RELATED WEBSITES
Adolescent Substance Abuse Knowledge Base
Find general information about drug and alcohol use among teens, including the effects, risks, and dangers associated with alcohol and drug abuse.
Drug Rehab Treatment
The information at Drug Rehab Treatment will answer some of the questions and concerns of parents with adolescents who are in need of drug rehab, drug treatment centers, substance abuse treatment, drug abuse treatment, alcohol abuse rehabilitation, and treatment for chemical dependency.
50 Ways Teen Get in Trouble
The Signs of Drug and Alcohol Abuse in Teenagers
The more educated parents are about drug and alcohol abuse, the easier it will be to quickly intervene and help your teenager before the problem progress into full-blown addiction. There are physical signs of substance abuse, but it's important to remember that these signs may also indicate another problem. Different substances have different symptoms, but an illness (other than substance abuse) should never be ruled out. These symptoms along with behavioral signs, such as lying, depression, missing school, and secretive behavior, are indications of substance abuse.
Some of the physical signs of substance abuse are:
- Changes in sleep patterns. Either sleeping too much, sleeping very little, trouble falling asleep, or difficulty staying asleep.
- Speech is affected. Speech is slurred, or talking excessively and rapidly.
- Eyes are affected. Eyes are red, watery, or glassy; pupils are larger or smaller than usual.
- Walking is impaired. Staggering or walking very slowly.
- Poor motor coordination. Dropping things; excessively clumsy.
- Change in eating habits. Significant increase or decrease in appetite; unusual and/or unexplained weight loss or gain.
- Impaired hands. Shaking hands; excessively sweaty hands; very cold hands.
- Skin injuries. Unusual skin abrasions or bruises; needle marks; rashes around nose and mouth.
- Poor hygiene. Neglecting appearance, not bathing.
- Nose and throat. Nose bleeds; runny nose; sniffing excessively; hacking cough; smoker's cough.
- Unusual smell. Pungent or smoky smell on breath, body, or clothes; smell of alcohol on breath or body.
- Illness. Nausea, throwing up, excessive sweating, dizziness, frequently feeling faint.
- Shaking. Shaking, twitching, or tremors of hands, legs, feet, or head.
- Changes in Face. Puffiness, blushing, excessively pale.
- Nervous. Excessive nervousness, irritability, anxiety, restlessness.
- Irregular heartbeat. Heart beating rapidly, skipping beats, pounding, high blood pressure.
- Impaired thinking. Paranoid, irrational, or bizarre thoughts.
- Increased accidents or injuries. Accidents in the house, reports from teachers, noticeable injuries.
If you do notice any of these signs, have a discussion with your teenager, preferably when emotions are calm, and consult a professional. It's also recommended that you make an appointment for your teenager with your family doctor to rule out any illnesses or conditions. Drug and alcohol abuse always indicates a multi-dimensional problem, and experts in the substance abuse field are equipped to determine a treatment plan for your child.
Back to Articles
