Teen Alcohol and Drug Abuse
Is My Teen Using Alcohol or Drugs?
Sometimes it's difficult to tell if your teen is using alcohol or drugs. Parents may worry that their teens are involved with drugs or alcohol if they become withdrawn or negative, although these behaviours are common for teens going through challenging times. It is important not to accuse your teen unfairly and to try to discover why your teen's behaviour has changed by telling him or her that you are concerned.
Typically, experts recommend that when alcohol or drug use is suspected, parents look for a pattern or a number of changes in appearance, behaviour, and attitude, not only one or two changes. Substance abuse may be a possibility if several of the following signs are present:
- Less attention paid to dressing and grooming
- Loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss
- Red and glassy eyes and frequent use of eyedrops and breath mints
- Decreased attendance and performance at school
- Loss of interest in school, sports, or other activities
- Newly developed secrecy; deceptive or sneaky behaviour
- Withdrawal from family and friends
- New friends and reluctance to introduce them
- Lying or stealing
- Disrespectful behaviour
- A mood or attitude that is getting worse
- Lack of concern about the future
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| Author: | Douglas Dana Sabra L. Katz-Wise Ralph Poore | Last Updated: November 8, 2006 |
| Medical Review: | Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Tom Bailey, MD - Family Medicine Yifrah Kaminer, MD - Child and Adolescent Psychiatry | |
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