Signs and Symptoms of Teen Drug Abuse

Teenagers are highly susceptible to drug abuse. Unaware of the risks associated, teens initiate and continue drug abusing habits risking their precious lives. Parents should keep an eye on their children and looks for signs and symptoms of drug abuse to save them from this harmful habit.

Following are warning signs and symptoms that indicate teen drug abuse:

Physical and health issues:

Intake of drugs by teens, mostly affects the brain. The brain is still in a developing stage till the age of 25 years. Therefore, when teens use harmful drugs like nicotine, cocaine, marijuana, ecstasy or any other illicit substances, they quickly get addicted to it when compared to adults.

Other physical and health issues that are associated with drug abuse are:

•Kidney, liver and heart failure
•Red and glazed eyes
•Weight loss or weight gain
•Coughing
•Sweating
•Fatigue
•Running nose
•Dental problems

Changes in appetite:

Teenagers addicted or prone to drug abuse, either eat more or less than they need. You can notice change in their eating habits. You will also notice that either the teen has gained or lost weight. Some other drastic changes that may indicate drug abuse in teens are, change in sleep pattern and hobbies, angry outbursts and clothing style.

Depression, anxiety or moodiness:

Many teens use drugs to feel the high. But they are unaware that using drugs will deal with problems such as anxiety, depression and mood swings. Sudden behavioral changes in teens could be a sign of hormonal changes or it could be due to drug abuse. Pay attention to such sudden and drastic changes in teens, as it could be an indication that they are in trouble and need help from their loved ones.

Neglecting physical appearance:

Normally teens are very conscious and concerned about their physical appearance, grooming, clothing and personal hygiene. Teens who abuse drugs often focus less on their physical appearance. They don't want to maintain even their personal hygiene and cleanliness. They don't care about the way they look.

Change in friends:

Teenagers addicted to drugs drop regular old friends. They join new groups of friends. The change in friends and new hangouts, and getting very secretive about the new friends, is a clear indication that the teen is with a wrong group of friends, who will encourage the teen to experience drugs.

Unexplained need for money:

Illicit drugs are expensive. Teens consuming illicit drugs may ask for money quite often, without giving any specific reason. Their unexplained need for money, if not fulfilled, may lead to loss of money from their parents' wallet, valuables missing from home or borrowing money from friends and relatives. Parents should keep a close watch on their teens, when it comes to money matters.

To detect/confirm drug abuse, use reliable drug test kits:

On discovering your teen abusing illicit drugs, you can prevent situation from worsening, by detecting/confirming drug abuse in the privacy of your home, by using reliable, accurate, fast and FDA-approved drug test kits.