Signs that could indicate usage of psychoactive substances

Before making a statement that some of your students uses drugs, do have in mind that part of the signals that indicate usage are atypical and could be observed during the period of puberty or could be signals for a traumatic experience. That is why it is a good idea to look at the signals in their specific context. Having this done will decrease the risk of incorrect interpretation of the facts.

Social marginalization
• Change of values and principles that are valid for the society,
• Lack of structured free time (sports, hobby),
• Difficulties with the social integration, belonging to marginal groups, a life style that is against the law.

Behavior
• Passiveness, apathy, withdrawal,
• Changing moods, hyper activity, hyper excitement, nervousness, euphoria, irritability,
• Daydreaming, manipulating, challenging behavior, using threats,
• Lack of sense of time, being scattered, running away from classes, being not organized,
• Confusion, conflicts, inconsistency between words and actions,
• Deteriorating of school marks and results,
• Decreasing the ability to concentrate and pay attention,
• Frequent conflicts with school authorities,
• Lack of interest, leaving behind all school activities and duties.

Relationships with coevals
• Change of friends’ circle (company), frequent phone calls with mysterious content,
• Avoiding contacts with teachers and school authorities,
• Lack of communication with classmates,
• Hostile, avoiding, withdrawing or mysterious behavior,
• Having money issues with classmates.

Typical signs
• Finding the substance in the person,
• Presence of tools for consuming such as seared spoon, syringe, foil, eye and nose drops,
• Traces of pricking on the hands, legs, hips,
• Dilated or contracted pupils, red eyes.