Symptoms of teen drug use

By Sacramento Bee
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Symptoms and signs of adolescent drug use

_ Loss of motivation

_ Changes in sleeping patterns

_ Withdrawal from family and regular activity

_ Lying

_ Secretiveness on the phone or computer

_ Dropping grades

_ Truancy

_ Discipline problems at school

_ Disinterest in personal grooming

_ Change in appetite or weight

_ Cough, stuffy nose or frequent sniffling

_ Dilated or constricted pupils, or bloodshot eyes

_ Emotional outbursts, rage, moodiness, depression, irritability, hostility

_ Disappearance of money or items of value at home

From "Lost & Found: A Mother and Son Find Victory Over Teen Drug Addiction."

Resources

_ National Institute on Drug Abuse: www.nida.nih.gov

_ NIDA for Teens: www.teens.drugabuse.gov

_ Residential Treatment Centers for Teens: www.selectown.com

_ Information on drug testing: www.drugtestyourteen.com

_ Parent Project, a parenting skills program for parents with children who have behavior problems: www.Parentproject.com