Symptoms of Substance Abuse

  • These are guidelines.
    Do not ignore signs, but do not assume drug use based on one criterion.
    • Drop in school attendance or academic performance
    • Change in friends
    • Lack of interest in personal appearance
    • Tardiness or skipping class
    • Frequent absences
    • Frequent behavior problems
    • Uncharacteristic withdrawal form family, friends and interests
    • Unaccounted for cash
    • History of arrest or crime in community
    • Unusual or persistent hostility and lack of cooperativeness
    • Physical changes (persistent runny nose, red eyes, coughing, wheezing, bruises, needle marks)
    • Socializes with drug users
    • Odor from drugs