Signs of Drug Abuse

It is Important to help friends and loved ones before it's too late, look for any of these signs if you feel worried. If you do find any of these Signs please let a trusted adult or parent know about it!

One or more of the following signs could indicate possible drug use:
1.Track or needle marks (usually on arms, hands, neck, legs)

2.Wearing sunglasses (to conceal dilated, constricted or bloodshot eyes)

3.Wearing long sleeve shirts in warm weather (to hide needle marks)

4.Long stays in the bathroom (possible drug ingestion)

5.Frequently late to work or appointments (typical pattern of drug users)

6.Excessive use of breath mints (masks the smell of alcohol)

7.Unwarranted laughter (associated with marijuana and pcp use)

8.Extreme mood swings (typical reaction to drug use)

9.Unusually disheveled or un-kempt (distorted priorities)

10.Nodding out (drowsiness; lethargy)

11.Sweating profusely, even on cold days (physical reaction to drug use)

12.Bad attitude in the morning (hangover; depression; low self-esteem)

13.Borrowing or begging for money (to support drug habit)

14.Poor circulation (reaction related to drug use)

15.Undependable; unpredictable (typical pattern of drug use)

16.Aggressive; Uptight; Paranoid (common reaction to stimulants)

17.Swollen/puffy hands and/or feet (possible IV use)

18.Constant sniffling (signs of withdrawal or nasal damage)

19.Yawning (withdrawal symptom)

20.Associating with known users (could indicate drug involvement)

21.Teary eyes (withdrawal symptoms)

22.Hanging our in known drug locations (could indicate drug involvement)

23.Unnecessary or obvious lying (to cover up drug use)

24.Burns, lesions, sores, in mouth or on lips (smoking of drugs)

25.Burns or scorch marks on nose, lips, face (smoking of drugs)

26.Burns on fingers, clothing, furniture, rugs (handling fire while high)

27.Frequently isolation (low self-esteem; withdrawal from society)

28.Hyperactivity (possible stimulant use)

29.Listlessness (withdrawal symptom)

30.Hiding liquor in unusual places (to conceal alcohol abuse)

31.Presence of drug paraphernalia (sign of drug involvement)

32.Smell of marijuana (use or association with users)

33.Gradual disappearance of valuables (jewelry, T.V., appliances, clothing-sold for drugs)

34.Unexplained spending of unusual amounts of money (could indicate drug involvement)

35.Burnt spoons or bottle caps (items used to cook drugs)

36.Knotted shoestrings or pantyhose (arm tie for IV use)

37.Bloodstained water of bloody tissues (could indicate IV use)

38.Drug-related illnesses (AIDS, endocarditis, abscesses, pneumonia, bronchitis, hepatitis, kidney failure, liver damage)