use in a teenager or family member.

School or Work Problems

  • Frequently missing school or work
  • Sudden disinterest in activities
  • Drop in grades or work performance

Physical Health Changes

  • Lack of energy or motivation
  • Weight loss or gain
  • Red eyes or other physical changes

Behavior or Money Issues

  • Secretive behavior or sudden attitude changes
  • Drastic changes in friendships
  • Unexplained requests for money or missing items

Common Drug Categories & Signs

Different substances can produce different symptoms. The categories below summarize some of the warning signs described in your source material.

Opioids

  • Reduced sense of pain
  • Drowsiness or sedation
  • Slurred speech
  • Constricted pupils
  • Needle marks or nose sores

Meth, Cocaine & Stimulants

  • Excess energy or restlessness
  • Rapid speech
  • Dilated pupils
  • Paranoia or aggression
  • Insomnia or depression afterward

Marijuana & Cannabis

  • Red eyes
  • Dry mouth
  • Slowed reaction time
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Unusual food cravings

Inhalants

  • Dizziness
  • Slurred speech
  • Poor coordination
  • Lingering chemical odor
  • Rash around nose and mouth

Hallucinogens & Club Drugs

  • Hallucinations
  • Paranoia
  • Behavior changes
  • Poor judgment
  • Memory loss or confusion

K2, Spice & Bath Salts

  • Extreme anxiety or agitation
  • Hallucinations
  • Paranoia
  • Elevated heart rate
  • Psychotic or violent behavior

Prescription Drug Safety

  • Do not share your opioids or other medications with anyone.
  • Do not take someone else’s prescription medication.
  • Store medications securely and out of sight.
  • Safely dispose of expired, unused, or unwanted medications.
  • Read the prescription label carefully every time.
  • Count pills and check that they match the label description.
  • Take medication only as directed by your prescribing medical professional.
  • Do not crush pills unless your doctor or pharmacist instructs you to do so.

If something goes wrong, contact your doctor immediately. If too large a dose is taken or the wrong medication is used, call 911 or poison control at 800-222-1222 right away.

Store It Safely. Dispose of It Properly.

Storage Tips

  • Keep prescription painkillers and medications out of sight.
  • Keep them out of reach of children and teens.
  • Use a lockbox, safe, or locked medicine cabinet when possible.

Disposal Tips

  • Never flush medications or pour them down the drain.
  • Use a drug take-back program or collection event whenever possible.
  • Contact local law enforcement to see what items are accepted.

Reporting & Emergency Help

If someone is unresponsive and not breathing, call 911 immediately. If you need to report drug activity, contact the Rabun County Sheriff’s Office drug investigator at 706-960-9857 or the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office at 706-348-7410. You can remain anonymous when providing information.

Georgia pharmacists may also dispense naloxone without a prescription under state law. If opioid overdose is a concern in your household or community, ask a pharmacist about naloxone availability.

Drug Prevention FAQ

Helpful answers to common questions about substance abuse, prescription safety, overdose response, and getting help.

What are some signs of addiction in a family member?

Possible signs include problems at school or work, physical health changes such as low energy or weight changes, neglected appearance, secretive behavior, sudden relationship changes, and unexplained money issues or missing valuables.

How do I use prescription drugs appropriately?

Only take medications as prescribed, never share them, never take someone else’s prescription, store them securely, and dispose of unused medications properly. Always read the label, verify the pills match the label description, and ask your pharmacist questions before leaving the pharmacy.

What should I ask my doctor about a prescription?

You should ask what the medication does, how long to take it, whether dependence or addiction is possible, what side effects to watch for, whether the dosage is specific to you, what foods or drinks to avoid, what to do if you miss a dose, and whether non-narcotic alternatives are available.

How should I store prescription painkillers?

Keep them out of sight and out of reach, especially if children or teens are in the home. A lockbox, safe, or locked medicine cabinet is one of the most effective ways to prevent misuse or accidental use.

How do I dispose of unwanted prescription drugs?

Do not flush medications or pour them down the drain. Use a drug take-back program, collection event, or approved local law enforcement drop-off option whenever possible.

What should I do if someone may be overdosing on opioids?

Call 911 immediately. If the person is unresponsive and not breathing, emergency medical help is critical. In Georgia, naloxone may be available from a pharmacist without a prescription.

Someone is distressed and may be on drugs. What should I do?

Call 911 and report that the person is unresponsive and not breathing, if applicable, and provide a clear location. Immediate medical help should always come first.

I or someone I know is using drugs. What can I do?

If someone is in crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK. You can also encourage your friend or loved one to speak with a trusted adult, share educational resources, and protect your own well-being by stepping back from situations where drugs are being used.

How do I report drug activity in Rabun County?

To report drug activity, call the Rabun County Sheriff’s Office drug investigator at 706-960-9857 or the Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office at 706-348-7410. You can remain anonymous while providing information.