Several changes are associated with substance abuse in teenagers.
Behavioral Changes
Increased irritability, including aggressive or violent outbursts
Other behaviors: defiance, uncooperativeness, hostility
Ignoring authority figures, rules, and curfews
Increased associations with law enforcement
Increased conflicts at school with students and staff
Poor academic performance
Decreased motivation and interest in school and hobbies
Truancy and/or skipping extracurricular activities
A change in friends or social circles
Withdrawing from friends and family
Acting secretive or increased demand for privacy
Avoiding eye contact
Finding drugs or paraphernalia in a teen’s room
Psychological Changes
Mood swings, emotional instability, other changes in personality
Uncontrollable laughing for no apparent reason
Loud, obnoxious behavior
Slurred or rapid speech
Extreme fearfulness, paranoia
Lethargy and decreased motivation
Drowsiness followed by bursts of energy
Poor concentration and memory problems
Family history of substance abuse
Physical Changes
Bloodshot eyes
Dilated or pinpoint pupils
Teeth clenching
Poor hygiene
Poor appetite and weight loss
Weight gain
Unexplained nosebleeds or runny nose
Sleep disturbances
Excessive thirst
Nausea and vomiting
Shakiness, tremors, sweating
Headache, stomachache
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation
Coordination problems
Seizures
Frequent unexplained illness
Accidents, injuries
Needle track marks, skin infections (intravenous drug use)
Wearing long sleeves or turtlenecks year round (to cover needle track marks)
Constant scratching (opiate use)
Burns on fingers or lips (from smoking marijuana or crack cocaine)
Decayed teeth, missing teeth (methamphetamine use)
Smelling like alcohol or drugs
Smelling like perfume, incense, breath freshener (to mask the smell of alcohol and drugs)
Other Considerations
Missing cash or other valuable items from the home (that can be pawned for drugs)
Hidden stashes of alcohol or drugs
Missing medications, alcohol, tobacco products from the home
Drug paraphernalia
Drug residue or remains (seeds, stems, powders)
Please visit www.globalacademics.us to learn how our educational consultants can help find the right therapeutic program for your teenager.