What should I do?
Many people worry that their child, partner or other family member might be using drugs. Find out some common signs of drug use here
How do i know if they’re using drugs?
As there are many different types of drug, people often feel they don’t know enough about them and how they affect users. You can see our drug factfile for information on drugs and drug paraphernalia. However, there are some general types of behaviour that might indicate drug use:
- Erratic behaviour
- Irregular sleep patterns
- Restlessness and fidgeting
- Slow or slurred speech
- Extreme hyperactivity and talking for long periods of time about nothing in particular
- Total inactivity - not wanting to move or do anything at all
- Enlarged or very small pupils (this can change depending on what drug is taken)
Remember that there may be other reasons for different behaviours which are not to do with drug use - many would just associate erratic behaviour with a normal teenager, for example.
Other signs of drug use include drug paraphernalia - equipment that people use to take drugs in different ways. These are discussed in more detail in our drug factfile, but general signs include:
- Hand-rolled cigarettes with filters made from rolled-up card (cannabis)
- Cigarettes from a packet that have had the tobacco removed, leaving just the filter
- Rolled up banknotes or other paper
- Folded or burnt tin foil and/or spoons, syringes and needles (heroin)
- Little pieces of clingfilm or creased card, used to wrap up drugs
- Sealable bags around 2 inches square - also used to store drugs
- Pipes, plastic bottles or cans which have been tampered with e.g. pierced with holes or cut in half, or combined with foil or plastic bags
It is usually difficult to ‘prove’ drug or alcohol use when a family member won’t come clean and tell you - you may have to ask them directly, but such a conversation needs to be conducted caref ully. Try not to be judgmental or accusatory, and before you tackle the subject:
- Inform yourself about different drugs and how to talk about them - you can use our drug factfile for the basics
- Consider your motives and what it means to you if they are using drugs/alcohol - are you worried about their safety? How it is affecting their behaviour or lifestyle? The police?
- Try to adopt an attitude of caring curiosity when having a conversation about drugs/alcohol, especially if you are discussing it for the first time.
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