Drug and Alcohol Abuse: The Signs

If you notice unexplained changes in physical appearance or behavior, it may be a sign of substance use – or it could be a sign of another problem. You will not know definitively until a health professional does a comprehensive screening.

Physical Signs

• Change in sleeping patterns
• Bloodshot eyes
• Slurred or agitated speech
• Sudden or dramatic weight loss or gain
• Skin abrasions/bruises
• Neglected appearance/poor hygiene
• Sick more frequently
• Accidents or injuries

Behavioral Signs

• Hiding use; lying and covering up
• Sense that the person will "do anything" to use again regardless of consequences
• Loss of control or choice of use (drug-seeking behavior)
• Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
• Emotional instability
• Hyperactive or hyper-aggressive
• Depression
• Missing school or work
• Failure to fulfill responsibilities at school or work
• Complaints from teachers or co-workers
• Reports of intoxication at school or work
• Furtive or secretive behavior
• Avoiding eye contact
• Locked doors
• Going out every night
• Change in friends or peer group
• Change in clothing or appearance
• Unusual smells on clothing or breath
• Heavy use of over-the-counter preparations to reduce eye reddening, nasal irritation, or bad breath
• Hidden stashes of alcohol
• Alcohol missing from your supply
• Prescription medicine missing
• Money missing
• Valuables missing
• Disappearances for long periods of time
• Running away
• Secretive phone calls

Drug Information

	Alcoholism, is a disease that is also known as "alcohol dependence."		Club Drugs, consisting of Ecstasy, GHB, and Rohypnol, can be found at all-night "raves."		Cocaine is a powerfully addictive stimulant that directly affects the brain.
	Ecstasy is a synthetic, psychoactive drug with hallucinogenic & stimulant properties.		Fentanyl is a synthetic opiate analgesic similar to, but more potent than, morphine.		Hallucinogens cause profound distortions in a person's perceptions of reality.
	Heroin is processed from morphine and appears as a white or brown powder.		Inhalants consist of paint, white out, lighter fluid, air fresheners, hair spray and markers.		LSD is a colorless, odorless drug sold in tablets, capsules, and liquid forms.
	Marijuana is a mixture of dried, shredded leaves of the hemp plant Cannabis sativa.		Methamphetamines can be found in a powder, crystal, or table-like form.		Rohypnol has been a concern for the last few years due to its abuse as a "date rape" drug.