For Parents: Signs that your Child might be Abusing Alcohol/Drugs

Do you suspect that your child is abusing alcohol or drugs?  Are you worried?  Have you noticed some changes that have no explanation? The following are some of the warning signs:
Physical and health signs of drug abuse

• Eyes that are bloodshot or pupils that are smaller or larger than normal.
• Frequent nosebleeds could be related to snorted drugs (meth or cocaine).
• Changes in appetite or sleep patterns.  Sudden weight loss or weight gain.
• Seizures without a history of epilepsy.
• Deterioration in personal grooming or physical appearance.
• Impaired coordination, injuries/accidents/bruises that they won’t or can’t tell you about - they don’t know how they got hurt.
• Unusual smells on breath, body or clothing.
• Shakes, tremors, incoherent or slurred speech, impaired or unstable coordination.

 
Behavioral signs of alcohol or drug abuse

• Skipping class, declining grades, getting in trouble at school.
• Declining attendance and performance at work--loss of interest in extracurricular activities, hobbies, sports or exercise--decreased motivation.
• Complaints from supervisors, teachers or classmates.
• Missing money, valuables, prescription or prescription drugs, borrowing and stealing money.
• Isolated, silent, withdrawn, engaging in secretive or suspicious behaviors.
• Clashes with family values and beliefs.
• Preoccupation with alcohol and drug-related lifestyle in music, clothing and posters.
• Demanding more privacy, locking doors and avoiding eye contact.
• Sudden change in relationships, friends, favorite hangouts, and hobbies.
• Frequently getting into trouble (arguments, fights, accidents, illegal activities).
• Using incense, perfume, air freshener to hide smell of smoke or drugs.
• Using eye drops to mask bloodshot eyes and dilated pupils.

 
Psychological warning signs of alcohol or drug abuse

• Unexplained, confusing change in personality and/or attitude.
• Sudden mood changes, irritability, angry outbursts or laughing at nothing.
• Periods of unusual hyperactivity or agitation.
• Lack of motivation; inability to focus, appears lethargic or “spaced out.”
• Appears fearful, withdrawn, anxious, or paranoid, with no apparent reason.

 
Source: National Center on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. (NCADD)