Practical warning signs of drug abuse

Behavioural:

•  Change in friends. Hanging out with a new group
• Reclusive behaviour - long periods spent in self imposed isolation
• Long, unexplained absences
• Hyperactivity and aggression
• Lying and stealing
• Manipulating
• Argumentative
• Involvement on the wrong side of the law
• Deteriorating family relationships
• Avoid eye contact
• Changes in behaviour and attitude
• Blaming others, denial of substance abuse, deflecting guilt.
• Irresponsible
• Arrogance and grandiosity

Emotional:

•  Sudden shifts or changes in mood and personalit
• Emotional instability
• Depression
• No interest in previously enjoyed hobbies or activities
• Aggression

 
Physical:

•  Decrease in their appearance changed; they don't care how they look
• Change eating habits. Weight loss or weight gain.
• Needle marks, skin abrasions or bruises on their arms or legs
• Lethargic, slowing down
• ‘The Shakes’
• Cold and sweaty hands
• Have you smelled something on their breath, or their clothing?
• Bloodshot or red eyes.
• Dilated pupils. Do they have a blank stare?
• Sores on their skin
• Puffy face.
• Nose bleeds
• Skin colouring has changed,  flushed or pale
• Physical coordination changed. Are they staggering?
• Absenteeism. Miss a lot of school, or work. Frequently sick.
• They seem to have injuries and accidents
• Their sleep habits changed
• Lethargic,  tired,  lazy
• Hyped, loud.
• Do they talk a million miles an hour? Do they slur their words?
• Drug paraphernalia in the home, car or clothing