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Signs & Symptoms of Drug Abuse in Elementary & Middle School

Children and preteens can be pressured into using drugs by their peers, and can become curious about trying drugs if they see their friends using them. As school personnel, it’s important to make sure that children in your school are not selling drugs or using them. There are some signs to watch for if you believe children in your school are abusing drugs.

  1. Drug Paraphernalia

    • If the children or preteens are using drugs on school property, you probably will find drug paraphernalia. They will try to hide it, but usually a few students will either make a mistake or just not care enough to hide it. You might find rolling papers in a student’s desk or beer cans in the bathroom. If you find drug paraphernalia, be suspicious about students using drugs on school grounds. Even elementary students could bring drugs to school. They could have an older sibling who deals drugs, or they might take the alcohol or drugs from their parents.

    Truancy

    • Students will skip school and class to use drugs. If you suddenly have an increase in truancy, then students may be using drugs together. Are there areas in the school that are isolated and not monitored by teachers or administrators where students could hang out without being noticed? This might be where they are using drugs or alcohol. However, students are more likely to use at someone’s home and then come to school under the influence.

    Concentration and Grades

    • Students who have done well in the past may show signs of drug abuse by a lack of concentration in class. If teachers find that usually alert students are sleeping during class, this could be a sign of drug use. One big sign that something is not quite right: when a student’s grades steadily drop. This does not automatically relate to drug abuse, as it could also be depression, anxiety or another mental health issue. However, do not rule out drug abuse until you are sure.

    Attitude and Mood

    • If a child or preteen’s mood suddenly changes, it could be related to drug use. If he is normally social and popular but becomes irritable and moody, you might want to consider drug use and/or other mental health problems. Many times, drug use and mental health issues correspond, so a child who starts struggling with depression or anxiety is more likely to use drugs. Ask the child or preteen about his mood and why he thinks it has changed. He might be open to discussing it if it is related to a mental health issue, because he is probably unhappy with it, too.

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