Profile of a drug-user

Any one of the following behaviour changes can usually be explained, but a regular pattern of several changes should not be ignored or attributed to "just a phase" of growing up. Changes may occur in weeks, months or over a year or more. Long-term physical symptoms are not listed.

Loss of self control and self respect

- cannot be trusted

- irritable

- desire for instant gratification

- becomes less responsive

- new set of friends

- defies authority

- loss of willpower

- uses obscene and abusive language

- hostile behaviour

- loss of moral standards

- lies and will steal

Loss of memory

- becomes more and more forgetful

- has difficulty concentrating

- attention span is shortened

- communication skills decline, become short answer people

- progressive loss of insight, mental confusion

- short-term memory impaired

Run-ins with the law

- driving while under the influence

- speeding, carelessness on highways

- accidents or close calls

- thefts, assaults or other violations of the law

Loss of feelings

- less interest in family, friends, activities

- unexplained changes in mood

- feelings of paranoia

- overreaction to mild criticism

- a loss of the ability to experience pleasure

- loss of self-esteem

- sad eyes, flat speech and facial expression

- loneliness, isolation, depression, thoughts of suicide

Physical changes

- pale complexion (hard to recognize in girls due to make-up use)

- bloodshot eyes, Visine use

- sloppy appearance (clothes, hair)

- changes in eating habits, craves sweets, skips meals, weight loss or weight gain

- more coughs, colds, and chest pains due to a weakening of the immune system

- irregular menstrual cycle

Loss of energy

- apathy

- lack of motivation

- decrease in school performance

- attitude, "just get by"

- abstract thinking suffers

- falls asleep in class

- skips classes, skips school

- doesn't care about future plans