You might not realise for a while that the person is using drugs. There's no sure way to tell, but some clues include:
burnt foil, which may have been used for smoking heroin
tiny pieces of cling wrap, paper or card that have been used to wrap drugs
hand-rolled cigarettes with filters made from cardboard
spoons and syringes
small sealable plastic bags used to store drugs
pipes, plastic bottles or drinks cans that have been pierced or tampered with
Drugs can cause changes in people's physical appearance, including:
sudden weight loss or gain
sniffing or a runny nose
small pupils
red, glassy or bloodshot eyes
frequent nosebleeds
shaking
slurred speech
Changes in behaviour can also be a sign that someone is using drugs. These could include:
seeming withdrawn or inactive
extreme changes in mood or behaviour, appearing agitated or restless
increased spending or loss of possessions
changes in sleeping patterns
not worrying about personal grooming
losing interest in sports or hobbies
neglecting responsibilities
Many of these changes are caused by other things. It's normal for teenagers, especially, to go through emotional changes.
It's important to talk honestly to the person rather than making assumptions. It will help if you get your facts right. The Department of Health provides information about different drugs and their effects on their website.
Finding out that someone's using drugs
There are different reasons why people use drugs. If someone you care about uses drugs, it can be very hard to understand why they are doing this. However, they are responsible for their own behaviour and it's their decision to use drugs. They are also responsible for deciding whether to stop using drugs.
Some families of people who use drugs will be in denial and refuse to believe the facts. Others will end up encouraging drug use, whether deliberately or not, by providing money that can be used for drugs. Some will try to control or change the situation, while some will give up hope of change.
When someone uses drugs, their behaviour often leads to conflict with the people who care about them. A person using drugs may do things that you think are unacceptable, particularly if they happen in the home where you or other family members live.
Answers & Comments
Answer:
How can I tell if someone's using drugs?
You might not realise for a while that the person is using drugs. There's no sure way to tell, but some clues include:
burnt foil, which may have been used for smoking heroin
tiny pieces of cling wrap, paper or card that have been used to wrap drugs
hand-rolled cigarettes with filters made from cardboard
spoons and syringes
small sealable plastic bags used to store drugs
pipes, plastic bottles or drinks cans that have been pierced or tampered with
Drugs can cause changes in people's physical appearance, including:
sudden weight loss or gain
sniffing or a runny nose
small pupils
red, glassy or bloodshot eyes
frequent nosebleeds
shaking
slurred speech
Changes in behaviour can also be a sign that someone is using drugs. These could include:
seeming withdrawn or inactive
extreme changes in mood or behaviour, appearing agitated or restless
increased spending or loss of possessions
changes in sleeping patterns
not worrying about personal grooming
losing interest in sports or hobbies
neglecting responsibilities
Many of these changes are caused by other things. It's normal for teenagers, especially, to go through emotional changes.
It's important to talk honestly to the person rather than making assumptions. It will help if you get your facts right. The Department of Health provides information about different drugs and their effects on their website.
Finding out that someone's using drugs
There are different reasons why people use drugs. If someone you care about uses drugs, it can be very hard to understand why they are doing this. However, they are responsible for their own behaviour and it's their decision to use drugs. They are also responsible for deciding whether to stop using drugs.
Some families of people who use drugs will be in denial and refuse to believe the facts. Others will end up encouraging drug use, whether deliberately or not, by providing money that can be used for drugs. Some will try to control or change the situation, while some will give up hope of change.
When someone uses drugs, their behaviour often leads to conflict with the people who care about them. A person using drugs may do things that you think are unacceptable, particularly if they happen in the home where you or other family members live.