Module 6: Substance Abuse - Signs and Symptoms

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:

Physical:

• Weight loss, pale face, circles under eyes (or weight gain).
• Red eyes (or frequent use of eye drops).
• Unexplained skin rashes.
• Persistent cough, frequent colds.
• Changes in sleep and/or eating patterns.
• Tremor in hands.
• Dilated pupils.
• Deterioration in personal hygiene.
• Odour of alcohol or other drugs.
• Obvious intoxication, for example, stumbling, slurred or rapid speech, jumping from one topic to another, incomplete sentences.

Behaviour :

• Increased need for and use of money.
• Quitting or getting fired from jobs.
• Lying, secretiveness, mysterious phone calls.
• Attendance problems, increased absenteeism, increased sick leave.
• Drop in performance.
• Accidents.
• Mood swings (for example,. angry outbursts, sadness/depression or elated mood).
• Verbal and/or physical abuse of others.
• Spending more time alone.
• Quitting hobbies.
• Theft/fraud.
• Frequent lateness.
• Trying to get others to do his/her work.
• Speaking very slowly or very quickly and being unable to stick to a topic.

Drug paraphernalia:

• Alcohol or other drugs in possession.
• Mouthwash, breath sprays or eye drops.
• Thinners, tippex or other solvents (indicates inhalant abuse).
• Bank bags, rolling papers (Rizla, etc), broken glass bottle tops, "roach" clips, pipes of various shapes and sizes, pieces of tinfoil, mirrors, razor blades, small screens, burnt spoons or globes with the element removed.
• Seeds (from dagga plants).
• Burns or stains on hands and clothing.