Drug Abuse Checklist

There are many different ways in which alcohol and other drugs can negatively affect your life. Take a moment to see if your use is causing more problems than you think - then decide if you are comfortable tolerating these impacts. If not, start thinking about ways you can work towards making changes.

You may want to discuss your results with a counsellor at school, someone you really trust, or even your parents. You can also check out the help section for local, confidential contacts.

Family Effects

Increases arguments with family members

Withdrawal from family activities

Breaking family rules

Loss of trust

Loss of privileges at home

Can cause physical fights

Get kicked out of the house

Family becomes less & less important

Fear of being caught by family members

Emotional Health Effects

Irritable when not using

Cravings when not using

Mood swings

Feelings of depression

Suicidal thoughts or attempts

Feelings of shame and guilt

Feelings of loneliness

Clouded thinking and judgment

Impaired confidence

Inability to cope

Education & Work Effects

Not completing assignments or studying

Be late or skip classes to use drugs or to sleep

Attend class under the influence

Short attention span, poor concentration and poor memory

Suspension from school

Being expelled from school

Dropping out of school

Lack of success getting accepted to or making it through post secondary education

Little motivation to look for a job

Difficulty finding a job

Being fired from a job

Friend Effects

Lose friends who don't use alcohol or drugs

Friends telling you you've "changed"

Argue more with friends

Get into physical or verbal fights

Unwanted sexual experiences or unsafe sex when high or drunk

Lose boyfriend/girlfriend

Money & Legal Effects

Spending most of your money on drugs

Owing friends or dealers money

Stealing money from your family or friends

Selling drugs

Being arrested or charged by police

Being on probation

Going to jail

Experience fear of being caught by police

Physical Health Effects

Low energy/tired

Trouble sleeping

Headaches

Decreased appetite/weight loss

Unsafe sex (More likely to have?)

Physical dependence

Decreased protection against infection (more frequent colds, flus, bronchitis)

More injuries and accidents (risk taking behaviour)

Sexually transmitted diseases/communicable diseases