Warning Signs
Determining if your child is using drugs or alcohol can be a challenge. Many symptoms and signs of substance abuse can be confused/viewed as typical young adult behaviors. However, if you notice any of the changes described below, it is okay to err on the side of caution
Behavioral symptoms/signs
- Change in priorities (school work, job, maintaining relationships)
- Change in habits
- Involvement in criminal activity
- Changed relationships with friends or family members
- Using over-the-counter preparations to reduce the red in their eyes or any nasal irritation
- Having financial problems
- Increase in going out more
- Sleeping too much or not enough
- Is caught lying more or sneaking around
Mood and Personality Changes
- Increase in aggressive/irritability
- Shows increase in mood changes or emotional instability
- Lacks motivation
- Withdrawn/depressed
- Secretive/deceitful
- Lack focus
- Usually elated
- Hyperactive
- Becoming more silent/uncommunicative
Physical Symptoms / Signs
- Weight changes
- Constricted or dilated pupils
- Body odors
- Bloodshot or glazed eyes
- Physical coordination is poor
- Looking unkempt
- Track marks on legs or arms (or wearing long sleeves in warm weather to hide any marks)
Health Issues
- Tends to be tired
- Lethargic
- Slurred speech or rapid fire speech
- Vomiting
- Seizures
- Runny nose (not caused by a cold or allergies)
- Nosebleeds
- Cotton mouth (wetting lips or excessive thirst)
- Dramatic or sudden weight gain or weight loss
- Headaches
- Accidents/injuries
- Bruises/skin abrasions/sores
- Depression
Work or School Problems
- Loss of interest
- Increase in absenteeism
- Failure to fulfill/perform responsibilities at work or school
- Reports of intoxication
- Lacks interest in extracurricular activities/hobbies
- Continually receiving bad grades
- Unable to hold a job
Things to look at for in your home
- Missing alcohol
- Hidden stashes or alcohol or drugs
- Disappearance of over-the-counter prescription pills
- Disappearance of valuables or money
- Smell in their car or room
- Unusual containers, wrappers, pipes, rolling papers, medicine bottles, lighters, eye drops
- Continually locking bedroom door
If you are noticing some of these signs, it might be important to prepare yourself to have a conversation with your child.