Signs of Use

• Bottles of eye drops used to mask bloodshot, glassy eyes
• Burnt gum wrappers, foil
• Burnt or missing spoons
• Cotton balls
• Mirrors with scratches on them
• Missing shoelaces (used to tie off arms to inject heroin)
• Pipes, rolling papers, etc
• Razor blades
• Straws
• Wax paper or glycerin bags

• Constipation, cessation of menstruation
• Constricted, pinpoint pupils
• Droopy appearance, as if extremities are "heavy"
• Dry mouth, runny nose, constant sniffing
• Itching and scratching
• Nausea, vomiting
• Needle marks on arms and/or legs
• Nodding out mid-conversation
• Slowed speech
• Weight loss

Social Signs

• Begins to associate with people who are also using
• Changes to style in clothing, music or activities
• Decreased interests in schoolwork and activities
• Distancing oneself from old friends
• Irregular school attendance, lateness
• Lying, dishonesty
• A messy room - it's easier to hide things
• Negative attitude
• Personal appearance begins to matter less
• Poor performance in school
• Pulling away from family
• Secretiveness, withdrawal
• Unexplained disappearance of money or household valuables