Teen Drug Abuse Warning Signs

Overall physical or emotional signs

  • Mood swings or unexplained behavior
  • Smell of alcohol, cigarettes, marijuana on breath or clothing
  • Overly tired or very hyper
  • Weight loss or gain
  • Stealing, cheating, lying
  • Hygiene and appearance unkept
  • Need for money with no explanation
  • Depression

Signs at home

  • Withdrawl from family activities
  • Does not follow rules
  • Misses curfew
  • Abusive - physically or verbally
  • Spends most of time alone in bedroom
  • Increase or decrease in appetite
  • Constant excuses for behavior

Signs at school

  • Drop in grades
  • Sleeping in class
  • Not doing homework
  • Change in friends
  • Fighting, cheating, skipping classes
  • Hiding notices from school