Recognizing signs and symptoms of drug use can be very difficult, especially if you are a parent with a teenager. Behavior and moods can vary drastically among youth, and therefore, it may be difficult to distinguish identifiable signs and symptoms.
The following information is meant to provide parents and community members with a detailed list of common signs and symptoms (both physical and behavioral) of drug abuse. It is important to note that the mere presence of these signs and symptoms does not necessarily mean that a person is using drugs. The signs and symptoms may indicate stress, depression or many other social problems, but probably still warrant some attention.
THE MOST IMPORTANT SIGN IS CHANGE
The most important sign or symptom to be aware of is CHANGE. This may include a change in attitude, personality, physical appearance, friends, or simply overall behavior. That being the case, it becomes vitally important for parents to know their children well, so that they can detect these changes early. Watch your loved ones closely and be wary for any significant changes that may tell you something about their lifestyle and possible risky behaviors.
The following information is meant to provide parents and community members with a detailed list of common signs and symptoms (both physical and behavioral) of drug abuse. It is important to note that the mere presence of these signs and symptoms does not necessarily mean that a person is using drugs. The signs and symptoms may indicate stress, depression or many other social problems, but probably still warrant some attention.
THE MOST IMPORTANT SIGN IS CHANGE
The most important sign or symptom to be aware of is CHANGE. This may include a change in attitude, personality, physical appearance, friends, or simply overall behavior. That being the case, it becomes vitally important for parents to know their children well, so that they can detect these changes early. Watch your loved ones closely and be wary for any significant changes that may tell you something about their lifestyle and possible risky behaviors.
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PHYSICAL SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF DRUG USE
PARAPHERNALIA
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BEHAVIORAL SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF DRUG USE
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DRUG-SPECIFIC SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF DRUG USE
Please note: This is not a comprehensive list, but common signs and symptoms.
Marijuana: Glassy, red eyes; loud talking and inappropriate laughter followed by sleepiness; heightened sense of visual, auditory and taste perception, a sweet burnt scent; loss of interest, motivation; weight gain or loss, memory loss/forgetfulness, increased blood pressure/heart rate, decreased coordination, difficulty concentrating.
Alcohol: Clumsiness, difficulty walking, slurred speech, sleepiness, poor judgment, dilated pupils, possession of a false ID card, smell of alcohol on clothes or breath.
Depressants: (THIS INCLUDES PRESCRIPTION DRUGS LIKE BARBITURATES AND BENZODIAZEPINES) Drowsiness, lack of coordination, slowed breathing, dizziness, 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: (THIS INCLUDES PRESCRIPTION DRUGS, METHAMPHETAMINE, AND COCAINE) Euphoria, hyperactivity irritability, restlessness, anxiety, excessive talking followed by depression or excessive sleeping at odd times, may go long periods of time without eating or sleeping, depression, insomnia, paranoia, dilated pupils, weight loss, dry mouth and nose.
Narcotic Painkillers: (Heroin, Morphine, Codeine, Oxycodone, Methadone, Other Prescription Drugs). Reduced sense of pain, sedation, depression, confusion, constipation, slowed breathing.
Club Drugs: (Ecstacy, GHB, Rohypnol, Ketamine, etc.) Exaggerated happiness or well being (euphoria), reduced inhibitions. Heightened sense of sight, sound and taste, impaired coordination and judgment, memory loss, change in heart rate or blood pressure, drowsiness, loss of consciousness, grinding teeth, muscle tension, possession of pacifiers, lollipops, candy necklaces, vapor rub, glow sticks and bright colored jewelry.
Inhalants: (Glues, aerosols, and vapors) Watery eyes, impaired vision, impaired 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, evidence of inhalant products (hairspray, nail polish, correction fluid, dust-off canisters, whip cream containers, other common household products).
Hallucinogens: (LSD, PCP, and some Prescription Drugs). Dilated pupils, bizarre and irrational behavior including paranoia, aggression, hallucinations, mood swings, tremors, high blood pressure, rapid heart rate, delusions, panic, depression, aggressive/violent behavior, detachment from people, absorption with self or other objects, slurred speech, confusion, sweating, numbness.
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, irritability, nervousness.
Prescription Drugs: (Note that symptoms are different depending on the type of prescription drug used. For this reason, more detailed signs and symptoms of prescription drugs have been included under Depressants, Stimulants and Narcotic Painkillers.) It can be difficult to assess prescription drug abuse. Some signs and symptoms might include: missing prescriptions from your medicine cabinet or prescription bottles (LOCK THEM UP); frequent injuries/illnesses or visits to the doctor; becoming more and more isolated; increasing dosage of prescribed meds; preoccupation with finding prescription drugs; extreme mood swings.
Caffeine: Hyperactivity, bursts of energy followed by drowsiness, low motivation, impaired motor-coordination.
OTHER RESOURCES
