Signs that a student may be using alcohol or drugs
Physical Signs and Symptoms of Substance Use
• Slurred Speech
• Bloodshot Eyes
• Dilated or pinpoint pupils
• Mood Swings/Changes
• Irritability
• Poor Hygiene
• Marked Appetite Change
• Significant Weight Change
• Marked Change in Sleep Patterns
Behavioral Signs and Symptoms of Substance Use
• Changes in friends
• Negative changes in schoolwork, missing school, or declining grades
• Increased secrecy about possessions or activities
• Falling asleep in class
• Use of incense, room deodorant, or fragrance to hide smoke or chemical odors
• Subtle changes in conversations with friends, e.g. more secretive, using “coded” language
• Increase in borrowing money
• Drug paraphernalia (pipes, rolling papers, etc.)
• Evidence of use of inhalant products (hairspray, nail polish, correction fluid, common household products); Rags and paper bags are sometimes used as accessories
• Bottles of eye drops, which may be used to mask bloodshot eyes or dilated pupils
• New use of mouthwash or breath mints to cover up the smell of alcohol
Signs that may trigger MAP referral.
- You notice a SIGNIFICANT and CONSISTENT change from the student’s normal baseline in areas such as:
- Attendance
- Grades
- Hygiene/appearance
- Alertness in class
- Peer interaction (social withdrawal, change in friends)
- Behavior/Attitude
- You observe substance use or related behavior
- Report of substance use or related behavior from another peer
- Report of substance use or related behavior from another faculty member
- Report from community member or parent
Be sure to consider other factors that may contribute to these behaviors as well.