Recognizing the warning sings of drug or alcohol abuse in your teen or adolescent child can be diffcicult since these signals are often written off as "typical teenage behavior." Many of these signs can also be intrepretated and signs for depression, mental illness or anxiety disorders.
If you notice any of the signs listed below in your own child don't be afraid to take action.
Ask your child directly if they have been drinking or using drugs. While most teenagers wont openly admit this behavior, you should have a plan in place for the chance they do answer "yes". If your child denys using, it could also mean they have been acting out for another reason such as mental health issues. In either case, getting a professional assesment with your childs primary care physican or psychologist is highly reccomended.
Behavioral Changes
Becoming distant from close family members or friends
Secluding themselves in bedroom/lock doors
Making secretive phone calls
Using eye drops frequently
Masking breathe with gum or mints
Sudden increases in appetite or loss of appetite
Uncharacteristcally loud or obnoxious
Unusually clumsly, stumbling or random bruising
Periods of sleeplessness or high energy followed by long periods of sleep
Avoids eye contact
Sneaking out, breaking curfew, disapearing for long periods of time
Mood and Personality Changes
Sullen, withdrawn, depressed
Sudden unprovoked mood swings
Hostile, angry, uncooportative
Loss of interest in activities
Hygeine and Apperance Changes
Messy apperance
Sudden decline in personal care
Bruising or track marks on arms
Burns on fingertips and face
Health Issues
Unusually tired and slow moving
Slurred speach or fast incoherent speach
Seizures, vomitting
Sores in mouth, skin abraisons and bruising
Excessive thrist or dry mouth
Nosebleeds, excessive runny nose or sniffling
Sudden or dramatic weight loss or gain
School or Work Changes
Absenteeism, excessive tardiness, lack of interest
Prolonged bathroom breaks
Loss of interest in extracurriculars and hobbies
Failure to fufill responsibilities
Detentions, suspension and other complaints from teachers
Warning Signs in the Home
Dissapearance of prescription or over the counter pills
Money or valuables missing
Receiving unusual packages in mail
Missing alcohol
Drug or alcohol paraphenalia
If you suspect that your child may be abusing drugs or alcohol it is never too early to confront them. Even if you suspect that they are just experimenting, teaching your children about the risks and consequences of addiction can help them be aware of the dangers.