Signs and Symptoms of Drug Addiction

While these are only warning signs that there is a drug problem with a loved one, it is always best to speak with a counselor if you are concerned about your teenager using drugs. Call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and we can help you find treatment for your teen’s addiction to drugs or alcohol.

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1-800-513-5423

Signs of Teen Use and Problems with Drugs

• Denial and more denial
• Disrespect of parents & family
• Items missing from home
• Finding strange items in their room and clothing
• Falling school grades
• Coming home late
• Sleeping late and long
• Isolating from family members
• Dropping out of sporting & other extra-curricular activities
• Always asking for money
• Unexplained new clothing & other items
• Increase or decrease in appetite; changes in eating habits, unexplained weight loss or gain.
• The smell of substance on breath, body, or clothes.
• Extreme hyperactivity; excessive talkativeness.
• Needle marks or bruises on the lower arm, legs, or bottom of feet.
• Change in overall attitude/personality with no other identifiable cause.
• Changes in friends: new hang-outs, avoidance of old crowd, new friends are drug users.
• Change in activities; loss of interest in things that were important before.
• Drop in school or work performance; skips or is late to school or work.
• Changes in habits at home; loss of interest in family and family activities.
• Difficulty in paying attention; forgetfulness.
• Lack of motivation, energy, self-esteem, and discipline. Bored, “I don’t care” attitude.
• Defensiveness, temper tantrums, resentful behavior (everything’s a hassle).
• Unexplained moodiness, irritability, or nervousness.
• Violent temper or bizarre behavior.
• Unexplained silliness or giddiness.
• Paranoia — suspiciousness.
• Excessive need for privacy; keeps the door locked or closed, won’t let people in.
• Secretive or suspicious behavior.
• Car accidents, fender benders, household accidents.
• Chronic dishonesty; trouble with the police.
• Unexplained need for money; can’t explain where the money goes; stealing.
• An unusual effort to cover arms and legs.
• Change in personal grooming habits.
• Possession of drug paraphernalia.

If you are not sure if your teen is using drugs or alcohol, you can take this test. If you answer “YES” to any of these questions, it may indicate there is an issue with addiction. For more information call to speak with our certified counselors. We understand addiction and can help your child with drug abuse. 

1-800-513-5423

If you need help for an adult in your life Addiction No More is a locator service for treatment programs for adults.