If you notice a sudden change in your child's behavior, you may be concerned that he is using drugs or alcohol. It can be difficult to distinguish between the normal ups and downs of the teenage years and substance abuse, according to Helpguide. Reviewing common signs of drug and alcohol use can help you determine if your child may have a substance abuse problem.
Physical Changes and Signs
Children or teenagers who use drugs may not look the same. You may notice that your child's pupils look smaller or larger than normal due to physical effects of drugs or alcohol. You may also smell alcohol or marijuana on your child's clothing, breath or hair. Children who use alcohol may slur their speech and have difficulty walking, while children who use marijuana may lose or gain weight or may have glassy or red eyes, according to the American Council for Drug Education.
If your child snorts cocaine, you may notice that her nose is frequently running, although she has no other cold symptoms. The use of injectable drugs may leave red track marks on your child's arms. Other possible signs of substance abuse include dry mouth, anxiety, mouth sores, extreme thirst, sweaty palms, facial flushing, vomiting and tremors.
Changes in Behavior and Interests
Children who use drugs or alcohol may seem tired, unmotivated and lethargic, and may no longer care about favorite activities. Their grades may begin to drop or they may start experiencing behavioral problems in school or may even skip school. Old friends may suddenly be discarded in favor of new friends and your child may seem reluctant for you to meet the new friends. If your child needs cash to pay for drugs and alcohol, you may notice that money is missing from your purse or wallet, even if your child has been completely trustworthy in the past. Moods may fluctuate and your child may act silly one moment, but quickly become angry or hostile with little or no provocation.
Helpguide reports that children using drugs may seem extremely elated for no reason or experience periods of high energy or sleeplessness followed by long periods of sleep. Children may go to great lengths to cover substance abuse and may resent questions about their activities or behavior.
Grooming Changes
Grooming and personal hygiene may suffer if your child is using alcohol or drugs. If your normally fastidious child suddenly stops combing his hair, taking showers or using deodorant or a toothbrush, substance abuse may be to blame. Wearing long sleeves and avoiding exposing the arms, even in warm weather, can be an attempt to hide needle marks, according to the Childhelp website.
