Alternate Names : Teenagers and Drugs

Information

Question:
What are some signs that a teenager might be taking drugs?

Answer:
It is important to know the signs since statistically 1 in 4 high school students have used illicit drugs by the time they reach their senior year. Drug use starts early with approximately 13% of eighth grade students having used drugs. Early intervention may decrease the likelihood that drug use will become a lifelong obsession.

Some signs may include:

• bloodshot eyes
• a persistent cough
• pupils of eyes extremely big (dilated) or extremely small (pinpoint)
• loss of appetite (as in the case with amphetamines, methamphetamine, cocaine)
• increased appetite (as in the case with marijuana)
• sluggishness, listlessness or constant sleeping (opiate drugs such as heroine, codeine. Or may occur when coming down off stimulant drugs)
• hyperactivity (as seen with 'uppers' such as cocaine, methamphetamines)
• poor school performance (all drugs)
• increased school absenteeism
• withdrawal from family and extracurricular activities (all drugs)
• change in choice of friends (all drugs).
• unusual odor on breath (inhalant drugs, 'huffing')
• secretive behavior
• slow or slurred speech (downers and depressants)
• rapid, explosive speech (uppers)
• unsteady gait (ataxia)

See drug abuse and dependence and drug abuse.