Teen Drug Addiction Signs

If you strongly suspect your son or daughter has a drug problem, how can you know for sure? Knowing what to look for is a huge help in determining whether your child is drinking or using drugs. If you're familiar with teen drug addiction signs, that knowledge can aid you in gathering evidence and starting a conversation. Here you'll find a comprehensive list of teen drug addiction signs and symptoms.

Figuring out if your teen is using is tricky because many teen drug addiction signs may be just normal teen behavior. Mood swings or changes in behavior are a standard part of growing up as teens make the transition from childhood to adulthood. However, as you start to recognize more and more of these signs and symptoms in your teen, a picture of drug or alcohol use may begin to become clear.

The earlier one seeks help for their teen's behavioral or drug problems, the better. How is a parent to know if their teen is experimenting with or moving more deeply into the drug culture? Above all, a parent must be a good and careful observer, particularly of the little details that make up a teen's life. Overall teem drug addiction signs include dramatic change in appearance, friends, or physical health may be signs of trouble. If a parent believes his or her child may be drinking or using drugs, below are some things to watch for.

Teen Drug Addiction Signs Include:

Teen Drug Addiction Signs in the Home

constant excuses for behavior
disappearance of valuable items or money
disrespect for family rules
finding the following: cigarette rolling papers, pipes, roach clips, small glass vials, plastic baggies, remnants of drugs (seeds, etc.)
hostility, irritability, or change in level of cooperation around the house
lies about activities
loss of interest in family activities
not coming home on time
not telling you where they are going
reckless driving, car accidents, or unexplained dents in the car
secretive phone calls
spending a lot of time in their rooms
sudden increase or decrease in appetite
verbally or physically abusive
withdrawal from responsibilities

Teen Drug Addiction Signs at School

defiant of authority
loss of interest in learning
not doing homework
not informing you of teacher meetings, open houses, etc.
poor attitude toward sports or other extracurricular activities
poor school and homework performance
reduced memory and attention span
sleeping in class
sudden drop in grades
truancy

Physical and Emotional Teen Drug Addiction Signs

always needs money, or has excessive amounts of money
avoiding eye contact
changes friends
cheats, steals
doesn't seem as happy as they used to be
drastic weight loss or gain
lying or increased evasiveness about after school or weekend whereabouts
negative, argumentative, paranoid or confused, destructive, anxious
overly tired or hyperactive
over-reacts to criticism acts rebellious
physical changes such as bloodshot eyes, runny nose, frequent sore throats, rapid weight loss
sharing few if any of their personal problems
sloppiness in appearance
smell of alcohol or marijuana on breath or body
track marks on arms or legs (or long sleeves in warm weather to hide marks)
unexplainable mood swings and behavior
unhappy and depressed

If you're not sure, seek professional help. When trying to decide if your child is displaying teen drug addiction signs, you may want to turn to a professional in the field of drug addiction treatment. Don't be afraid to err on the side of caution.