Drug Influence Evaluation: The DRE Drug Matrix
A diagnostic observatory for the symptomology matrix.
An interactive educational reference that transforms a dense symptomology matrix into a dynamic experience for learning and comparing commonly recognized drug-category indicators.
What Is the DRE Drug Matrix?
A Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) Drug Matrix is an educational category reference for comparing how observed indicators are organized across seven drug categories. It brings eye signs, pupil response, vital signs, muscle tone, and category-specific reference information into one side-by-side framework.
The matrix compares category patterns. It does not identify a specific substance or establish impairment by itself. The interactive observatory below is a presentation layer over the complete reference data available on this page.
How to Read the Drug Influence Indicator Matrix
- Step 1
Choose a category or indicator. Use the observatory to focus the comparison on the part of the matrix you want to examine.
- Step 2
Compare the source-derived entries. Review the matrix values together with the relevant general indicators, duration, administration methods, and overdose signs.
- Step 3
Read the reference notes. Check the normal ranges, pupil-size guide, footnotes, and source-transcription notes before interpreting an entry.
The Seven Drug Categories
The seven categories shown in this resource are CNS Depressants, CNS Stimulants, Hallucinogens, Dissociative Anesthetics, Narcotic Analgesic, Inhalants, and Cannabis.
The Nine Core Indicators
The nine core matrix rows compare Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN), Vertical Gaze Nystagmus (VGN), Lack of Convergence (LOC), pupil size, reaction to light, pulse rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and muscle tone. General Indicators appears separately as additional category-specific reference information.
What the Matrix Cannot Establish
The Drug Matrix is an educational category-reference tool. A listed pattern cannot, by itself, identify a specific substance or establish that a person was impaired. This page is not a substitute for professional training, medical evaluation, toxicology, or individualized legal analysis.
ALL INFORMATION IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL TRAINING.
Explore the DRE Drug Matrix
Five interactive modes for exploring the symptomology matrix — every value from the source chart is available as text, not just as a visual.
Pupil Size
Normal(1)
Drug Category Details
CNS Depressants
General Indicators
- UNCOORDINATED
- DISORIENTED
- SLURRED
- THICK, SLURRED SPEECH
- CRIMPED LIKE WET SAND
- GAIT ATAXIA
- DROWSINESS
- DROWSINESS
- DROOPY EYES
- FLUSHED (7)
- *NOTE: With METHAQUALONE pupils will be dilated and body temperature be elevated.
- COCAINE, (8) QUAALUDES and certain anti-depressants elevate pupils.
- SOMA, (9) QUAALUDES and certain anti-depressants dilate pupils.
Duration of Effects
- BARBITURATES: 1–6 Hours
- TRANQUILIZERS: 4–8 Hours
- METHAQUALONE: 4–6 Hours
Methods of Administration
- Oral
- Injected (Parenterally)
Overdose Signs
- Shallow Breathing
- Cold, Clammy Skin
- Pupils Dilated
- Pulse Weak
- Coma
CNS Stimulants
General Indicators
- RESTLESSNESS
- BODY TREMORS
- EXCITED
- DIAPHORETIC
- TALKATIVE
- EXAGGERATED REFLEXES
- ANOREXIC
- GRINDING TEETH (BRUXISM)
- NONSENSICAL
- NASAL AREA
- RUNNY NOSE
- LOSS OF APPETITE
- INSOMNIA
- INCREASED ALERTNESS
- DRY MOUTH
- IRRITABILITY
- * rebound dilation
Duration of Effects
- COCAINE: 15–60 Minutes
- AMPHETAMINES: 4–6 Hours
- METH-AMPHETAMINES: 12 Hours
Methods of Administration
- Insufflation (Sniffed)
- Smoked
- Injected
- Oral
Overdose Signs
- Agitation
- Increase Body Temperature
- Convulsions
- Coma
Hallucinogens
General Indicators
- DAZED APPEARANCE
- BODY TREMORS
- SYNESTHESIA
- HALLUCINATIONS
- PARANOIA
- UNCOORDINATED
- NAUSEA
- DISORIENTED
- DIFFICULTY IN SPEECH (10)
- PERCEPTION
- POOR PERCEPTION OF TIME AND DISTANCE
- MEMORY LOSS
- DISORIENTATION
- FLASHBACKS
- * NOTE: With LSD Flashbacks may be observed.
- Hidden bumps, hair standing on ends.
- * rebound dilation
Duration of Effects
- Duration varies widely from one HALLUCINOGEN to another
Methods of Administration
- Oral
- Insufflation
- Smoked
- Injected (Parenteral)
Overdose Signs
- Long Intense Trip
Dissociative Anesthetics
General Indicators
- PERSIRING
- WARM TO THE TOUCH
- BLANK STARES
- VERY EARLY, ANGLE OF ONSET
- DIFFICULTY IN SPEECH
- INCOHERENT, VERBAL RESPONSES
- REPETITIVE SPEECH
- INCREASED PAIN THRESHOLD
- CYCLIC BEHAVIOR
- CONFUSED
- AGITATED
- HALLUCINATIONS
- POSSIBLE VIOLENT & COMBATIVE
- CHEMICAL ODOR
- “LOON WALKING”
Duration of Effects
- ONSET: 1–4 Minutes
- PEAK EFFECTS: 15–30 Minutes
- EXHIBITS EFFECTS: Up to 6 Hours
Methods of Administration
- Smoked
- Oral
- Insufflated
- Injected
- Eye Drops
Overdose Signs
- Long Intense Trip
Narcotic Analgesic
General Indicators
- DROOPY EYELIDS
- PTOSIS
- “ON THE NOD”
- DROWSINESS
- DEPRESSED REFLEXES
- LOW, RASPY, SLOW SPEECH
- DRY MOUTH
- FACIAL ITCHING
- EUPHORIA
- FRESH PUNCTURE MARKS
- NAUSEA
- TRACK MARKS
- * NOTE: Tolerant users exhibit initially similar psychomotor impairment
Duration of Effects
- HEROIN: 4–6 Hours
- METHADONE: Up to 24 Hours
- Other: Vary
Methods of Administration
- Injected
- Oral
- Smoked
- Insufflated
Overdose Signs
- Slow, Shallow Breathing
- Clammy Skin
- Coma
- Convulsions
Inhalants
General Indicators
- RESIDUE OF SUBSTANCE AROUND NOSE & MOUTH
- ODOR OF SUBSTANCE
- POSSIBLE NAUSEA
- SLURRED SPEECH
- DISORIENTATION
- CONFUSION
- BLOODSHOT, WATERY EYES,
- LACK OF MUSCLE CONTROL
- FLUSHED FACE
- NON-COMMUNICATIVE
- INTENSE HEADACHES
- *may have rotound dilation*
- *NOTE: ANESTHETIC GASES cause below normal blood pressure. SOLVENTS blood pressure
Duration of Effects
- MOST VOLATILE SOLVENTS: 6–8 Hours
- ANESTHETIC GASES & AEROSOLS: Very Short
Methods of Administration
- Insufflated (Sniffed)
- Inhaled (Holistically, been taken orally)
Overdose Signs
- Coma
Cannabis
General Indicators
- MARKED REDDENING OF CONJUNCTIVAE
- ODOR OF MARIJUANA
- BURNS IN MOUTH
- BODY TREMORS
- FIXED TREMORS
- DILATED
- TIME DRAG
- INCREASED APPETITE
- PARANOIA
- PERCEPTION OF TIME & DISTANCE
- DISORIENTATION
- POSSIBLE PARANOIA
- rebound dilation
Duration of Effects
- EXHIBITS EFFECTS: 2–3 Hours
- May Last 6 Hours up to 24 Hours with the awareness of effects.
Methods of Administration
- Smoked
- Oral
Overdose Signs
- Fatigue
- Paranoia
Pin 2–3 categories
| Indicator | CNS Depressants | CNS Stimulants |
|---|---|---|
| HGN | Present | None |
| Vertical Gaze Nystagmus | Present (High Dose) | None |
| Lack of Convergence | Present | None |
| Pupil Size | Normal(1) | Dilated |
| Reaction to Light | Slow | Slow |
| Pulse Rate | Down(2) | Up |
| Blood Pressure | Down | Up |
| Body Temperature | Normal | Up |
| Muscle Tone | Flaccid | Rigid |
| General Indicators |
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| Duration of Effects |
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| Methods of Administration |
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| Overdose Signs |
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Scroll horizontally to view all seven categories →
| Indicator | CNS Depressants | CNS Stimulants | Hallucinogens | Dissociative Anesthetics | Narcotic Analgesic | Inhalants | Cannabis |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HGN | Present | None | None | Present | None | Present (High Dose) | None |
| Vertical Gaze Nystagmus | Present (High Dose) | None | None | Present | None | Present (High Dose) | None |
| Lack of Convergence | Present | None | None | Present | None | Present | Present |
| Pupil Size | Normal(1) | Dilated | Dilated | Normal | Constricted | Normal(4) | Dilated(6) |
| Reaction to Light | Slow | Slow | Normal(3) | Normal | Little or none visual | Slow | Normal |
| Pulse Rate | Down(2) | Up | Up | Up | Down | Up | Up |
| Blood Pressure | Down | Up | Up | Up | Down | Up / Down(5) | Up |
| Body Temperature | Normal | Up | Up | Up | Down | Up / Down / Normal | Normal |
| Muscle Tone | Flaccid | Rigid | Rigid | Rigid | Flaccid | Flaccid / Normal | Normal |
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Reference Ranges, Pupil Size, and Footnotes
Normal Reference Ranges
- Pulse: 60–90 BEATS PER MINUTE
- Blood Pressure: 120–140 SYSTOLIC · 70–90 DIASTOLIC
- Body Temperature: 98.6°–99.6° DEGREES
Pupil Size Guide
- AVG. 4.0mm — Range: 2.5–6.0mm
- AVG. 5.5mm — Range: 5.0–6.5mm
- AVG. 3.0mm — Range: 2.0–4.5mm
Light Conditions (PULSE RATE (per source label))
- ROOM LIGHT
- NEAR TOTAL DARKNESS — AVG. 4.0mm
- DIRECT LIGHT — AVG. 3.0mm
Matrix Footnotes
THESE INDICATORS ARE THE MOST CONSISTENT WITH THE CATEGORY. KEEP IN MIND THAT THERE MAY BE VARIATIONS DUE TO INDIVIDUAL REACTION, TAKEN AND DRUG INTERACTIONS.
- (1) SOMA, QUAALUDES and certain anti-depressants Usually dilate pupils
- (2) QUAALUDES and ETOH and certain anti-depressants may elevate
- (3) Certain PROVIGORIC & AMPHETAMINES cause slowing
- (4) Normal but may be dilated
- (5) Down with ANESTHETIC GASES, but up with VOLATILE SOLVENTS and AEROSOLS
- (6) Pot uses potentials normal
- (7) All classes
- (9) SOMA, QUAALUDES, certain anti-depressants
- (10) Normal but may be slurred
Footnote 8 is referenced in the supplied matrix, but no corresponding footnote text is present in the source image.
Important Notice
ALL INFORMATION IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL TRAINING.
Source Transcription Notes
- — Footnote 8 is referenced in the supplied matrix, but no corresponding footnote text is present in the source image.
- — The inhalants general-indicators note ends with “SOLVENTS blood pressure” in the source image (sentence appears incomplete).
- — The source normal-ranges panel labels a pupil/light-condition subsection “Pulse Rate.” Presented under the Pupil Size Guide here for clarity.
- — Unusual source wording (e.g., “PERSIRING,” “PROVIGORIC,” “Holistically, been taken orally,” duplicate “DROWSINESS” entries) has been preserved rather than guessed.
Publisher Docket
About This Drug Matrix Resource
- Published by
- Published by The DUI Gyal.
- Educational purpose
- Category-based reference for comparing the matrix’s drug-influence indicators.
- Source status
- The originating publication details for the client-provided reference matrix have not yet been independently verified. No agency attribution is claimed unless the original source document can be verified.
- Editorial handling
- Source-derived values, qualifiers, footnotes, ambiguities, and unusual spellings are preserved rather than silently corrected — see the source transcription notes.
- Page last updated
- .
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