Signs that suggest substance use
The following are some obvious signs that a person may be smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol, or using other substances. This is not a complete list of signs to look for. If you suspect a particular drug or drugs, get more information on signs of use for those substances.
Cigarettes
- A distinctive smell on the breath and clothing
- Cigarettes and lighter in his or her possession
- Cigarette butts outside a bedroom window or in other odd places around the home
Alcohol
- Alcoholic beverages missing from the home storage cabinet
- Alcohol or mouthwash (used to cover up alcohol) breath or hangover symptoms (nausea, vomiting, or headache), if recently used
Marijuana
- Sweet smell on clothing or bloodshot eyes, if recently used, and frequent use of eyedrops to decrease the redness
- Drug paraphernalia (pipes) in his or her possession
- Carelessness in grooming, increased fatigue, and changes in eating and sleeping patterns, if using regularly
Inhalants
- Chemical breath, red eyes, or stains on clothing or face, if recently used
- Soaked rags or empty aerosol containers in the trash
Club drugs
- Baby pacifiers in his or her room or worn when attending an all-night party or rave
- Small bottles with liquid or powder in his or her possession
Stimulants
- Persistent runny nose and nosebleeds, injection marks on arms or other parts of the body, or long periods of time without sleep
- Possession of drug paraphernalia, such as syringes, spoons with smoke stains, small pieces of glass, and razor blades
LSD or other hallucinogens
- Trancelike appearance with dilated pupils, if recently used
- Small squares of blotter paper (sometimes stamped with cartoon characters) or other forms of the drug in his or her possession
Heroin
- Very small pupils and a drowsy or relaxed look, if recently used
- Possession of injecting supplies, called an outfit or rig, that may consist of a spoon or bottle cap, syringe, tourniquet, cotton, and matches
Anabolic steroids
- An unpleasant breath odour
- Mood changes, including increased aggression
- Changes in physical appearance that can't be attributed to expected patterns of growth and development
- Possession of medicines or syringes
Other general signs
- Changes in sleeping patterns
- Changes in appetite or weight loss
- Changes in dress
- Loss of interest and motivation
- Hoarseness, wheezing, or persistent cough
| Author: | Douglas Dana Sabra L. Katz-Wise Ralph Poore | Last Updated: November 8, 2006 |
| Medical Review: | Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Tom Bailey, MD - Family Medicine Yifrah Kaminer, MD - Child and Adolescent Psychiatry | |
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