The Signs of Drug and Alcohol Abuse in Children and Teenagers

Drug abuse is a problem in our society. A large percentage of our youth are regular users of illicit drugs. This used to be only a problem in our high schools, but now the average age children begin to abuse drugs is nine years old. That means all parents must be concerned about their children getting involved with drugs. The better educated you are concerning the signs of drug and alcohol abuse, more easily you will be able to spot the signs of substance abuse in your child and intervene early.

We are going to discuss some of the common signs of drug abuse. Keep in mind that these signs may be an indication of another problem. However, when you see any of the following physical signs in your child, you should be aware that substance abuse is a possible cause. This is particularly true if these physical symptoms are accompanied by changes in behavior, such a lying, decrease in school performance or delinquency, or an increase in secretive behavior.

Here are some of the physical signs that might indicate a drug abuse problem.

Change in sleeping patterns: Your child may be sleeping much more or much less. He may have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. (Note: This also may be a sign a psychiatric problem such as depression or bipolar disorder.)

Change in speech: Your child's speech may be slurred. You may notice that he or she is talking faster or talking excessively.

Eye changes: Your child's eyes may be red or watery. They may have a glassy appearance. His pupils may be dilated or constricted.

Change in walking: Your child may walk very slowly or stagger.

Changes in personal hygiene: Your child might start neglecting his appearance or stop bathing.

Changes in the nose and throat: Your child may have frequent nose bleeds or a constant runny nose. He may be sniffing excessively. He might develop a hacking cough or smoker's cough.

Changes in smell: Your child's body or breath may develop a pungent smell. You may notice his breath, body or clothing smell like smoke. You may detect the smell of alcohol on his breath or body.

Changes in health: Your child might be physically ill. This may include nausea, vomiting, and excessive perspiration. Your child may be dizzy or feel faint.

Tremors: You may notice that your child has shaking, twitches or tremors in his hands, feet, legs, neck, or head.

Loss of coordination: You may notice that your child has decreased motor control. He may be excessively clumsy or drop things.

Changes in diet: You may notice a significant increase or decrease in appetite. Your child may gain or lose a significant amount of weight.

Changes in hands: Your child's hands may shake. They may be cold and clammy or may sweat excessively.

Skin changes: You may notice an unusual number of abrasions or bruises. There might be a rash or cracks in the skin around the nose or mouth. You might notice needle marks on his arms.

Facial changes: Your child's face may appear puffy or blushed or extremely pale.

Nervous changes: Your child may become excessively nervous or irritable. He may appear more anxious or restless.

Heart changes: Your child's pulse may be rapid. His heart beat might become irregular. He might skip heart beats or feel palpitations. He may have blood pressure changes such as high of low blood pressure.

Changes in thinking: Your child may have paranoid or delusional thoughts. He may become irrational or have bizarre thinking.

Increase in accidents or injuries: Your child may become accident prone. You may notice minor injuries that occur at home or in school.

If you notice any of these signs, be aware that drug abuse is one of the possible causes. Many of these signs can be caused by a number of other common problems, such as bipolar disorder, and eating disorder, or an endocrine problem.

These signs do not mean drug abuse. But they do indicate that there may be a serious problem which must be diagnosed and addressed. If you do notice these signs in your child, you should wait until things are calm and discuss them with your child. You should also bring your child to your family doctor to make sure that these signs are not the indication of a serious medical problem.

If you suspect a drug problem in your child, the most important thing is to seek help and not try to handle this yourself. Drug and alcohol abuse is a multi-dimensional problem. You are going to need the help of experienced professionals to get your child through this problem.