| Drug and alcohol use leaves a trail of identifiable signs | | | | problems. |
| and symptoms. Taking action on these can prevent | | | | 12. Paranoia, isolation or wanting to be alone for |
| the extremely likely progression and escalation of the | | | | prolonged periods.An increased need for privacy, |
| problem. | | | | sneaky or suspicious behavior. |
| There are 2 major areas to note: | | | | 13. The need for money increases, items around the |
| 1. Behavioral signs of drug and/or alcohol use. | | | | house become misplaced or disappear. |
| 2. Physical signs of drug and/or alcohol use. | | | | And here are some physical signs of use: |
| These should be used as red flags, indicating there | | | | 1. Disturbed sleep patterns, sleeping too much or very |
| may be a problem; they are not positive proof that a | | | | little, being very lazy. |
| drug problem exists. It is necessary to be alert to | | | | 2. Becoming very talkative, energized, and industriously |
| change: to watch for any significant changes in your | | | | starting projects. |
| childs' physical appearance, personality, attitude or | | | | 3. Wearing long sleeves or pants continually can mask |
| behavior. | | | | needle marks in arms or legs. |
| Adolescence is a time of both great growth and great | | | | 4. Shaky hands, twitchiness or body tremors, |
| stress. The presence of one or two of these signs is | | | | particularly in the morning when first arising. |
| almost bound to occur as part of the process of | | | | 5. A constantly runny nose sneezing or red nose is |
| growing up. Where questions should be asked is when | | | | usual with inhaled drugs. |
| these problems are noted in groups, when several | | | | 6. Changes in the eyes. Watery, red or streaked eyes, |
| seem to occur at once. | | | | rubbing and itching. Pupils will get very large or like |
| That being said here are some behavioral signs of | | | | pinpoints when using different drugs. |
| drug use: | | | | 7. Slowed or quickened heartbeat, extremes in blood |
| 1. Lackluster performance, low self-esteem, not caring. | | | | pressure, high or low. |
| 2. Becoming, restless, irritable and discontent. | | | | 8. Going to extremes with food, rapid weight loss or |
| 3. Lying, half truths and deception occur with increased | | | | gain, constant munchies, or loss of appetite and no |
| frequency | | | | interest in food. |
| 4. There is a noticeable change in attitude or | | | | 9. Becoming clumsy, poor hand to eye coordination, |
| personality for no apparent reason. | | | | stumbling or jerky gait. |
| 5. Loss of interest or changes in interests or hobbies | | | | 10. Night sweats, or cold, sweaty palms. |
| that used to be enjoyable | | | | 11. There can be the smell of alcohol, a 'medicine' smell |
| 6. Change in habits at home; loss of interest in family | | | | to perspiration or breath. |
| and family activities. | | | | What Should You Do? |
| 7. This is a definite clue: possession of drug items, | | | | If you have cause for concern, it is necessary to |
| pipes, rolling papers etc. They are not 'holding it for a | | | | address it. Communicate directly with the teen. The |
| friend', I guarantee. | | | | absolute worst strategy is to ignore it and hope it goes |
| 8. Personal appearance becomes sloppy. | | | | away. An important fact is that virtually every sign and |
| 9. Being oversensitive, reacting out of proportion to | | | | symptom of drug and alcohol use or withdrawal can |
| importance of incidents. | | | | be exactly mimicked by another mental health issue |
| 10. Changing social circles. Losing touch with old friends, | | | | such as depression or an anxiety related disorder. |
| keeping new friends secret. | | | | Professional counseling may be indicated. |
| 11. Grades at school decline, attendance at school | | | | And it is also important for you to get your questions |
| deteriorates. Loss of concentration or memory | | | | answered. We can help. |