What are the signs and symptoms you should look for?
Some signs that your teen might be abusing prescription and/or over-the-counter (OTC) drugs include constricted pupils, slurred
speech, or flushed skin. Parents should be alert to the following: personality changes, mood swings, irritability, excessive energy, sleepiness or avoiding
sleep, sweating, loss of appetite, forgetfulness, or clumsiness.
Watch for signs around the house such as missing pills, unfamiliar pills, or empty cough and cold medicine bottles or packages. If
your teen has a prescription, keep control of the bottle. Be alert to your teen running out of pills quickly, losing pills, or requesting refills.
Other signs might include secretiveness, loss of interest in personal appearance, borrowing money or having extra cash, skipping classes,
or not doing well in school.
There are varying short- and long-term effects associated with different types of prescription and OTC drugs. For more information on the
signs and symptoms of specific drugs, visit:
|
