Observable Behaviors

Academic

• Grades falling significantly

• Work incomplete/not turned in

• Unprepared for class

• Lacks motivation

• Does not stay on task

Alcohol and Drugs

• Talks about AOD use

• Others report concern about AOD use

• Wears AOD clothing or jewelry

• Odors of marijuana/alcohol/chemicals

• Smokes cigarettes

• Absent frequently

• Late frequently

• In- and out-of-school suspension

Legal

• Prior arrests

• On probation

• Other violations of the law

Violence

• Poor social interactions

• Withdrawal from peers

• Expressed feelings of rejection

• Victim of violence

• Picked-on and/or persecuted

• Expressions of violence in writings/drawings

• Uncontrolled anger

• Intimidating and bullying behaviors

• Discipline problems

• Violent and aggressive behaviors

• Expressions of intolerance and prejudice

• Affiliation with gangs

• Access to, possession of, and use of firearms

• Serious threats of violence

Extra-Curricular

• Lost eligibility; no involvement

• Misses practice without reason

• Dropped out of Activity in which previously interested

• Lacks out-of-school interests

Behavior

• Attempts to sleep in class

• Defies rules

• Aggressive

• Seeks attention

• Depressed; Anxious

• Argumentative; Irritable

• Inappropriate emotional responses

• Borrows money

• Poor affect

• Dishonest

• Tests limits constantly

Social

• Change of friends

• Older social group

• Associates with AOD users

• Avoids peers

• Fights with peers

• Sudden status with peers

Physical Appearance

• Pale; Poor complexion

• Dark circles around eyes

• Facial swelling

• Constantly hungry; Loss of appetite

• Slurred speech; Rapid speech

• Bloodshot eyes; Dilated pupils

• Complains of feeling sick frequently

• Asks to go to heath room often

• Weight loss or "bulking out"

Family

• Family under stress

• Runaway; Unaccounted-for time periods

• Seems alienated from family

• Possible family AOD abuse