SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

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"Parents can make a difference. Your kid may be mad now, but they will thank you later."
— Kate, 19-year-old college student

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Signs & Symptoms of Teen Drinking and Drug Use

How can you tell if your child is using drugs or alcohol? It is difficult because changes in mood or attitudes, unusual temper outbursts, changes in sleeping habits and changes in hobbies or other interests are common in teens. What should you look for?

You can also look for signs of depression, withdrawal, carelessness with grooming or hostility. Also ask yourself, is your child doing well in school, getting along with friends, taking part in sports or other activities?

Watch List for Parents

Changes in friends
Negative changes in schoolwork, missing school, or declining grades
Increased secrecy about possessions or activities
Use of incense, room deodorant, or perfume to hide smoke or chemical odors
Subtle changes in conversations with friends, e.g. more secretive, using “coded” language
Change in clothing choices: new fascination with clothes that highlight drug use
Increase in borrowing money
Evidence of drug paraphernalia such as pipes, rolling papers, etc.
Evidence of use of inhalant products (such as hairspray, nail polish, correction fluid, common household products); Rags and paper bags are sometimes used as accessories
Bottles of eye drops, which may be used to mask bloodshot eyes or dilated pupils
New use of mouthwash or breath mints to cover up the smell of alcohol
Missing prescription drugs—especially narcotics and mood stabilizers

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Understanding
Drug Lingo

These changes often signal that something harmful is going on—and often that involves alcohol or drugs. You may want to take your child to the doctor and ask him or her about screening your child for drugs and alcohol. This may involve the health professional asking your child a simple question, or it may involve a urine or blood drug screen. However, some of these signs also indicate there may be a deeper problem with depression, gang involvement, or suicide. Be on the watch for these signs so that you can spot trouble before it goes too far.

For more detailed warning signs unique to specific drugs, review this comprehensive list.

For more information on drug paraphernalia and what to watch for, go here.

Sponsored by The National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign