Transcript Signs and Symptoms of (possible) Drug Use

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
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Emotional signs
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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Becoming withdrawn or unwilling to communicate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
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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”.
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)
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Adapt, Adolescent Treatment Services
(541 672 2691)
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Personal physician or care provider