10/05/2017
Teenage substance abuse affects far too many families. Are you concerned that your teen is abusing drugs or alcohol? After all, it’s normal to ask yourself many questions that you might not know the answers to.5 signs of drug abuse in teenagers:
1-Changes in behavior:
According to an article published in Innovations In Clinical Neuroscience, “one of the earliest warning signs that predicts teenage drug use is changes in behavior and mannerism.” Some of these changes include a sudden change of friends, withdrawal from family and friends, isolation, lack of communication, or disinterest in activities they previously enjoyed.
You may also notice your child is stealing money or other items from around the house. If this is unusual for them, it’s likely a sign that they need money to buy more drugs.
2-Mood changes:
Some teenagers who abuse drugs may become more irrational or dramatic in their actions. You may notice your child becoming more irritable, verbally abusive, or even violent with your or other children in the household. Additionally, your child may begin to threaten to drop out of school, run away from home, or destroy property.
On the flip side, depression, mood instability, and apathy are also warning signs of potential drug abuse and shouldn’t be taken lightly. If you notice your child withdrawing from others and spending more time alone, it could be the sign of a larger substance use problem.
3-Changes in personality:
A red flag for drug abuse among teenagers is when they begin to show apathy, poor morale, low productivity, a lack of self-control, aggressive behavior, or poor interactions with family members, friends, classmates, and teachers. Another sign is failing tests and quizzes, bad grades in classes, and poor performance or behavior in the classroom.
4-Physical changes:
Drug use takes a physical toll on the body, and some of the physical signs of drug abuse include:
Bloodshot eyes.
Widely dilated pupils.
Sudden weight loss (or weight gain).
Poor hygiene.
Frequent nosebleeds.
Shakes or tremors.
Red, flushed cheeks.
Bruises or other unexplained injuries.
Drowsiness or fatigue.
5-Possession of drug paraphernalia:
This is the most definitive sign that your child is abusing drugs. The possession of items such as weight scales, smoking pipes, butane torches, bongs, cigarette lighters, small porcelain bowls, hypodermic needles, balloons, and vials are all indicative of drug use.