Take Action in Secondary Schools
SECTION II:
Understanding Substance Use and Abuse in the School Community
Potential Signs of Substance Use
The following chart summarizes physical, emotional and behavioural signs that may indicate substance use. However, it is necessary to keep in mind that many of these may be typical adolescent behaviours or suggestive of other difficulties, such as depression or other mental health issues.
| Physical | Emotional | Behavioural |
|---|---|---|
|
Smell of alcohol or drugs |
Withdrawn, cranky, irritable |
Significant changes in friends |
|
Weight loss |
Not easy to get along with, argumentative |
Peer group uses drugs |
|
Difficulty sleeping |
Moody, depressed |
Lethargic; hyperactive |
Red, irritated eyes |
Defiant or aggressive |
Accident prone |
Walking unsteadily |
Lack of emotion, persistent apathy |
Increased difficulty in concentration, attention, or memory |
Slurring words, difficulty talking |
Unpredictable responses |
Loss of motivation or interest in doing well academically |
Faintness, passing out |
Drop in grades, absenteeism, lateness |
|
Drug oriented graffiti or paraphernalia |
Adapted from "Identification and Early Intervention" presentation, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health.
