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Signs of Drug Abuse
Please remember that these are only warning signs of possible drug abuse.
The fact that these behaviors may be present in your teen does not mean that
they are abusing drugs. There are other causes for some of these behaviors.
Adolescence itself is a valid reason for many of them to exist.
However, if six or more of these signs, (possibly in different
categories), are present for a period of time, you should talk to your teen
and seek some professional help.
Signs in the Home
| loss of interest in family activities |
| disrespect for family rules |
| withdrawal from responsibilities |
| verbally or physically abusive |
| sudden increase or decrease in appetite |
| disappearance of valuable items or money |
| not coming home on time / curfew violations |
| not telling you where they are going |
| constant excuses for behavior |
| spending a lot of time in their rooms |
| lies about activities |
| finding the following: cigarette rolling papers,
pipes, roach clips, small glass vials, plastic baggies, remnants of drugs
(seeds, etc.) |
Signs at School
| sudden drop in grades |
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truancy |
| loss of interest in learning |
| sleeping in class |
| poor work performance |
| not doing homework |
| defiant of authority |
| poor attitude towards sports or other
extracurricular activities |
| reduced memory and attention span |
| not informing you of teacher meetings, open houses,
etc. |
Physical and Emotional Signs
| changes friends |
| smell of alcohol or marijuana on breath or body |
| smell of chemicals on breath |
| unexplainable mood swings and behavior |
| negative, argumentative, paranoid or confused,
destructive, anxious |
| over-reacts to criticism acts rebellious |
| sharing few if any of their personal problems |
| doesn't seem as happy as they used to be |
| overly tired or hyperactive |
| drastic weight loss or gain |
| unhappy and depressed or apathetic |
| cheats, steals |
| always needs money, or has excessive amounts of
money |
| sloppiness in appearance |
| frequent use of eye drops |
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