top of page

Signs and Symptoms of Drug Abuse and Addiction, from the Parent Addiction Network

 

Signs – Signals of Drug Abuse

How do I know if my child is using drugs or is addicted? In general, be aware of any change in your child's behavior – truancy, falling grades, change in friends. Here are some signs you may see:

  • Strange behavior: extremely happy or depressed for no apparent reason; mood swings; hostile, angry, uncooperative; not wanting to be around family/home or those who would be hurt by their use

  • Messy, careless appearance, poor hygiene

  • Dishonesty, lies

  • Nodding OUT (chin on chest, sleepy, slow to respond)

  • Sleeplessness; sleep all day/up all night

  • Tired, lethargic, lack of concentration

  • Forgetfulness: losing everyday things such as car keys, wallet, money

  • Disinterest in hobbies, sports, family activities

  • Cash flow problems

  • Secretive – phone calls, locked bedroom door, strange numbers on cell phone

  • Red or glassy eyes; dilated pupils; pinpoint pupils (opiates/heroin)

  • Weight loss; rarely eat meals

  • Missing money, jewelry, equipment (sell at pawn shop)

  • Checks taken from center of checkbook

  • Burn holes in clothing, bedding, furniture

  • Dings and dents on car; burn holes in car; blood stains in car/on clothing

  • Straws cut in half, empty pens (for snorting)

  • Pill bottles

  • Small folded wrappers, empty small baggies; breath mint containers; corners of baggies; small pieces of tinfoil; gem packs, pill capsules broken in half

  • Small glass vials

  • Wide rubber bands (to tie arm)

  • Syringes

 

See also:

NIDA for Teens (url; site for teens and parents by the National Institute on Drug Abuse)

http://teens.drugabuse.gov/

 

How can I tell if my child is using (pdf; NCADA)

http://www.safercommunity.net/images/PAN-images/PDFs/how_can_i_tell_if_my_child_is_using_NCADA.pdf

 

Look for signs and signals (url; DrugFree.org)

http://timetoact.drugfree.org/think-look-for-signs.html

 

Signs and Symptoms of Drug Use (url; Narconon.org )

http://www.narconon.org/drug-abuse/signs-symptoms-of-drug-abuse.html

 

Am I an Addict? (pdf) Written by recovering addicts in Narcotics Anonymous

http://www.safercommunity.net/images/PAN-images/PDFs/Am%20I%20an%20addict_NA.pdf

 

bottom of page