Red Flags of Drug Use

[Howard Hartman]

Red Flags of Drug Use

1. Changes in Physical Appearance

• Red eyes and frequent use of eye drops
  
  
• Runny nose, congestion, coughing
  
  
• Wearing dark glasses when not necessary
  
  
• Pale face, circles under eyes
  
  
• Spots or sores around the mouth
  
  
• Needle marks
  
  
• Lack of personal cleanliness, messy appearance

2. Changes in Eating and Sleeping Habits

• Difficulty falling asleep, insomnia
  
  
• Inappropriate napping
  
  
• Significant weight loss or gain
  
  
• Poor appetite
  
  
• A sudden appetite

3. Changes in Behavior and Personality

• Abrupt changes in mood
  
  
• Hostility, defiance of rules
  
  
• Depression, "I don't care" attitude
  
  
• Lack of responsibility (for instance, not doing chores or homework, forgetting family occasions)
  
  
• Blaming, lying, making excuses
  
  
• Loss of memory, shortened attention span, disordered thought patterns
  
  
• Withdrawal from family, isolation, secretiveness

4. Changes in School or Job Performance

• Lowered grades, neglected homework
  
  
• Frequent tardiness and absenteeism
  
  
• Falling asleep in class
  
  
• Discipline problems
  
  
• Quitting or getting fired from jobs

5. Physical Evidence of Drug Use

• Missing money (from buying drugs)
  
  
• Excess money (from selling drugs)
  
  
• Liquor missing or watered down
  
  
• Fake ID
  
  
• Mouth wash, breath sprays
  
  
• Vision or other eye drops
  
  
• Roach clips, rolling papers
  
  
• Bongs, pipes, or small screens
  
  
• Razor blades, straws, glass surfaces
  
  
• Syringes, needles, medicine droppers
  
  
• Cloth covered bulbs that pop when broken
  
  
• Baggies containing dried leaves or seeds
  
  
• "Stash cans," often disguised as cola or beer cans
  
  
• Burning incense, room deodorizers
  
  
• Prescription medication disappearing

6. Changes in Friends and Interests

• New or different friends, especially ones who use drugs
  
  
• Friends rarely introduced or seldom come to the house
  
  
• More time spent in room or away from home
  
  
• Secrecy about actions and possessions
  
  
• Hobbies, sports, or extra-curricular activities are given up; everything is boring
  
  
• Stays out past curfew

7. Positive Attitude Toward Drugs and Alcohol

• Pro-drug messages on posters or clothing
  
  
• Strong defense of the occasional use of drugs by peers; thinks adults "hassle" kids
  
  
• Easily angered when confronted about chemical use
  
  
• Concern expressed by others over his/her use of drugs