Certain symptoms and behaviors are warning signs for substance use in teens, although they may also indicate other problems, such as depression. Warning signs can include:
- Alcohol, smoke or other chemical odors on your child’s or their friends’ hands, breath or belongings
- Obvious intoxication, dizziness or bizarre behavior
- Changes in dress, grooming or choice of friends
- Frequent arguments, sudden mood changes and unexplained violent actions
- Changes in eating and sleeping patterns
- Sudden weight gain or loss
- Loss of interest in usual activities or hobbies
- School problems such as declining or failing grades, poor attendance and recent discipline problems
- Trauma or frequent injuries
- Runaway and delinquent behavior
- Depressed mood or talk about depression or suicide; suicide attempts
Source: American Academy of Pediatrics. (2009). “Substance Abuse Prevention”
Author Info