Initial signs | Physical Changes | Other Signs | Behavioral and Social Changes | Effects of Drug Use |
Social Consequences | Legal Consequences | Addiction Councelor's Perspective

INITIAL SIGNS

• lack of interest in school, skipping class, failing grades
• change in music
• lost interest in sports
• increased absences from home, frequent sleep-overs with friends
• lack of communication, defensive, secretive, argumentative, withdrawn
• unknown friends, or new friends calling-no names left or phone messages

PHYSICAL CHANGES

• dark circles under eyes
• blood shot or red eyes
• pinpoint or large pupils
• weight loss
• change in sleep habits
• runny nose, excessive sniffling
• deterioration of hygiene

BEHAVIORAL AND SOCIAL CHANGES

• diminished appetite or extreme munchies
• language changes: swearing, abusive language, lack of respect
• uncharacteristic moodiness
• short-term memory impairment
• spending a lot of money, always needing more
• stealing
• lying

OTHER SIGNS

• locked doors and drawers
• change in room décor: dark colours, black light, incense, candles, posters
• Paraphernalia: cigarette papers, Zip lock baggies, tinfoil, empty pens, vases, scorched knives, spoons, pop cans, syringes, vials, unidentified pills, powders, leaves, soothers, Visine eye drops, roach clips, bottles with holes in the bottom, torches, little folded papers, weigh scales, lighters, plumbing supplies: pipes, joints, elbows

EFFECTS OF DRUG USE

• abdominal cramps, diarrhea, nausea, constipation
• significant appetite changes
• headaches, flashbacks, hallucinations, paranoia, nightmares
• sleep disturbances: stay up late sleep all day
• lack of motivation toward life, job, school
• lethargic
• emotional changes: defensive, sensitive, extreme mood swings, crying, easily upset
• desperate for money - willing to steal money, or credit cards from anybody
• loss of friendships and family relationships due to breech of trust

SOCIAL CONSEQUENCES

• loneliness and alienation from peers
• lack of education leading to limited job opportunites
• guilt
• humiliation - of self and family
• drugs reduce inhibitions
• increased risk of unplanned pregnancy
• drug used during pregnancy increase birth defects
• HIV, AIDS, Hepatitis
• sexually transmitted diseases

LEGAL CONSEQUENCES

• fines/restitution
• probation
• jail sentence
• convictions resulting in travel restrictions: border crossing

ADDICTION COUNCELOR'S PERSPECTIVE

• youth is lying, making excuses, elaborate stories, blaming others for behavior, breaking promises, and commitments
• parents feeling manipulated, used, and to blame
• trust your gut feelings