Finding these items in a loved one’s bedroom, bag, or car may be a red flag. If you suspect someone you love is taking drugs, finding any of these common and often overlooked items should serve as a warning sign to take action. Spoons are used for “cooking” certain drugs, meaning that the powdered drug is placed in the bowl of a spoon with a little water and heated over a flame until it turns to liquid. Because the flame can irreparably stain the spoon, it can’t be returned and the person is likely to instead hide it away for future use. An alternative is bottle caps, which are less conspicuous and are usually held over a flame with a pair of pliers. Having either or both of these items stashed can be a sign of possible drug use.
Some people seem to get a thrill from seeing themselves snort drugs.The powdered drug won’t stick to the glass.It improves visibility and reduces waste.
A mirror that has visible, straight scratch marks can be another warning sign of drug use. Rolled-up dollar bills can also be used to snort drugs. The bills are simply curled into a tube and then flattened out afterward to conceal the evidence. People who use bills for snorting tend to prefer crisp bills because they believe less powder will get stuck to the fibers compared to old, frayed ones. People who smoke crack will often place the chopped-up crystals onto a piece of foil and hold it over a candle or lighter until it smokes. They will then inhale the smoke through a rolled-up foil straw, dollar bill, or glass or metal straw. If you find wadded-up pieces of crack foil in the waste bin, it will usually have a burnt, resiny scent that’s hard to miss. A person might use extra-long shoelaces, a belt, a hairband, an elastic lanyard, or even a length of twine. All of these things can be obvious signs of drug use. One item that should raise a red flag is a precut length of rubber tubing or lacing, which may be preferred because they provide extra tension that other items can’t.
Apathy and a lack of motivation Becoming angry over “trivial” things Bloodshot eyes (linked with marijuana use) Change in appearance (wearing dirty or wrinkled clothes) Change of friends (usually, friends that are also doing drugs) Constant fatigue Constant scratching of skin (linked with opiate use) Depression Dripping nostrils (linked with cocaine use) Lying frequently Making threats Missing curfew (for kids and teens) Mood swings Needle tracks on the inside of their arm (linked with heroin use) Neglect of personal hygiene Pinpoint pupils (linked with barbiturate or heroin use) Receiving poor grades and/or skipping school (for kids and teens) Secretive behavior and a lack of communication Slurring speech Stealing things (potentially to sell for drug money) Suicidal thoughts, words, and/or actions Unexplained weight loss or weight gain Verbal abuse Violent behavior (often linked with psychotropic drugs) Widely dilated pupils (linked with cocaine, amphetamine, or hallucinogen use) Withdrawing from usual activities
Of course, some symptoms may be the result of an underlying medical condition or the side effects of a prescribed drug. If you suspect your teen is taking illicit drugs, be sure to do some research to find out if there is another explanation. You might even speak to their doctor to be sure. However, if someone is displaying common signs of illegal drug use and they possess certain drug paraphernalia, it is likely they are using drugs. Paraphernalia includes weight scales, a butane torch, a bong, a ziplock bag, square folded paper envelopes, lighters, small porcelain bowls, needles, balloons, aluminum foil wrappers, mirrors or flat metal, cut straws, pipes, capsules, and/or vials. If someone is consistently using products like sunglasses, eye drops, perfume, and/or mouthwash, it’s possible they are trying to cover up drug use. However, these are also everyday items that have benign uses. If you notice someone using “cover-up” products frequently, along with displaying other behavioral signs, it may be more likely that they are engaging in drug use.
If You Suspect Drug Use
If parents or caregivers suspect that a teen might be using drugs, it is important to have a conversation with the child and to seek help from a doctor. The Partnership to End Addiction suggests that parents should:
Approach the conversation from a place of loveGather evidence of drug usePrepare for anger and denialRemain calmEstablish rules and consequences
“I don’t know” or “I found it” should never be considered an adequate reply from your teen when you inquire about questionable items—be it a lighter or some other type of potential drug paraphernalia—in their room. Recognizing the signs of drug use and taking action is essential for getting your loved one the help and treatment that they need. Talk to a health professional or call an information helpline for more tips on how to help a loved one who might have a substance use problem.
A Word From Verywell
It can feel terrifying when you suspect that someone you love is using harmful drugs. The best place to start is by communicating with them and letting them know that you care about them and want the best for them. For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database. You can help point them in the right direction by discussing their options, such as attending therapy or a support group for people with substance use disorder if their use is compulsive. Remember, they are ultimately responsible for their sobriety, so taking care of their mental health is paramount to putting them on track for a drug-free lifestyle.
