Sign and Symptoms

The following are some obvious signs that a person may be smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol, or using other substances. This is not a complete list of signs to look for. If you suspect a particular drug or drugs, get more information on signs of use for those substances. For more information, see Teen Alcohol and Drug Abuse.

• A distinctive smell on the breath and clothing
• Cigarettes and lighter in his or her possession
• Cigarette butts outside a bedroom window or in other odd places around the home

• Alcoholic beverages missing from the home storage cabinet
• Alcohol or mouthwash (used to cover up alcohol) breath or hangoversymptoms (nausea, vomiting, or headache), if recently used

• Sweet smell on clothing or bloodshot eyes, if recently used, and frequent use of eyedrops to reduce the redness
• Drug paraphernalia (pipes) in his or her possession
• Carelessness in grooming, increased fatigue, and changes in eating and sleeping patterns, if using regularly

• Chemical breath, red eyes, or stains on clothing or face, if recently used
• Soaked rags or empty aerosol containers in the trash