The Ten Warning Signs of Drug Abuse

When suspecting drug abuse, look for a change in attitude, relationships, and eating and sleeping patterns. Work or school performance, a new need for privacy, an increased need for money, and a habit of dishonesty may also point toward abuse. Drug paraphernalia is another big indication of drug use.

Patterns

• Changes in eating and sleeping patterns could indicate drug use. For example, a loss or gain in appetite or being overly sleepy or lethargic.

Relationships and performance

• Avoiding old friends or refusing to introduce old friends to current friends is another warning sign. Work or school performance may decrease, and a drug abuser may arrive late more often than usual.

Privacy and dishonesty

• A new or increased desire for privacy is another warning sign, as is constant dishonesty or vagueness in answering questions.

Moody

• An abuser may appear moodier than usual. She may be more irritable or overly sensitive.

Attitude

• Look for an attitude change. An abuser may demonstrate an indifferent attitude or a lack of motivation for previous interests.

Money and paraphernalia

• A drug user may seem to need money often, and evidence of drug use, such as burned tinfoil or syringes, may appear.