Warning Signs of Teenage Drug Abuse

You should be on the lookout of warning signs of drug• Starts having problems with his memory and has
abuse in your teen. If you do see six or more warningshort attention span all of a sudden
signs, you should not ignore them. Instead talk to your• Teachers complain that he is sleeping in class
teen about his drug addiction and then ensure that you• Suddenly becomes defiant of authority
seek professional help to assist your teen in• Does not inform you of teacher meetings or open
overcoming his addiction.houses
Here are the warning signs of teenage drug abuse• Loses interests in sports and other extra-curricular
that you should be looking out for.activities
Signs in the Home:Physical and Emotional Signs:
• Losing interest in family activities• Suddenly has new set of friends
• Showing disregard for family rules• His breath or body smells of alcohol or marijuana
• Withdrawing from his responsibilities• Unexplained mood swings and behavior
• Becoming verbally or physically abusive• Becomes argumentative and negative
• Sudden decrease or increase in appetite• Becomes anxious
• Not coming home on time• Over reacts to criticism
• Not telling you where he is going• Does not share personal problems like before
• You suddenly find valuables and money missing• Constantly tired or hyperactive
from home• Sudden weight loss or weight gain
• Making excuses for his behavior• Steals money
• Prefers spending time alone in his bedroom• Seems to always need money or has too much
• Lies about where he was and what he was doingmoney on him
• You find cigarette rolling paper, pipes, small glass• Does not take pride in his appearance
vials, plastic baggies or roach clips in his room or his• Seems constantly depressed and unhappy
pant pocketsA point to remember is some of these warning signs
Signs at School:may be present even if your teen is not doing drugs.
• His grades start dropping all of a suddenThere could be many reasons for this and the most
• Skipping school without informing youvalid reason would be adolescence. So, do not over
• Not doing his homeworkreact and start accusing your teen of drug use.
• Loses interest in learning