Drugs and Alcohol and Teens

Many parents of teenagers worry about whether they are experimenting with or abusing drugs and/or alcohol and I often get questions from parents about what signs and symptoms to look for. I have included a list below which includes many warning signs of potential substance abuse by teenagers. Please remember, if you sees these symptoms in your teen it does not automatically mean they are abusing substances, however, it is indication that something could be wrong and you should seek further evaluation either with your child’s doctor or a licensed therapist:


• Loss of interest in activities

• Withdrawl from family members / friends

• Change in group of friends

• Mood swings

• Anger outbursts or irritability

• Forgetfulness

• Truancy and/or grades dropping

• Breaking rules / increased defiance or disrespect

• Changes in sleep or appetite

• Paranoia

• Increase in amount of sickness or cold-like symptoms

• Red / glossy eyes

• Changes in physical appearance (not as “neat looking”, poor hygiene)

• Sneaky behaviors




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