Signs of Substance Use

Topic Overview

The following are some obvious signs that a person may be smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol, or using other substances. This is not a complete list of signs to look for. If you suspect a particular drug or drugs, get more information on signs of use for those substances. For more information, see Teen Alcohol and Drug Use.

Cigarettes

  • A distinctive smell on the breath and clothing
  • Cigarettes and lighter in his or her possession
  • Cigarette butts outside a bedroom window or in other odd places around the home

Alcohol

  • Alcoholic beverages missing from the home storage cabinet
  • Alcohol or mouthwash (used to cover up alcohol) breath or hangover symptoms (nausea, vomiting, or headache), if recently used

Marijuana

  • Sweet smell on clothing or bloodshot eyes, if recently used, and frequent use of eyedrops to reduce the redness
  • Drug paraphernalia (pipes) in his or her possession
  • Carelessness in grooming, increased fatigue, and changes in eating and sleeping patterns, if using regularly

Inhalants

  • Chemical breath, red eyes, or stains on clothing or face, if recently used
  • Soaked rags or empty aerosol containers in the trash

Club drugs

  • Skin rash similar to acne
  • Small bottles with liquid or powder in his or her possession

Stimulants

  • Persistent runny nose and nosebleeds, injection marks on arms or other parts of the body, or long periods of time without sleep
  • Possession of drug paraphernalia, such as syringes, spoons with smoke stains, small pieces of glass, and razor blades

LSD or other hallucinogens

  • Trance-like appearance with dilated pupils, if recently used
  • Small squares of blotter paper (sometimes stamped with cartoon characters) or other forms of the drug in his or her possession

Heroin

  • Very small pupils and a drowsy or relaxed look, if recently used
  • Possession of injecting supplies, called an outfit or rig, that may consist of a spoon or bottle cap, syringe, tourniquet, cotton, and matches

Anabolic steroids

  • An unpleasant breath odor
  • Mood changes, including increased aggression
  • Changes in physical appearance that can't be attributed to expected patterns of growth and development
  • Possession of medicines or syringes

Other general signs

  • Changes in sleeping patterns
  • Changes in appetite or weight loss
  • Changes in dress
  • Loss of interest and motivation
  • Hoarseness, wheezing, or persistent cough

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Credits

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Patrice Burgess, MD, FAAFP - Family Medicine
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Peter Monti, PhD - Alcohol and Addiction
Christine R. Maldonado, PhD - Behavioral Health

Current as ofOctober 9, 2017