Signs of Use
- Change in interests
- Depression
- Diminished self-esteem
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Bottles of eye drops used to mask bloodshot, glassy eyes
- Burnt gum wrappers, foil
- Burnt or missing spoons
- Cotton balls
- Mirrors with scratches on them
- Missing shoelaces (used to tie off arms to inject heroin)
- Pipes, rolling papers, etc
- Razor blades
- Straws
- Wax paper or glycerin bags
- Constipation, cessation of menstruation
- Constricted, pinpoint pupils
- Droopy appearance, as if extremities are "heavy"
- Dry mouth, runny nose, constant sniffing
- Itching and scratching
- Nausea, vomiting
- Needle marks on arms and/or legs
- Nodding out mid-conversation
- Slowed speech
- Weight loss
Social Signs
- Begins to associate with people who are also using
- Changes to style in clothing, music or activities
- Decreased interests in schoolwork and activities
- Distancing oneself from old friends
- Irregular school attendance, lateness
- Lying, dishonesty
- A messy room - it's easier to hide things
- Negative attitude
- Personal appearance begins to matter less
- Poor performance in school
- Pulling away from family
- Secretiveness, withdrawal
- Unexplained disappearance of money or household valuables