signs of substance use

overview

the following are some obvious signs that a person may be drinking alcohol, using tobacco, or using other substances. this is not a complete list. if you suspect use of a particular substance, get more information on signs of use for that substance.

alcohol

• alcoholic beverages missing from the home storage cabinet
• odour of mouthwash (used to cover up alcohol) on the breath
• hangover symptoms (such as nausea, vomiting, or headache), if recently used

tobacco

• a distinctive smell on the breath and clothing
• tobacco products in the person's possession

cannabis

• sweet smell on clothing; bloodshot eyes, if recently used, and frequent use of eyedrops to reduce the redness
• careless grooming, increased fatigue, and changes in eating and sleeping patterns, if using regularly
• drug paraphernalia (such as pipes) in the person's possession

club drugs such as ecstasy (mdma)

• skin rash similar to acne
• small bottles with liquid or powder in the person's possession

stimulants such as cocaine or methylphenidate (ritalin)

• long periods of time without sleep
• persistent runny nose and nosebleeds, or injection marks on arms or other parts of the body
• drug paraphernalia, such as syringes, spoons with smoke stains, small pieces of glass, and razor blades

hallucinogens such as lsd

• trance-like appearance with dilated pupils, if recently used
• possession of small squares of blotter paper (sometimes stamped with cartoon characters) or other forms of the drug

opioids such as heroin or hydromorphone

• very small pupils and a drowsy or relaxed look, if recently used
• extra pill bottles around the house or in the trash
• "doctor shopping" (getting multiple opioid prescriptions from different doctors)
• possession of injecting supplies (an outfit or rig), which may consist of a spoon or bottle cap, syringe, tourniquet, cotton, and matches

inhalants

• chemical breath, red eyes, or stains on clothing or face, if recently used
• soaked rags or empty aerosol containers in the trash

anabolic steroids

• an unpleasant breath odour
• mood changes, including increased aggression
• changes in physical appearance that aren't caused by expected patterns of growth and development
• possession of medicines or syringes