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PERSONALITY:

• Becomes disrespectful—is verbally and physically abusive
  

• Is angry a lot, acts paranoid or confused, or suffers from extreme mood swings
  

• Seems depressed and less out-going than usual
  

• Is secretive and lies about what he is doing and where he is going
  

• Is stealing or “losing” possessions he used to value
  

• Seems to have a lot of money, or is always asking for money
  

• Withdraws from the family and family activities

PHYSICAL APPERANCE:

• Not taking care of hygiene and grooming
  

• Not sleeping or sleeping too much
  

• Loss of appetite
  

• Weight loss or weight gain
  

• Too hyperactive or too little energy

SOCIAL ACTIVITY/SCHOOL PERFORMANCE:

• Drops old friends and activities
  

• Is skipping school
  

• Loses interest in school work and is getting low grades
  

• Is sleeping in class
  

• Loses concentration and is having trouble remembering things

Signs:

Narcotics: Lethargy, drowsiness, euphoria, nausea, constipation, constricted pupils, slowed breathing

Hallucinogens: Trance-like state, excitation, euphoria, increased pulse rate, insomnia, hallucinations

Alcohol: Slurred speech, impaired judgment and motor skills, incoordination, confusion, tremors, drowsiness, agitation, nausea and vomiting, respiratory ailments, depression

Depressants: Drowsiness, confusion, incoordination, tremors, slurred speech, depressed pulse rate, shallow respiration, dilated pupils

Cocaine/Crack Cocaine: Excitability, euphoria, talkativeness, anxiety, increased pulse rate, dilated pupils, paranoia, agitation, hallucinations

Inhalants: Slurred speech, incoordination, nausea, vomiting, slowed breathing

Marijuana: Mood swings, euphoria, slow thinking and reflexes, dilated pupils, increased appetite, dryness of mouth, increased pulse rate, delusions, hallucinations

Stimulants: excitability, tremors, insomnia, sweating, dry mouth and lips, bad breath, dilated pupils, weight loss, paranoia, hallucinations

Tobacco: Smelly hair, clothes, and breath; yellowing of teeth; coughs; increased asthma attacks; shortness of breath and poorer athletic performance. After only a few weeks, users of spit tobacco can develop cracked lips, white spots, sores, and bleeding in the mouth

Source: SAMHSA

 

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