ATTENTION

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call 988 for 24/7 free and confidential crisis support. You do not have to be suicidal to call. Access more info and resources on suicide prevention, emotional and mental health support. 
toggle mobile menu Menu
toggle search menu

Site Navigation

Supplemental

Menu

Signs of Substance Use

Top of the page

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
  • Odor 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

Marijuana

  • 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 hydrocodone (Norco)

  • 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 odor
  • 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

Credits

Current as of: August 2, 2022

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Patrice Burgess MD - Family Medicine
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
Peter Monti PhD - Alcohol and Addiction
Christine R. Maldonado PhD - Behavioral Health

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Healthwise is a URAC accredited health web site content provider. Privacy Policy. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

To learn more, visit Healthwise.org

© 1995- Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

Take Care, Someone Needs You.

You take care of others, so take care of yourself. Let us be your partner in health, whether you're recovering from an injury, checking in for your annual exam, or enjoying an online class.

Because when you take care of yourself, everyone around you benefits.

Connect with Us
Contact Us In Boise (208) 381-2222