General Signs and Symptoms of Substance Abuse:

Although many addicts/alcoholics work very hard to hide their use and downplay the amount of substances they are using, there are some general signs and symptoms that are somewhat common to most alcohol/drug abusers. These symptoms may include:

• Abrupt changes in work or school attendance, quality of work, work output, grades, discipline
• Unusual mood swings or outbreaks of temper
• Withdrawal from responsibility
• General changes in overall attitude
• Deterioration of physical appearance and grooming
• Association with known drug users/alcoholics
• Unusual borrowing of money from friends, family, co-workers
• Stealing from school, employer, or home
• Secretive behavior regarding actions and/or possessions