It’s not unusual for children to experiment with new clothing, hairstyles or attitudes as they grow. But sudden and extreme negative changes could signal drug or alcohol use.
General warning signs
Common warning signs of substance abuse include:
- Withdrawal from family and family activities
- Being disrespectful, verbally abusive, or physically abusive
- Lying about what they’re doing and where they’re going
- Seeming depressed, angry, paranoid, or confused
- Sleeping a lot or not very much
- Gaining or losing a lot of weight
- Lacking energy or being hyperactive
- Skipping school and getting bad grades
- Sleeping in class or having trouble concentrating or remembering
- Dropping or avoiding old friends
Signs of alcohol use
- Someone intoxicated may have:
- The smell of alcohol on his or her breath
- Lack of coordination
- Inability to walk a straight line
- Slurred speech and difficulty speaking intelligibly
Signs of marijuana use
Someone smoking pot may have:
- Bloodshot eyes
- A sweet, strong smell on clothing
- Excessive wetting of the lips or excessive thirst
Signs of cocaine use
Someone using cocaine may have:
- Periods of high energy followed by fatigue
- Dilated pupils in a bright room
- Jumpy or nervous behavior
Signs of amphetamine and meth use
Someone using these drugs may have:
- Fast or incoherent speech
- Insomnia and hyperactivity
- Poor appetite and rapid weight loss
- Short attention span
Signs of inhalant use
Someone using inhalants may have:
- Aggressive or hostile behavior
- Violent outbursts
- Lack of coordination
- Lethargic movement or trouble moving
- Seizures or vomiting
- Inability to speak clearly
- Inability to focus
Get help
With treatment and time, young people can recover from substance abuse and lead healthy, productive lives. For assistance with finding treatment, call FIRSTCALL, your Employee Assistance Program, at 1.800.382.2377.