If you are suspicious that your child may be using drugs, don’t ignore the warning signs! Kids seldom grasp the concept of addiction and think of themselves as immune to danger. For some, drugs become a tempting escape from their world. If many of these signs seem applicable to your teen, don’t despair. Effective help is available.

• loss of interest in family activities
• disrespect for family values
• withdrawal from responsibilities
• verbally or physically abusive
• sudden increase or decrease in appetite
• disappearance of money or valuables
• coming home late/missing curfew
• not telling anyone where they are going
• constant excuses for behavior
• spending too much time in their rooms
• lying about activities
• sudden drop in grades
• missing school
• loss of interest in learning
• sleeping in class
• not doing homework
• defiant of authority/violent outbursts
• poor attitude towards activities they usually like / lack of motivation.
• reduced memory and attention span
• not informing you of teacher meetings or open houses
• changes in friends
• smell of alcohol or marijuana on breath or body/slurred speech
• glassy or red eyes
• mood swings
• negative, argumentative, paranoid, confused, destructive or anxious behavior
• overreacts to criticism; acts rebellious
• sharing few if any of their personal problems, feelings or thoughts
• not as happy as they once were
• overly tired or hyperactive
• drastic change in weight
• unhappy and depressed
• cheats, steals
• always needing money or having excessive amounts of money
• sloppy appearance/poor self image
• no concern abut their future