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Signs of drug abuse
Signs of drug abuse

Drug signs and teenagers
Alternative Names:
Teenagers and drugs

Information:

Question:
What are some signs that a teenager might be taking drugs?

Answer:
It is important to know the signs since statistically 1 in 4 high school students have used illicit drugs by the time they reach their senior year. Drug use starts early with approximately 13% of eighth grade students having used drugs. Early intervention may decrease the likelihood that drug use will become a lifelong obsession.

Some signs may include:

  • bloodshot eyes
  • a persistent cough
  • pupils of eyes extremely big (dilated) or extremely small (pinpoint)
  • loss of appetite (as in the case with amphetamines, methamphetamine, cocaine)
  • increased appetite (as in the case with marijuana)
  • sluggishness, listlessness or constant sleeping (opiate drugs such as heroine, codeine. Or may occur when coming down off stimulant drugs)
  • hyperactivity (as seen with 'uppers' such as cocaine, methamphetamines)
  • poor school performance (all drugs)
  • increased school absenteeism
  • withdrawal from family and extracurricular activities (all drugs)
  • change in choice of friends (all drugs).
  • unusual odor on breath (inhalant drugs, 'huffing')
  • secretive behavior
  • slow or slurred speech (downers and depressants)
  • rapid, explosive speech (uppers)
  • unsteady gait (ataxia)

See drug abuse and dependence and drug abuse.

Review Date: 1/23/2002
Reviewed By: Victoria Kennedy, RN, A.D.A.M. editorial. (1/23/2002). Previous review: J. Gordon Lambert, MD, Associate Medical Director; RxRemedy. (2/9/2000).
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