Signs and Symptoms of Drug Use in Adolescents

Be an informed parent... know the signs!

What are the physical symptoms and warning signs of drug abuse?

Ways to recognize that a person is intoxicated or "high" on a drug depends on the substance with which he or she is intoxicated and include the following:

• Tobacco products: frequent smell of tobacco, irritability, discolored fingertips, lips or teeth, cigarette butts at curbside 
• Cannabinoids or Cannabis: reddened whites of eyes, sleepiness, excessive hunger, lack of motivation, excessive happiness, paranoia 
• Cold medications: sleepiness, rapid or slowed heart rate 
• Inhalants: runny nose, smell of gasoline or other solvent, confusion or irritability 
• Depressants: sleepiness, lowered inhibitions, poor coordination, slowed heart rate or blood pressure, dizziness, coma, death in overdose 
• Stimulants: rapid heart rate or blood pressure, irritability, excessive happiness, less need for sleep, paranoia, seizures 
• Narcotics: less experiencing of pain, excessive happiness, sleepiness, slowed or stopped breathing, coma, death in overdose 
• Hallucinogens: trouble sleeping, blurred perceptions, paranoia 
• Dissociative anesthetics: higher blood pressure and heart rate, memory loss, nausea and vomiting, irritability, aggressiveness 
• Club drugs (for example, Ecstasy): feverish teen that does not sweat, finding multiple lollipops or other hard candies, the teen seeming to love everyone and/or have an excessively happy mood (euphoria) 
• Others (for example, anabolic steroids): increased irritability or aggressiveness, rapid increase in muscle definition, thinning or loss of head hair, marked increase in acne over a short period of time, finding needles 

The physical symptoms of withdrawal from these drugs are often nearly the opposite of the effects of intoxication.

If you notice the symptoms listed here there is help available. Solutions Community Counseling and Recovery Centers can provide an in-depth assessment and provide needed treatment. Please contact us at (513)228-7800 or click here for more information.

What are the psychological signs and symptoms of drug use?

• Changes in appetite or sleep patterns. This could be characterized by a marked increase or decrease in either or both. For example, individuals abusing amphetamines may show a diminished need for sleep and food. Those abusing marijuana may sleep more and have an increased appetite. These effects may vary depending upon the drug being abused. If you are interested in the effects of specific drug use, you may want to conduct some online research or call your local drug and alcohol commission or mental health clinic for more specific information.
• Deterioration of physical appearance. Typical teenagers are very concerned about the way they look to peers and friends and may be very specific about clothing, makeup, and overall hygiene. Individuals abusing substances often start to focus less on their physical appearance as their substance use increases. 
• Withdrawal from social or important activities. You may notice your teen stops showing interest in things he or she once found pleasurable. For example, they may start missing school or participate less in sporting events or other social activities. They may also stop attending family functions or gatherings such as church because their drug use has become more important, or they may be embarrassed and try to hide their use from others. 
• Unexplained need for money or secretive about spending habits. Individuals abusing drugs may begin asking for money without a clear reason. Generally an abuser will not ask for very large amounts, but rather small amounts over periods of time. They may also become more secretive about spending habits. For example, he or she may claim to need more for something than they actually need and pocket the extra money. 
• Sudden change in friends or locations. The abuser’s friends or hangout spots may change. For example, a teen may start hanging out with a different crowd of friends. You may notice where they hang out may change as well. They may suddenly think their old friends are no longer “cool.” They also may start to break curfew or lie about where they are hanging out.
• Increased interpersonal or legal problems. Individuals abusing substances may start having more interpersonal problems, i.e., increased arguments with parents, friends, or other authority figures. They may begin to get in legal trouble for shoplifting or other crimes and cited for possession or underage drinking. 
• Change in personality or attitude. This one can be a little tricky. Given the raging hormones of teenagers, personality and attitudes can change regularly. In someone abusing substances, this will look a little different. The mood swings would be unlike typical teenage attitudes. Depending on the substance being abused, you may begin to notice marked hyperactivity or extreme happiness followed by a “crash” where the mood becomes just the opposite. The individual may appear very lethargic or more irritable than usual. Thinking and behaviors may become irrational and unpredictable. 
• Neglecting responsibilities. If your teen is normally very responsible and there is a change in that behavior, this may be a sign. Substance abuse often begins to take precedence over other things that were once deemed important. As a result, responsibilities are often neglected and the teen becomes more and more irresponsible over time. 
• Using despite knowing it is dangerous. Most teens are very aware of the negative effects and possible consequences of substance use. If your teen is using despite this knowledge, this is a sign of abuse.

If you notice the symptoms listed here there is help available. Solutions Community Counseling and Recovery Centers can provide an in-depth assessment and provide needed treatment. Please contact us at (513)228-7800 or click here for more information.