Observable Behaviors

    This is a checklist of observable behaviors that is used by the school to indicate a possible problem related to alcohol and other drug use. Take a few moments to look over the list. Have you noticed any of these behaviors at home?

    Area Behavior

    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
     

    Attendance

     
    • 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