Drug Abuse Checklist

Physical symptoms:
o Looks different—has lost or gained weight, changed style of dress, neglected of appearance
o Seems intoxicated, hungover
o Uses of breath mints, gum and other things to hide signs of drug and alcohol use

Emotional symptoms:
o Has extreme changes in emotion: mood swings, depression/elation, sociable/withdrawn, anger, defiance, irritability, confusion
o Seems withdrawn, isolated, depressed
o Seems anxious, paranoid and suspicious
o Attitude changes, such as blaming others for their problems ("It’s your fault; They made me do it.")
o Seems to be in denial ("These drugs aren’t mine; I’m just holding them for a friend.")
o Seems arrogant: ("I’m in control, I can handle it. I can quit anytime.")

Behavioral Symptoms:
o Preoccupied with partying and having a good time; loses interest in hobbies and sports
o Extremely tired in waking hours; sleeps in all day or falls asleep during the day
o Forgetful, misplaces objects
o Uses candles, incense and room deodorizers to hide smells
o Draws drug graffiti
o Fights with or avoids family members, is secretive, breaks rules
o Wants extreme privacy, spends unusually long periods of time in bathroom, bedroom or garage

School:
o Grades drop, falls behind in work, produces poor quality of work, fights with teachers
o Ditches or comes late, ignores rules
o Drops normal extracurricular activities


Social Life:
o Change in circle of friends, new friends not brought over to house
o Has secret phone calls, late night activities
o Shows increased intimacy in public, is more promiscuous