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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. The presence of some of these behaviors could be the product of adolescent stress. Others may be symptoms of depression or a host of other problems.

Whatever the cause, they may warrant attention, especially if they persist or if they occur in a cluster. A mental health professional or a caring and concerned adult may help a youngster successfully overcome a crisis and develop more effective coping skills, often preventing further problems.

If you suspect that your child or significant other is using drugs or alcohol the following information will help you make an educated decision. If you still have doubts there are many websites that offer home Urine Drug Screen Tests that can be helpful to bring a uncover a substance abuse problem and bring it to the surface for counseling & treatment.

The key is change; it is important to watch for any significant changes in your child's physical appearance, personality, attitude or behavior.

Drug Specific Symptoms:

Marijuana
Glassy, red eyes; loud talking and inappropriate laughter followed by sleepiness; a sweet burnt scent; loss of interest, motivation; weight gain or loss.

Alcohol
Clumsiness; difficulty walking; slurred speech; sleepiness; poor judgment; dilated pupils; possession of a false ID card.

Depressants
(including barbiturates and tranquilizers) Seems drunk as if from alcohol but without the associated odor of alcohol; difficulty concentrating; clumsiness; poor judgment; slurred speech; sleepiness; and contracted pupils.

Stimulants
Hyperactivity; euphoria; irritability; anxiety; excessive talking followed by depression or excessive sleeping at odd times; may go long periods of time without eating or sleeping; dilated pupils; weight loss; dry mouth and nose.

Inhalants
(Glues, aerosols, and vapors ) Watery eyes; impaired vision, memory and thought; secretions from the nose or rashes around the nose and mouth; headaches and nausea; appearance of intoxication; drowsiness; poor muscle control; changes in appetite; anxiety; irritability; an unusual number of spray cans in the trash.

Hallucinogens
Dilated pupils; bizarre and irrational behavior including paranoia, aggression, hallucinations; mood swings; detachment from people; absorption with self or other objects, slurred speech; confusion.

Heroin
Needle marks; sleeping at unusual times; sweating; vomiting; coughing and sniffling; twitching; loss of appetite; contracted pupils; no response of pupils to light.

Tobacco/Nicotine
Smell of tobacco; stained fingers or teeth.

Types of Drugs commonly used by teens:

• Cocaine
  (coke, rock, crack, base)
  • Physical Symptoms: Brief intense euphoria, elevated blood pressure and heart rate, restlessness, excitement, feeling of well-being followed by depression. Look For: Glass vials, glass pipe, white crystalline powder, razor blades, syringes, needle marks.
  • Dangers: Addiction, heart attack, seizures, lung damage, severe depression, paranoia (see stimulants).
  • MORE INFO
• Marijuana
  (pot, dope, grass, weed, herb, hash, joint)
  • Physical Symptoms: Altered perceptions, red eyes, dry mouth, reduced concentration and coordination, euphoria, laughing, hunger.
  • Look For: Rolling papers, pipes, dried plant material, odor of burnt hemp rope, roach clips.
  • Dangers: Panic reaction, impaired short term memory, addiction.
  • More Info

• Hallucinogens
  (acid, LSD, PCP, MDMA, Ecstasy, psilocybin mushrooms, peyote)
  • Physical Symptoms: Altered mood and perceptions, focus on detail, anxiety, panic, nausea, synaesthesia (ex: smell colors, see sounds)
  • Look For: Capsules, tablets, "microdots", blotter squares
  • Dangers: Unpredictable behavior, emotional instability, violent behavior (with PCP)
  • More Info
• Inhalants
  (gas, aerosols, glue, nitrates, rush, white out)
  • Physical Symptoms: Nausea, dizziness, headaches, lack of coordination and control.
  • Look For: Odor of substance on clothing and breath, intoxication, drowsiness, poor muscular control.

    Dangers: Unconsciousness, suffocation, nausea and vomiting, damage to brand and central nervous system, sudden death.
    More Info

• Narcotics
  Heroin (junk, dope, black tar, China white)
  Demerol, Deluded (D's), Morphine, Codeine
  • Physical Symptoms: Euphoria, drowsiness, insensitivity to pain, nausea, vomiting, watery eyes, runny nose (see depressants).
  • Look For: Needle marks on arms, needles, syringes, spoons, pinpoint pupils, cold moist skin.
  • Dangers: Addiction, lethargy, weight loss, contamination from un sterile needles (hepatitis, AIDS), accidental overdose.
  • More Info
• Stimulants
  (speed, uppers, crank, bam, black beauties, crystal dexies, caffeine, nicotine, cocaine, amphetamines)
  • Physical Symptoms: Alertness, talkativeness, wakefulness, increased blood pressure, loss of appetite, mood elevation.
  • Look For: Pills and capsules, loss of sleep and appetite, irritability or anxiety, weight loss, hyperactivity.
  • Dangers: Fatigue leading to exhaustion, addiction, paranoia, depression, confusion, possible hallucinations.
  • More Info
• Depressants
  (barbiturates, sedatives, tranquilizers, downers, tranks, ludes, reds, VAlium, yellow jackets, alcohol)
  • Physical Symptoms: Depressed breathing and heartbeat, intoxication, drowsiness, uncoordinated movements.
  • Look For: Capsules and pills, confused behavior, longer periods of sleep, slurred speech.
  • Dangers: Possible overdose, especially in combination with alcohol, muscle rigidity, addiction, withdrawal and overdose require medical treatment.
  • More Info

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.

Change in personal grooming habits.

Possession of drug paraphernalia.

Changes in friends; new hang-outs; sudden avoidance of old crowd; doesn't want to talk about new friends; friends are known drug users.

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 over sensitivity, temper tantrums, or resentful behavior.

Moodiness, irritability, or nervousness.

Silliness or giddiness.

Paranoia

Excessive need for privacy; unreachable.

Secretive or suspicious behavior.

Police Evidence Photos
Drug Paraphernalia
what to look for.
 
Drug Paraphernalia
More Info

How to Raise a Child to Say No to Alcohol/Drugs

Still Have Doubts?

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