Signs & Symptoms of Problematic Substance Use
If a person is abusing any drug, there are some of the general signs to look for. These include:
Difficulties at school, disinterest in school-related activities, and declining grades
Poor work performance, being chronically late to work, appearing tired and disinterested in work duties, and receiving poor performance reviews
Changes in physical appearance, such as wearing inappropriate or dirty clothing and a lack of interest in grooming
Altered behavior, such as an increased demands for privacy
Drastic changes in relationships
A noticeable lack of energy when performing daily activities
Spending more money than usual or requesting to borrow money
Issues with financial management, such as not paying bills on time
Changes in appetite, such as a decreased appetite and associated weight loss
Bloodshot eyes, poor skin tone, and appearing tired or run down
Defensiveness when asked about substance use
Use may become addiction when users continue to seek and use drugs or alcohol despite the negative impacts of using the substance.
How to Spot Drug Use in Adolescents
While overall moodiness can simply be part of adolescence and the teen years, drug use is generally signified by more drastic changes in mood or behaviors in this age group. Per the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), signs of drug use in adolescents include acting withdrawn, tired, depressed, or hostile.
Parents should take note when a child starts associating with a different group of peers, as changes in peer groups may be linked with substance use. An adolescent using drugs might also miss classes, skip school, or change their eating or sleeping habits. Parents can also listen for their kids using slang terms for certain drugs of abuse.
If drug use is suspected, prompt intervention is vital. Parents can get help from guidance counselors, primary care physicians, and drug abuse treatment providers.
The Importance of Early Intervention & Treatment
If drug use is suspected, early invention is essential to ensure the most robust chances of successful recovery. Friends and family members may choose to stage an intervention once signs of drug use are apparent; if so, a professional interventionist can guide the planning process and the execution of the event for best results.