SUBSTANCE ABUSE
Please refer to community resources for individual, support groups or treatment facilities for help.
SIGNS OF POSSIBLE DRUG ABUSE
Behavior Changes
Poor academic performance
Change friends or social circles
Decreased interest in activities and hobbies
Becoming defiant, uncooperative, ignoring rules
Complaints from teachers, classmates, etc.
Psychological Changes
Manipulative or deceitful behavior
Extreme highs and lows
Decreased motivation
Low energy or lethargic
Slurred or rapid fire speech
Health Problems
Sudden weight loss or gain
Sleep disturbances
Vomiting or nausea
Coordination problems
Nosebleeds (can occur from the snorting of drugs)
Excessive thirst (can occur due to marjuana use
Personal Appearance
Poor hygiene
Blood shot eyes
Constant scratching can be a common sign of opiate use
Pinpoint pupils can be a common sign of opiate use
Burns on fingers and lips
Wearing long sleeves in warm weather to cover up track marks on arms
Smelling like drugs, alchohol or an unusual odor
Other Signs
Teenagers personal space smelling of incense or strong perfumes to cover odors
Missing cigarettes, medications, alcohol, etc.
Missing money or valuable items that can be pawned for drugs
Finding drug paraphernalia, (balloons, tin foil, cut up straws, Ziploc bags, needles, vials, etc) residue or stashes
Information obtained from drugabuse.com
ARTICLES
SUPPORTS
WEBSITES
Natural High - website of videos of celebrities and their messages about their "natural high" and resources.
Partnership for Drug Free Kids
Project Know Reach Out - teen friendly website on addiction.
SAMHSA Substance Abuse and Mental Health
U.S. Dept of Public Health, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration