Warning Signs

Of Drug Use

Changes At Home

Loss of interest in family activities, disrespect for family rules, secretiveness withdrawal from responsibilities, anger at or about parents, sudden increase or decrease in appetite. Disappearance of valuable items and/or drugs from house.

Changes At School

Sudden drop in grades, truancy, loss of interest in learning, unrealistic attempt to excel, defiant of authority, poor attitude towards sports or other extracurricular activities, loss of energy, reduced memory and attention span.

Changes In Personal Appearance

Physical decline, pale or otherwise changed complexion, bloated appearance, bloodshot eyes, bruises, burn marks, slurred speech, dark circles around eyes, loss of weight, sloppy dressing.

Lifestyle Changes

Wears drug-oriented clothing, always keeps jacket on, has unexplained money or constantly needs money. Avoids group activities and contact with old friend and adults, makes new friends who use drugs, receives phone calls (often short ones) at odd hours of the night, lies about activities.

Personality Changes

Unexplainable mood swings and behavior, negative, argumentative, paranoid, over-reacts to criticism, acts rebellious, destructive, overly tired or hyperactive, unhappy and depressed, anxious, irritable, verbally abusive, chats, steals, has preoccupation with death and morbid subjects.

Use Of Cover-Ups

Burns incense and candles, sprays air fresheners or perfume/cologne in room, sprays perfuume/cologne on body, uses mouth spray, uses eyewash to cover up eyes irriated from marijuana.

Physical Evidence

Smell of alchohol or marijuana on breath or body, roaches (butts), roach holders, clips, rolling papers, seeds (look like tomato seeds), leaves, small pipes, bongs (look like flower vases), or other drug paraphernalia. Plastic bags with material that resembles oregano (marijuana) or white powder (cocaine or heroin).

 

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