Maybe your teen has found a new group of friends. Or perhaps he is sleeping later than usual or his grades are beginning to drop in school. Initially you may not think anything of these changes, but eventually they begin to escalate into larger problems such as mood swings, a disheveled appearance, or the loss of valuable items or money. Learning to recognize these signs of drug use may save your teen's life.
Behavioral Signs
Time to Act, a website dedicated to a drug-free America, states that changes in your teen's behavior is one of signs to watch for. She may lose touch with, or disconnect herself from, friends or family members she was once close to. Her moods or emotions may become unstable. These symptoms can be due to the withdrawal she experiences when the substance she is using is not available to her.
If your teen was once a talkative, happy person, and is now withdrawn and silent, these may be indications of drug use. You may notice that she is tired more than usual, or that she has suddenly become secretive. She may even show signs of deceit, lying to you about where she's going and what she's doing.
When the drug is still in her system, she will be incapable of speaking intelligibly, and her speech may either be slurred or rapid depending on the drug she is using. You may find she experiences moments of elation or is completely unmotivated, depending on the drug she uses.
Physical Signs
Physical signs are a good indication of drug use among teens, according to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP). The most common signs include constant health complaints, recurring cough, and eyes that are always red and glazed.
He may also suffer from frequent nosebleeds, which may be due to using drugs that are inhaled, such as cocaine. Sores or spots around his mouth are another physical sign, as are bruises and headaches.
Your teen may complain of excessive thirst or constantly be wetting his lips--this is caused by a condition referred to as "cotton-mouth" which can be caused by a variety of drugs including marijuana.
Sudden changes in his weight or appetite is cause for concern, as are injuries obtained through accidents, as his judgement is severely impaired while high. One of the most serious physical effects of drug use is the occurrence of seizures; drugs have a profound effect on the brain, and when used, can result in seizure activity.
Problems in School
Both Time to Act and the AACAP concur that drug use has a profound impact on your teen's ability to function properly in school.
At first it may begin with a drop in her grades due to her inability to fulfill the necessary requirements and school work both in and out of school. She may begin to skip school without your knowledge, which leads to phone calls from her teachers, the principal or both.
If she was once involved in school sports or activities, her interest in these programs may be lost, as she is now consumed with the substances she has begun to use. The worst case scenario is that she begins attending school intoxicated, high or both.
Personal Appearence
When using drugs or illicit substances, people tend to let their personal appearance go, not caring about anything but their next high. This is why taking notice of your teen's appearance is a vital piece of the puzzle, especially if he was once meticulous about personal hygiene.
Time to Act states that watching for everything from lack of showering to not brushing his teeth are signs to watch for. If he seems not to care, you have cause for concern.
Another sign is the clothes he wears. If you notice that he is wearing long sleeved shirts all the time, even on a hot day, this may be an indication that he is using injectable drugs and has needle marks on his arms he is attempting to cover.
Burns on his lips can indicate smoking joints or pipes.
Personal Habits
Personal habits can tell you a lot about your teen's habits out of the house. For instance, if she borrowed the car and returns it with unexplained dents, this can be indicative of a car accident she has no memory of due to being high at the time.
Perhaps your teen once adhered to the rules of the house, consistently arriving home at her designated curfew. Now she goes out every night and arrives home late each time. When she does come home, she may display an incessant desire to eat, often referred to as the "munchies." These are caused by the drugs she has chosen to use, most frequently marijuana.
When she walks in the door, she may do everything in her power to avoid looking at you; this is because her eyes are red or bloodshot. She may also smell like smoke, or make a bee-line drive straight to her room, locking the door behind her.
