Concerning Behaviors
to Look for in an Adolescent Who Might be Using Drugs.
- Changes in school performance (falling grades, skipping school, tardiness).
- Changes in peer group (hanging out with drug-using, antisocial, older friends).
- Breaking rules at home, school, in the community.
- Extreme mood swings, depression, irritability, anger, negative attitude.
- Sudden increases or decreases in activity level.
- Withdrawal from the family; keeping secrets.
- Changes in physical appearance (weight loss, lack of cleanliness, strange smells).
- Red, watery, glassy eyes or runny nose not due to allergies or cold.
- Changes in eating or sleeping habits.
- Lack of motivation or interest in things other teenagers enjoy (hobbies, sports).
- Lying, stealing, hiding things.
- Using street or drug language or possession of drug paraphernalia/items.
- Cigarette smoking.
Teenagers abuse alcohol more than any other substance. It is legal and widely available. Nationwide, teens with alcohol dependency are the majority of adolescents admitted for treatment.
Each year, the federal government conducts a survey to determine Americans’ patterns of using alcohol and other drugs. This survey, the National Survey of Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), provides vital information on a wide array of topics. The survey showed that in 2005, the illicit substances that 12- to-17-year olds reported that they had used the most were, in this order:
- marijuana
- prescription drugs including stimulants, tranquilizers, sedatives, and pain relievers. such as OxyContin and Vicodin.
- inhalants.
What are some of the early signs that my teenager might be using drugs or alcohol?
The most obvious indication of drug or alcohol use are signs of intoxication, smelling alcohol or drugs on breath or clothing, or finding alcohol, drugs, or drug paraphernalia, such as pipes, rolling papers, in your teenager’s room, clothing, or car – all of which would be cause for a frank discussion.
A change in your child’s previous level of functioning can be another important sign. This can be a somewhat less obvious but often an earlier signal that there may be a problem. It’s important for parents to be alert to any significant changes or decline in the following areas:
- Change in school performance such as decline in grades, decreased motivation to complete assignments or involvement in school activities; skipping classes/truancy
- Significant changes in personal habits such as sleep (sleeping much more or much less), level of activity, appetite (increased or decreased), or hygiene.
- Significant changes in behavior and/or mood such as increased irritability, aggression, decreased motivation, disregard for rules, mood swings, depression; expressing suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
- Decreased involvement in positive social activities such as team sports or school related activities; loss of interest in a favorite hobby.
- Association with a deviant peer group, gang involvement; legal problems.
A significant change in mood, behavior, academic performance, or peer group does not necessarily mean that your teenager is involved with drugs or alcohol. It does mean that a heart-to-heart parent-child talk about concerns and problems is in order.