Giving up doesn’t have to be an option. There is always a way.
It is important to keep in mind that if a child shows any of the following symptoms, it does not necessarily mean that he or she is using drugs. The presence of some of these behaviours could be the product of adolescent stress. Others may be symptoms of depression or a host of other problems. Whatever the cause, they may warrant attention, especially if they persist or if they occur in a cluster. A mental health professional or a caring and concerned adult may help a youngster successfully overcome a crisis and develop more effective coping skills, often preventing further problems.
The key is change; it is important to watch for any significant changes in your child’s physical appearance, personality, attitude, or behaviour.
Signs of Use
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Loss of appetite, increase in appetite, any changes in eating habits, unexplained weight loss or gain
Slowed or staggering walk; poor physical coordination
Inability to sleep, awake at unusual times, unusual laziness
Red, watery eyes; pupils larger or smaller than usual; blank stare
Cold, sweaty palms; shaking hands
Puffy face, blushing, or paleness
Smell of substance on breath, body, or clothes
Extreme hyperactivity; excessive talkativeness
Runny nose; hacking cough
Needle marks on lower arm, leg, or bottom of feet
Nausea, vomiting, or excessive sweating
Tremors or shakes of hands, feet, or head
Irregular heartbeat
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Change in overall attitude/personality with no other identifiable cause
Changes in friends; new hang-outs; sudden avoidance of old crowd; doesn’t want to talk about new friends; friends are known drug users
Change in activities or hobbies
Drop in grades at school or performance at work; skips school or is late for school
Change in habits at home; loss of interest in family and family activities
Difficulty in paying attention; forgetfulness
General lack of motivation, energy, self-esteem, “I don’t care” attitude
Sudden over-sensitivity, temper tantrums, or resentful behaviour
Moodiness, irritability, or nervousness
Silliness or giddiness
Paranoia
Excessive need for privacy; unreachable
Secretive or suspicious behaviour
Car accidents
Chronic dishonesty
Unexplained need for money, stealing money or items
Change in personal grooming habits
Possession of drug paraphernalia
Drug-Specific Symptoms
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Glassy, red eyes
Loud talking and inappropriate laughter followed by sleepiness
A sweet burnt scent
Loss of interest or motivation
Weight gain or loss
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Clumsiness
Difficulty walking
Slurred speech
Sleepiness
Poor judgement
Dilated pupils
Possession of a false ID card
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Watery eyes
Impaired vision, memory, and thought
Secretions from the nose or rashes around the nose and mouth
Headaches and nausea
Appearance of intoxication
Drowsiness
Poor muscle control
Changes in appetite
Anxiety
Irritability
An unusual number of spray cans in the trash.
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(Including barbiturates and tranquilizers)
Seems drunk as if from alcohol but without the associated odour of alcohol
Difficulty concentrating
Clumsiness
Poor judgement
Slurred speech
Sleepiness
Contracted pupils
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Needle marks
Sleeping at unusual times
Sweating
Vomitin
Coughing and sniffling
Twitching
Loss of appetite
Contracted pupils
No response of pupils to light
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Hyperactivity
Euphoria
Irritability
Anxiety
Excessive talking followed by depression or excessive sleeping at odd times
May go long periods of time without eating or sleeping
Dilated pupils
Weight loss
Dry mouth and nose
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Dilated pupils
Bizarre and irrational behaviour including paranoia, aggression, and hallucinations
Mood swings
d
Detachment from people
Absorption with self or other objects
Slurred speech
Confusion
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Poor performance at work or school
Suspicious or secretive behaviour
Mood swings
Unusual hyperactivity
Lack of motivation
Paranoia
Deterioration in physical appearance
Slurred speech
Impaired coordination
Isolation from family and old friends
Stealing or borrowing money
Wearing long sleeves or long pants to hide needle marks
Recovery Programs
Recovery Programs
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