Signs and Symptoms of (possible!) Substance Use in Students

Sometimes a change in attitude or behavior may cause us to question whether or not someone we care about might be using mood or mind-altering substances (marijuana, alcohol, hard drugs, etc.). The following pages contain some of the traditional “red flag” signs and symptoms associated with substance use and abuse.

Physical signs Smell of alcohol, marijuana, other Avoidance of eye contact Glassy or bloodshot eyes Dilated or constricted pupils Unsteady gait or lack of coordination Slurred, rapid, or incoherent speech Staring or looking vacant Drastic weight loss or gain Sloppiness in appearance

Emotional signs Appearing depressed Becoming withdrawn or unwilling to communicate Change in friends or social activities Unexplainable mood swings and behavior Not seeming to be as happy as they used to Disoriented in time Overly tired or hyperactive Being unusually confused or fearful Negative, argumentative, paranoid, anxious

School-specific signs Sudden drop in grades Truancy Loss of interest in learning Sleeping in class Poor work performance Not doing homework Defiant of authority Poor attitude towards sports or other extracurricular activities Reduced memory and attention span

Please note. This list is meant to inform and describe: not “diagnose” Please note! This list is meant to inform and describe: not “diagnose”. The presence of one or two signs is not proof that substance use is an issue. Please contact a professional for more information and help.

Resources for Students and Families District Drug Prevention Coordinator, Sam Moore (541 440 4098) Adapt, Adolescent Treatment Services (541 672 2691) Personal physician or care provider