Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Official Website

Signs and Symptoms

Physical changes:
  • Change in pupils
  • Clenching teeth
  • Nosebleeds/runny nose (not caused by allergies or cold)
  • Sores, spots around mouth
  • Unexplained physical health problems
  • Wetting lips or excessive thirst (known as cotton mouth)
  • Sudden or dramatic weight loss or gain
  • Accidents/injuries/skin abrasions
  • Sweatiness
  • Slurred speech
  • Gaunt and pasty skin
  • Unusually tired
Behavioral changes:
  • Mood changes
  • Change in relationship (family and friends)
  • Changes in behavior and personality
  • Loss of interest in school and activities
  • Concerns voiced by others
  • Police contact
  • Truancy
  • Frequently breaks curfew
  • Going out every night
  • Asking for money (cash flow problems)
  • Aggression
  • Irritability
  • Change in sleeping patterns – up all night, sleeping during the day
  • Change in hygiene habits
Items to look for:
  • Tin foil
  • Tiny balloons
  • Visine
  • Brown or white powdery substances
  • Butane lighters
  • Vape pens, oils (can be disguised as flash drives)
  • Small baggies often with a stamp on it
  • Syringes (or orange cap from syringe)
  • End of cigarette butts
  • Missing spoons or spoons with blackened bottom
  • Missing prescription drugs
  • Missing alcohol or cigarettes
  • Disappearance of money or valuables
  • Smell or drug paraphernalia in car
  • Pipes, rolling papers, small medicine bottles
  • Unusual containers ("stash cans" like aerosol or soda cans)
  • Wrappers or seeds left on surfaces used to clean marijuana
Common household items used:
  • Huffing/Inhalants: Nail polish, whipped cream and markers
  • Medicine Cabinet: Cough and cold medicine, antihistamines, mouthwash, hand sanitizers, laxatives and diet pills
  • Kitchen Cabinet: Nutmeg and Vanilla extract, energy drinks
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