Student Who May Have a Substance Addiction
Physical Signs
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Blood-shot eyes
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Slurred speech or difficulty speaking intelligibly
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Lack of coordination or poor balance
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Disheveled appearance/poor self-care
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Pinned pupils in low light or dilated pupils in well-lit areas
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Smells like alcohol or has a sweet, pungent smell
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Nausea, insomnia, sweating, or concentration problems after reducing or stopping use
- Changes in sleep patterns
Behavioral Signs
- Failure to fulfill major school, work, or home responsibilities
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Risky behaviors such as driving any vehicle after drinking or starting fights
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Recurrent legal problems related to alcohol or drugs,
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such as DWI or possession charges.
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Relationship problems caused or worsened by alcohol or drug use.
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School-related problems such as poor attendance, low grades, or recent disciplinary action
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Changes in friends/peers or withdrawal from friends
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Secretive behaviors
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Restlessness or jumpiness
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Multiple doctor appointments without evidence of a problem
Emotional Signs
- Emotional Instability – sudden shifts in mood
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Depression
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Irritability
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Aggressive outbursts
- Anxiety
WHAT YOU CAN DO
- Treat the situation as serious.
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Share your concern and encourage the student to seek help.
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Recognize that denial is a powerful aspect of substance problems and that it can involve conscious or unconscious lying and distorting the truth.
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Refer the student to the Counseling and Psychological Services (828.227.7469). See Referring a Student for Professional Help for more details.