Bongs, Needles, Rolling Papers, and Empty Soda Cans—Identifying Drug Paraphernalia

As part of our mission to empower you with knowledge to help you identify drug abuse behavior, a critical part of recognizing drug abuse is by being aware of the types of items that kids typically use to consume and disguise drugs. As a parent, you'll want to know what these items are if you see them in your child’s backpack, room, or their car.

And it isn't just a bong or a needle that you're looking for—like everything, drug paraphernalia has changed over the years. These days, something as innocuous as a soda can or a lipstick container can be used to help children transport or consume drugs, and can be used to market drugs to youth.

How to Identify Drug Paraphernalia

• Many kinds of items can be identified as drug paraphernalia, including ordinary household products, or things disguised to resemble ordinary items that can be extremely challenging to identify.
  

• Many states have enacted their own laws prohibiting drug paraphernalia on top of the Federal Drug Paraphernalia Statute which provides specific guidance on illegal drug paraphernalia possession and importation.
  

• Drug paraphernalia can be obtained in various ways, particularly because ordinary household products may be modified to make, use, or conceal illegal narcotics.
  

• Drug Paraphernalia can be different from drug to drug and some paraphernalia can be used for a variety of drugs. Be on the lookout for all types of paraphernalia, including cocaine paraphernalia, ecstasy paraphernalia, marijuana paraphernalia, and inhalant paraphernalia.
  

Then, test your own knowledge on the types of items that are actually identified as drug paraphernalia.

Test Your Knowledge of Drug Paraphernalia

• Aroma Rub Container
• Bong
• Crack Pipes
• Drug Pipes
• Felt Tip Marker (Drug Pipe)
• Lipstick Dispenser (Drug Pipe)
• Rainbow Necklace
• Rave Glow Sticks
• Rolling Papers
• Surgical Mask/Dust Mask
• Syringe