Drug Paraphernalia: Do You Know What to Look For?

Drug paraphernalia is a strong indicator of drug use, and thanks to the internet, it is more available than ever. Knowing what to look for could be the difference between stopping a drug habit before it starts and a full blown addiction. 

Learn how to recognize drug paraphernalia, the drugs it’s associated with, and what to do if you suspect drug use. 

What Is Drug Paraphernalia?

Paraphernalia is a big word for equipment or stuff, in this case drug equipment or stuff that allows a person to use a substance (usually an illegal substance). In this way, drug paraphernalia could also refer to containers that store drugs, items that hide them, or objects that measure drugs (i.e. drug scales). 

Drug paraphernalia can be bought online or in brick and mortar smoke shops (also known as head shops). This is legal as long as the consumer is over 18 and the drug equipment is advertised for the use of legal substances (such as tobacco). 

Alternatively, drug-related tools can be made from household objects. A quick Google search of “homemade bong,” “how to make a pipe,” or “how to smoke out of a can” will return numerous DIY instructions for making homemade drug paraphernalia.

Given the ease with which drug paraphernalia can be purchased or produced, drug paraphernalia is here to stay. Naturally, understanding what these items look like and what they are used for will offer valuable insight into if drugs are being used.

Types of Drug Paraphernalia

Drug paraphernalia varies depending on the type of drug being used and the method of use. For instance, the most frequent methods of taking drugs are smoking, snorting, injecting, swallowing, or inhaling (i.e. whippits). Examples of tools used to take drugs are indicated below by drug type (in addition to these descriptions, drug paraphernalia pictures can be found online).

Methamphetamine (Meth)

Meth comes in solid or powder form and is easily dissolved in liquid. Therefore, meth can be smoked, snorted, swallowed, or injected. Any of the below items could indicate the occurrence of meth use. 

Meth paraphernalia:

• Rolled up bills, straws, hollowed out pens, or narrow metal pipes (used for snorting meth)
• Small mirrors and razor blades (used for cutting meth)
• Burnt spoons, lighters, or tin foil (used for cooking meth)
• Glass or metal pipes (for smoking meth)
• Tubing, lacing, or syringes (for injecting meth)
• Dried up cotton balls (used to strain meth)

Cocaine (Coke)

Cocaine generally comes in white rock or powder form and is most often crushed and snorted. However, cocaine can also be smoked, swallowed, or dissolved and injected. Therefore, cocaine paraphernalia can include many of the same tools as methamphetamine. 

Cocaine paraphernalia: 

• Straws, hollow pens, or rolled up paper or bills (for snorting cocaine)
• Small mirrors, credit cards, or razor blades (for cutting cocaine)
• Lighters and glass or metal pipes (for smoking cocaine)
• Tubing, lacing, or syringes (for injecting cocaine)

GHB

GHB (or “G”) is a clear, odorless liquid that is swallowed in very small amounts. Thus, tools used to ingest GHB are usually small and able to hold liquid. 

GHB paraphernalia: 

• Twist-off bottle caps
• Plastic syringes (without a needle)
• Bottles or jugs with clear, syrupy substance

Ecstasy (MDMA)

Ecstasy usually comes in a pill form or in capsules (i.e., Molly/MDMA). MDMA and ecstasy are considered a club drugs and are often consumed in rave type atmospheres. Therefore, along with the ecstasy paraphernalia below, glow sticks, lollipops, and candy that can be sucked on are also included with items that may indicate ecstasy or MDMA use.

Ecstasy paraphernalia: 

• Colorful, stamped pills
• Empty capsules, or capsules filled with a white powder
• Menthol inhalers (said to increase intensity of the drug)

Heroin

While heroin resembles cocaine in its true form, it is generally cut with substances that give it a brown or black color tone. Heroin can be powder or tar-like in texture, and can be snorted, injected, swallowed, or smoked.

Heroin paraphernalia: 

• Rolled up bills, straws, hollowed out pens, or narrow metal pipes (used for snorting heroin)
• Small mirrors and razor blades (used for cutting heroin)
• Burnt spoons, bottle caps, lighters, or tin foil (used for cooking heroin)
• Glass or metal pipes (for smoking heroin)
• Tubing, lacing, or syringes (for injecting heroin)
• Dried up cotton balls (used to strain heroin)

Marijuana (Weed)

Marijuana (weed/cannabis) is one of the most widely used drugs and is legal in some states. Despite its legality, marijuana use can still be a concern, especially when it is abused in an addictive manner (i.e, it replaces healthy coping mechanisms or becomes an all-consuming focus). And regardless of state laws, it is still illegal for someone underage to possess marijuana paraphernalia.  

Marijuana paraphernalia:

• Pipes or bongs
• Joints, rolling paper, rolling trays, and roach clips (metal clips that hold a joint)
• Vape pens or e-cigarettes
• Dab rigs or dab pens (for marijuana concentrates)
• Grinders
• Lighters

Keep in mind that vape pens and e-cigarettes will not always look like drug paraphernalia. Often, these items are disguised to look like everyday items like regular pens, jewelry, USB drives, or phone cases. 

Inhalants

Inhalants drugs are usually-legal, household products that are inhaled by someone trying to get high. These substances are either inhaled directly from the product packaging or rags and bags are used to transfer the product (these practices are often referred to as “huffing”). Inhalants drug examples include hair spray, spray paints, cooking sprays, or other aerosol items, as well as solvents, and nitrite substances (“poppers”).

Currently, inhalants drug abuse is one of the few substance use disorders that is more common among people who are underage. 

Inhalants paraphernalia: 

• Plastic or paper bags
• Rags, bandanas, scarves, or diapers (to inhale product from)
• Aerosol cans
• Markers
• Cotton balls (to soak, then inhale from)
• Soda cans (to inhale product from)
• Balloons (to inhale product from)

Usually, these items are legal so looking for unusual patterns will help detect whether they are being abused inappropriately. 

Paraphernalia Used to Hide or Stash Drugs

Items that conceal drugs can also be considered drug paraphernalia. Consequently, hiding drugs in plain sight is made possible by items like hollowed out books, fake soda cans, makeup containers with stash spots for drugs, specially designed writing utensils, and even in vehicles.

Items Used to Hide Physical Drug Use Symptoms

Seemingly innocent products, if found with drug paraphernalia, can be considered a warning sign for drug use. These include items that would conceal physical symptoms of drug use such as:

• Eye drops
• Breath mints or mouth washes
• Sunglasses
• Body sprays or other fragrances
• Long-sleeved clothing in warm weather

Is Possession of Drug Paraphernalia Illegal?

Drug possession laws will vary by state. However, in many states, paraphernalia in and of itself is not illegal. However, once the item has been used to consume an illegal substance, it is considered drug paraphernalia, and possession of drug paraphernalia is punishable by law. You do not need to have the actual drug on you to face charges, drug paraphernalia charges can be assessed if there is any residue in the drug equipment, which sticks around long after use. 

Drug Paraphernalia Laws in Florida

The drug paraphernalia definition in Florida is, “All equipment, products, and materials of any kind which are used, intended for use, or designed for use in planting, propagating, cultivating, growing, harvesting, manufacturing, compounding, converting, producing, processing, preparing, testing, analyzing, packaging, repackaging, storing, containing, concealing, transporting, injecting, ingesting, inhaling, or otherwise introducing into the human body a controlled substance.” 

In Florida, possession of drug paraphernalia is a first-degree misdemeanor and punishable by fines and jail time.

Confronting Drug Use

Finding drug paraphernalia is a strong indicator of drug use. Knowing what to look for (and what drug slang terms to listen for), can help you determine if confronting someone over drug use is in order. 

Research suggests the best way to confront someone about drug use is to offer compassionate, practical support rather than making hostile, accusatory statements. However, each situation is different, and discussions about drug use should be tailored according to the individual drug user.

Finding Help for Drug Addiction in Florida

At the Blackberry Center in St. Cloud, Florida, we are experts in drug addiction treatment. Our accredited drug rehab center offers numerous programs to fit your individual needs, including drug detox, inpatient drug treatment, and a partial hospitalization program. 

At our drug and alcohol treatment center, it is our mission to support you through the entire rehabilitation process, from before treatment to life in recovery.  

To learn more about our programs or to get started on recovery today, contact our drug rehab admissions team at (813) 908-4199 or use our confidential online form. Overcoming drug addiction is possible, and the Blackberry Center can help.  

 

Video

The Truth About Drug Paraphernalia Charges in Florida.

Addiction and prison: the undoing of shame – Drink and drug use and paraphernalia.

 

Podcast

Episode 39 | Identifying Different Types of Drug Paraphernalia

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick discuss how everyday household items can be used as drug paraphernalia. They cover items like PVC pipes, spoons, and even fruit. The episode is about helping caregivers recognize these things, but the focus is on behavior changes as the real warning signs. Instead of getting caught up in objects, pay attention to how your loved one is acting.

 

FAQ

1. What is considered drug paraphernalia?
   Drug paraphernalia includes tools or objects used for making, using, or concealing drugs, such as pipes, syringes, grinders, or hidden compartments.
2. What are some common signs of drug paraphernalia in a home?
   Look for items like burnt spoons, small plastic baggies, rolling papers, or unusual household items altered for drug use.
3. How can you distinguish paraphernalia from everyday items?
   Unusual modifications, residue, or odors can indicate drug-related use.
4. What should I do if I find drug paraphernalia?
   Remain calm, seek professional advice, and approach the individual with care and concern.
5. Is owning drug paraphernalia illegal?
   Laws vary by location; possessing drug paraphernalia without drugs may still lead to legal consequences.