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- What to Look For
What to Look For
It is important to keep in mind that if a child shows any of the following symptoms, it does not necessarily mean that he or she is using drugs. A substance abuse or mental health professional may help a child successfully overcome a crisis and develop more effective coping skills.
The key is change; it is important to watch for any significant change in your child's physical appearance, personality, attitude or behavior.
Physical Signs of Drug Abuse
- Loss of appetite, increase in appetite, unexplained weight loss or gain
- Slowed or staggering walk; poor physical coordination
- Inability to sleep, awake at unusual times, unusual laziness
- Red, watery eyes; pupils larger or smaller than usual; blank stare
- Cold, sweaty palms; shaking hands
- Puffy face, blushing or paleness
- Smell of substance on breath, body or clothes
- Extreme hyperactivity; excessive talkativeness
- Runny nose; hacking cough
- Needle marks on lower arm, leg or bottom of feet
- Nausea, vomiting or excessive sweating
- Tremors or shakes of hands, feet or head
- Irregular heartbeat
Behavioral Signs of Drug Abuse
- Change in overall attitude / personality with no other identifiable cause
- Changes in friends; new hangouts; sudden avoidance of old crowd
- Change in activities or hobbies
- Drop in grades at school or performance at work; skips school or is late for school
- Change in habits at home; loss of interest in family and family activities
- Difficulty in paying attention; forgetfulness
- General lack of motivation, energy, self-esteem, "I don't care" attitude
- Sudden oversensitivity, temper tantrums, or resentful behavior
- Moodiness, irritability, or nervousness
- Silliness or giddiness
- Paranoia
- Secretive or suspicious behavior
- Car accidents
- Chronic dishonesty
- Unexplained need for money, stealing money or items
- Change in personal grooming habits
- Possession of drug paraphernalia