Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol or Other Drug Abuse

The following signs indicate when a student's use of alcohol, tobacco and/or other drugs is interfering with his or her college experience and quality of life.

Physical

• Pays less attention to grooming
• Displays abnormalities of skin, eyes, coordination, and/or speech pattern
• Frequently becomes ill or experiences difficulty sleeping
• Shakes uncontrollably, lacks energy and/or changes weight (evidence of withdrawal)
• Passes out

Emotional

• Feels guilty about use
• Feels guilty about actions while under the influence of the substance
• Experiences anxiety
• Displays mood swings
• Uses substance to deal with emotions

Intellectual

• Experiences decrease in attention span and ability to concentrate
• Forgets things frequently
• Performs poorly in school
• Demonstrates poor judgment and decisions
• Experiences blackouts (total memory loss for a period of time)

Social

• Misses classes
• Spends less time with leisure activities and interests
• Performs poorly at work
• Changes personality
• Locates new friends who use the substance regularly
• Experiences difficulties with family and other relationships
• Develops legal and/or financial problems

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Health Promotion and Preventive Services (520) 621-6483.