Substance Awareness Resources

Warning signs that a friend or family member is abusing drugs

Drug abusers often try to conceal their symptoms and downplay their problem. If you're worried that a friend or family member might be abusing drugs, look for the following warning signs:

Physical warning signs of drug abuse

  • Bloodshot eyes, pupils larger or smaller than usual

  • Changes in appetite or sleep patterns

  • Sudden weight loss or weight gain

  • Deterioration of physical appearance, personal grooming habits

  • Unusual smells on breath, body, or clothing

  • Tremors, slurred speech, or impaired coordination

Behavioral signs of drug abuse

  • Drop in attendance and performance at work or school

  • Unexplained need for money or financial problems; may borrow or steal to get it

  • Engaging in secretive or suspicious behaviors

  • Sudden change in friends, favorite hangouts, and hobbies

  • Frequently getting into trouble (fights, accidents, illegal activities)

Warning signs of teen drug abuse

While experimenting with drugs doesn't automatically lead to drug abuse, early use is a risk factor for developing more serious drug abuse and addiction. Risk of drug abuse also increases greatly during times of transition, such as changing schools, moving or divorce. The challenge for parents is to distinguish between the normal, often volatile ups and downs of the teen years and the red flags of substance abuse. These include:

  • Having bloodshot eyes or dilated pupils; using eye drops to try to mask these signs

  • Skipping class; declining grades; suddenly getting into trouble at school

  • Missing money, valuables or prescriptions

  • Acting uncharacteristically isolated, withdrawn, angry or depressed

  • Dropping one group of friends for another, being secretive about the new peer group

  • Loss of interest in old hobbies; lying about new interests and activities

  • Demanding more privacy; locking doors; avoiding eye contact, sneaking around

Note: These are signs of substance abuse if they are observed to be beyond the realm of normal adolescent behavior/development

http://www.samhsa.gov/ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

http://www.drugfree.org/ Partnership for Drug Free Kids

http://drugabuse.gov/ National Institute on Drug Abuse

http://www.ncaddnj.org National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence of NJ