This article will explore:
- Pupils on drugs can show significant changes, revealing the effects of different substances.
- The size and behavior of pupils of different drugs can vary, with some causing dilation and others causing constriction.
- Understanding why drugs affect your pupils helps explain how substances impact the central nervous system.
- Pupils on opiates are typically constricted, while stimulants may cause dilation, signaling the body’s reaction to the drug.
Our eyes can reveal a lot about what’s happening inside our bodies. One of the most significant indicators of drug use and intoxication is the change in pupil size. But what exactly do pupils on drugs tell us? The size and reaction of your pupils can vary greatly depending on the substance you’ve consumed, giving insight into how drugs affect the brain and nervous system. Whether pupils become dilated, constricted, or fail to respond to light, these changes are often a direct result of the drug’s impact on the body.
Why Do Drugs Affect Your Pupils?
Pupils, the black circular openings in the center of your eyes, control the amount of light that enters the eye. Normally, pupils dilate (get larger) in low light to allow more light in and constrict (get smaller) in bright light to protect the eyes from excess light.
Drugs, however, can interfere with the nervous system’s control of the pupils, causing abnormal reactions that don’t align with the surrounding environment. When a person uses drugs, their body’s normal pupil response can become altered because of how the substances interact with neurotransmitters in the brain. Some drugs stimulate the nervous system, causing the pupils to dilate, while others depress it, leading to constricted pupils.
Pupils of Different Drugs: How They React
The pupils of different drugs react in unique ways depending on the substance taken. Some drugs cause the pupils to expand significantly, while others cause them to shrink. Here’s a breakdown of how various types of drugs affect the pupils:
Stimulants (e.g., Cocaine, Amphetamines)
Stimulants like cocaine and amphetamines cause the pupils to dilate. This is because these substances activate the body’s “fight or flight” response, which triggers the release of adrenaline, causing the pupils to enlarge. Large, dilated pupils are a common sign of stimulant use.
Opiates (e.g., Heroin, Oxycodone)
In contrast to stimulants, pupils on opiates are usually constricted, often referred to as “pinpoint pupils.” Opiates depress the central nervous system, slowing down bodily functions, including pupil dilation. Constricted pupils that don’t respond to changes in light can be a key indicator of opiate use.
Hallucinogens (e.g., LSD, Psilocybin)
Hallucinogenic drugs tend to cause extreme dilation of the pupils. These substances affect serotonin levels in the brain, which in turn alters the body’s normal responses, including pupil size. When someone is using hallucinogens, their pupils may appear extremely large, even in bright environments.
Marijuana
Marijuana can have a varied effect on the pupils. For some, marijuana use may cause slight dilation of the pupils, while others may not experience any noticeable change. Additionally, red or bloodshot eyes are a common effect of marijuana, as it causes the blood vessels in the eyes to expand.
Alcohol
While alcohol doesn’t typically cause major changes in pupil size, it can slow the pupils’ reaction to light. This delayed response is due to alcohol’s depressive effects on the brain and nervous system, making it harder for the eyes to adjust to light changes.
Benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax, Valium)
Benzodiazepines, which are prescribed to treat anxiety and sleep disorders, can cause the pupils to constrict slightly, though the effect is not as pronounced as with opiates. Because these drugs depress the central nervous system, they slow bodily functions, including pupil response.
How to Spot Drug Use by Observing Pupils
Learning how to see if someone is high by observing their pupils can help determine if they are under the influence of substances. Here are a few key things to look for:
- Dilated pupils: If someone’s pupils are significantly larger than normal, it could indicate the use of stimulants, hallucinogens, or marijuana.
- Constricted pupils: Small, pinpoint pupils are a telltale sign of opiate use or, in some cases, benzodiazepine use.
- Non-reactive pupils: If the pupils don’t respond to changes in light (remaining either dilated or constricted), this can indicate drug use that has impaired the nervous system.
While pupils can offer clues, they are just one piece of the puzzle. Behavioral changes, such as slurred speech, unsteady movements, or changes in mood, can provide additional context when trying to determine if someone is under the influence of drugs.
Pupils on Opiates: What to Watch For
One of the clearest indicators of opiate use is changes in the pupils. Pupils on opiates are typically small and don’t react to light in the way normal pupils would. Opiates like heroin, morphine, and prescription painkillers cause significant pupil constriction, which is a result of the drug’s impact on the brain’s control of the nervous system.
If you notice someone’s pupils are constantly constricted and unresponsive to light, it could be a sign they are using opiates. Along with constricted pupils, other signs of opiate use include drowsiness, slowed breathing, and confusion. Understanding these symptoms can be crucial for identifying opiate misuse and getting help before the situation escalates.
The Importance of Recognizing Drug-Induced Pupil Changes
Recognizing changes in pupil size is an important tool in identifying drug use. Whether the pupils are abnormally large or small, these changes reflect how substances are affecting the brain and nervous system. Understanding why drugs affect your pupils can help you better detect when someone may be using substances, allowing you to take appropriate action to offer help or seek treatment.
If you’re concerned about how drugs are affecting someone you care about or if you’re struggling with substance use yourself, seeking help is a critical step. Understanding the changes in pupils on drugs can help identify when someone may need intervention. At Inspire, we offer professional addiction treatment services to guide you or your loved one through recovery. Call us today at 866-536-4513 to learn more about our comprehensive programs and support options.
