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If a teen is abusing alcohol or other drugs, there are usually warning signs. Listed below are common warning signs associated with various kinds of drug use followed by a description of the typical progression of drug abuse. Many of the warning signs are similar for various kinds of drugs. In general, there are 5 categories of warning signs to look out for: changes in personality, changes in activities and habits, changes in physical appearance, drug paraphernalia, and legal problems. (Dimoff & Carper, 1992).
If you are a parent and witness some of these signs in your teen, talk to him or her about it. If problems persist and drug abuse is suspected or confirmed, you should seek help from a medical professional. Teachers or community leaders who witness some of these warning signs should talk with the teen and/or the teen's parents.
It is important to remember that there often are not clear cut signs indicating drug use and many of the warning signs listed below may also represent normal adolescent behavior or could be signs of a mental or physical condition. It is important to look for a pattern of warning signs, not just a single factor, to suggest possible drug use.
Alcohol
- Slurred or rapid speech
- Red, bloodshot, or glassy eyes
- Poor balance
- Cold or clammy skin
- Alcohol smell on breath or clothes
- Sudden use of breath mints
- Loss or gain of weight
- Less interested in appearance
- Abrupt mood changes
- Decline in school attendance and grades
- Rebelling against family
- Associating with a new group of friends
- Poor concentration
Sources:
www.theantidrug.com/advice/21tips.html.
Dimoff, T. Carper, S. "How to Tell If Your Kids Are Using Drugs." Facts on File; New York: 1992
Marijuana
- Odd smell on breath, hair, or clothes
- Giggling or being silly for no reason
- Euphoria
- Bloodshot eyes
- Coughing
- Increased appetite (the munchies)
- Dizziness and trouble walking
- Difficulty remembering things that just happened
Sources:
"Tips for Teens: The Truth About Marijuana." SAMHSA, 2003.
Dimoff, T. Carper, S. "How to Tell If Your Kids Are Using Drugs." Facts on File: New York: 1992.
Inhalants
- Sneezing and coughing
- Runny nose or nosebleeds
- Nausea
- Red or irritated eyes
- Slurred speech
- Drunk, dizzy, or dazed appearance
- Chemical smell on clothing
- Paint stains on body or face
- Unusual breath odor
Sources:
"Tips for Teens: The Truth About Inhalants." SAMHSA, 2000.
Dimoff, T. Carper, S. "How to Tell If Your Kids Are Using Drugs." Facts on File; New York: 1992.
Club Drugs
- Difficulty remembering things recently done or said
- Loss of coordination, dizziness, or fainting
- Confusion
- Depression
- Problems sleeping
- Chills or sweating
- Slurred Speech
- Burst of energy
- Teeth clenching
- Blurred vision
- Visual distortion
- Lost sense of time and identity
Sources:
"Tips for Teens: The Truth About Club Drugs." SAMHSA, 2000.
www.theantidrug.com.
"Ecstasy and Other Club Drugs." Journeyworks Publishing, 1998.
Cocaine
- Sniffles or runny nose
- Excitability
- Talkativeness
- Agitation
- Dilated pupils
- Red or bloodshot eyes
- Acts withdrawn, depressed, or tired
- Change in eating or sleeping habits
- Change in his or her group of friends
- Loses interest in school, family, or activities once found enjoyable
- Frequently needs money
Sources:
"Tips for Teens: The Truth About Cocaine." SAMHSA, 2001.
Dimoff, T. Carper, S. "How to Tell If Your Kids Are Using Drugs." Facts on File; New York: 1992.
Heroin
- Constricted or pinpoint pupils
- Head nodding
- Watery eyes
- Droopy eyelids
- Fresh injection marks
- Itching or burning skin
- Drowsiness
- Euphoria
- Impaired mental functioning
- Slowed respiration
- Nausea
- Clammy skin
- Convulsions
- Coma
Sources:
"Tips for Teens: The Truth About Heroin." SAMHSA, 2001.
Dimoff, T. Carper, S. "How to Tell If Your Kids Are Using Drugs." Facts on File; New York: 1992.
Hallucinogens
- Distortion of reality
- Dilated or constricted pupils
- Dry mouth
- Sweating
- Paranoia
- Anxiety
- Panic
- Blurred vision
- Slurred speech
- Cramps
- Nausea
- Depression
- Weakness or lack of coordination
- Dizziness
- Trembling
- Facial flushing
Sources:
"Tips for Teens: The Truth About Hallucinogens." SAMHSA, 2001.
Dimoff, T. Carper, S. "How to Tell If Your Kids Are Using Drugs." Facts on File; New York: 1992.
Progression of Drug Abuse
A single incident of drug use does not always lead to addiction; however, research has shown that there is often a natural progression of drug abuse. This is why prevention and early intervention can be so important is reducing problems associated with adolescent drug and alcohol abuse. The four stages of drug use are:
- Experimental Use: the person tried the drug a few times, but no real problems have resulted from the use.
- Misuse: the person is using the drug on somewhat of a regular basis and experienced minor problems from the use.
- Abuse: the person is preoccupied with using the drug and actively thinks about and plans his/her next use.
- Addiction: the person compulsively uses the drug. He/she has lost control and is obsessed with using the drug.
Source:
Somdahl, G. H. "Drugs and Kids: How Parents Can Keep Them Apart." Dimi Press; Salem: 1996.
[Keywords: alcohol, other drugs, prevention]
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