"Identifying the Warning Signs of Drug Abuse"

By Jim Burns, Ph.D.

With teenagers, it's not always easy to tell if they are in a crisis or just having a bad day. If you suspect that your teenager is having trouble with alcohol or drugs, it's important that you take a closer look to help determine the causes of your suspicions. What you find may reveal that your teenager is simply on the rocky-road of adolescence. On the other hand, you may find that your son or daughter is in need of significant help. The following fact sheet will help you in the process of identifying warning signs that may indicate your teenager is abusing drugs or alcohol.

Subtle Symptoms of Chemical Abuse
The following symptoms could point to problems other than drug abuse. But they all indicate problems needing professional treatment. If every symptom describes your child, immediate action should be taken. If only a few symptoms are present, they could be common aspects of the teenage years. But, we suggest that you at least discuss your concerns with your child.
    Secrecy
    Changes in friends
    Increased isolation
    Change in interests or activities
    Drop in grades
    Getting fired from an after-school job
    Changes in behavior around the home
    Staying out all night
    Possession of a bottle of eye drops (to counter bloodshot eyes)
    Sudden change in diet that includes sweets and junk food (many drugs give the users cravings or "munchies")
    Dropping out of sports participation

Not-So-Subtle Symptoms of Chemical Abuse
The following symptoms indicate chemical abuse. If several of these symptoms are present in your child, you should take action immediately before the problem develops into addiction.
    Deep depression accompanied by hours of extra sleep
    Depression
    Extreme withdrawal from the family
    Increased, unexplained absenteeism from school
    Little or no involvement in church activities
    Increase in mysterious phone calls that produce a frantic reaction
    Starting smoking
    Money problems
    Extreme weight loss or gain
    Appearance of new friends, older than your child
    Expulsion from school
    Rebellious and argumentative behavior
    Listening to heavy metal rock or rap music with pro-drug lyrics
    Acting disconnected or "spacey"
    Physically hurting younger siblings
    Attempting to change the subject or skirt the issue when asked about drug or alcohol use.
    Changing the word "party" from a noun to a verb
    Discussing times in the future when he or she will be allowed to drink legally
    Long periods of time in the bathroom
    Burnt holes in clothes or furniture

Surefire Indicators of Chemical Abuse
When the following signs are noticeable, you should have no question in your mind that your child is abusing drugs or alcohol. These are signals that the problem has not just started but has been in existence for some time. Intervention is necessary if the following symptoms surface.
    Drug paraphernalia found in the bedroom
    Possession of large amounts of money (usually indicates "selling" drugs in addition to "using")
    Needle marks on the arms, or wearing clothing that prevents you from seeing the arms
    Valuables disappearing from the house
    Arrests due to alcohol - or drug-related incidents
    Repeated bloodshot eyes
    Uncontrollable bursts of laughter with no apparent reason
    A runny or itchy nose that is not attributable to allergies or a cold (a red nose would also be an indicator)
    Dilated or pinpoint pupils
    Puffy or droopy eyelids that partially hang over the iris
    Mention of suicide or an attempt at suicide
    Disappearance or dilution of bottles in the liquor cabinet
    Time spent with people you know use drugs or alcohol
    Medicine disappearing from the medicine cabinet
    Defending peers' right to use drugs or alcohol

(Excerpted from the book "Drugproof Your Kids" by Stephen Arterburn and Jim Burns.  Click here to find out how you can benefit from this helpful book.)  [opens in a new window]

Copyright YouthBuilders 2003