Signs
No one sign of substance abuse is definitive. Other personal problems have effects that can mimic the signs of substance abuse. A solid determination requires many of the signs to be present. Also, the signs of substance abuse in adults are somewhat different from the signs among young people because adults' bodies are different, and adults have different drug choices, lifestyles, and life experiences. Even so, the signs of substance abuse are pretty similar among all people who are steady users and/or chemically dependent.
In general, persons who are habitual abusers of alcohol or other drugs show decreasing patterns of seriousness about their work or school performance, and their attitude and behavior towards old friends and relations deteriorate over time. They may start to dress and act differently, and their choice of companions worsens.
The following signs point to a problem that may involve alcohol and/or other drugs; the items in the first category provide direct evidence of drug use, while the items in the other categories offer signs that may indicate drug use, particularly if the behavioral changes are extreme – changes that together form a pattern associated with drug use.
Signs of Drugs, Alcohol, and Drug Paraphernalia
Possession of drug-related paraphernalia, such as rolling papers, syringes, single-edged razors, small butane torches
Possession of drugs or evidence of drugs such as seeds, pills of unknown origin, small zip-lock plastic bags, especially in clothing pockets
Strange odors in the bedroom or bathroom, unaccustomed use of room sprays or incense
Empty alcohol bottles or beer cans lying around
Notebooks or doodles with drug or satanic images or symbols, notes and references to suicide
Identification with Drug Culture, Alcohol Use
Clothing styles customarily worn by drug dealers and users in your area
Hostility in discussing drug or alcohol use
Signs of Physical Deterioration
Memory lapses, short attention span, difficulty in concentration
Poor physical coordination, slurred or incoherent speech
Unhealthy appearance, indifference to hygiene and grooming
Bloodshot eyes, dilated pupils
Changes in Work or School Performance
Increased absenteeism, tardiness, or punishments
Wwork or school projects not completed or finished late
Changes in Behavior
Chronic dishonesty – lying, cheating, stealing
Trouble with police
Changes in friends, hanging around with a cheap crowd, evasiveness in talking about new friends
Unexpected possessions or large amounts of money, or unexplained loss of money or possessions
Increasing and inappropriate anger, hostility, and irritability
Reduced motivation, energy, self-discipline, and self-esteem
Decreased interest in hobbies
Increased secretiveness
Anger at family, unwillingness to spend time with family
