Signs and Symptoms of Drug Use - American Council for Drug Education

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF DRUG USE

It’s important to remember that if a child displays any of the following symptoms, it doesn’t necessarily mean they are using drugs. Such behaviors may be a result of adolescent stress. Others could be symptoms of depression or a range of other issues. Whatever the cause, they may need attention, especially if they persist or occur in combination. Mental health is a complex and multifaceted subject. To better understand potential reasons for changes in adolescent behavior and to find effective ways to help, it is useful to familiarize oneself with research reviews and practical advice from experts. A mental health professional or caring adult armed with this knowledge can better support a young person in crisis and help them develop resilience skills, which often helps prevent further problems.

The key is change; it is important to watch for any significant changes in your child’s physical appearance, personality, attitude or behavior.

Physical Signs

Loss of appetite, increase in appetite, any changes in eating habits, unexplained weight loss or gain.

Slowed or staggering walk; poor physical coordination.

Inability to sleep, awake at unusual times, unusual laziness.

Red, watery eyes; pupils larger or smaller than usual; blank stare.

Cold, sweaty palms; shaking hands.

Puffy face, blushing or paleness.

Smell of substance on breath, body or clothes.

Extreme hyperactivity; excessive talkativeness.

Runny nose; hacking cough.

Needle marks on lower arm, leg or bottom of feet.

Nausea, vomiting or excessive sweating.

Tremors or shakes of hands, feet or head.

Irregular heartbeat.

Behavioral Signs

Change in overall attitude/personality with no other identifiable cause.

Changes in friends; new hang-outs; sudden avoidance of old crowd; doesn’t want to talk about new friends; friends are known drug users.

Change in activities or hobbies.

Drop in grades at school or performance at work; skips school or is late for school.

Change in habits at home; loss of interest in family and family activities.

Difficulty in paying attention; forgetfulness.

General lack of motivation, energy, self-esteem, “I don’t care” attitude.

Sudden oversensitivity, temper tantrums, or resentful behavior.

Moodiness, irritability, or nervousness.

Silliness or giddiness.

Paranoia

Excessive need for privacy; unreachable.

Secretive or suspicious behavior.

Car accidents.

Chronic dishonesty.

Unexplained need for money, stealing money or items.

Change in personal grooming habits.

Possession of drug paraphernalia.

Drug Specific Symptoms:

Marijuana: Glassy, red eyes; loud talking and inappropriate laughter followed by sleepiness; a sweet burnt scent; loss of interest, motivation; weight gain or loss.

Alcohol: Clumsiness; difficulty walking; slurred speech; sleepiness; poor judgment; dilated pupils; possession of a false ID card.

Depressants: (including barbiturates and tranquilizers) Seems drunk as if from alcohol but without the associated odor of alcohol; difficulty concentrating; clumsiness; poor judgment; slurred speech; sleepiness; and contracted pupils.

Stimulants: Hyperactivity; euphoria; irritability; anxiety; excessive talking followed by depression or excessive sleeping at odd times; may go long periods of time without eating or sleeping; dilated pupils; weight loss; dry mouth and nose.

Inhalants: (Glues, aerosols, and vapors ) Watery eyes; impaired vision, memory and thought; secretions from the nose or rashes around the nose and mouth; headaches and nausea; appearance of intoxication; drowsiness; poor muscle control; changes in appetite; anxiety; irritability; an unusual number of spray cans in the trash.

Hallucinogens: Dilated pupils; bizarre and irrational behavior including paranoia, aggression, hallucinations; mood swings; detachment from people; absorption with self or other objects, slurred speech; confusion.

Heroin: Needle marks; sleeping at unusual times; sweating; vomiting; coughing and sniffling; twitching; loss of appetite; contracted pupils; no response of pupils to light.

Tobacco/Nicotine: Smell of tobacco; stained fingers or teeth.