The Signs of Drugs and Alcohol Abuse in Troubled Teens

The more educated parents are about drug and alcohol abuse, the easier it will be to quickly intervene and help your troubled teen before the problem progress into full-blown addiction. There are physical signs of substance abuse, but it's important to remember that these signs may also indicate another problem. Different substances have different symptoms, but an illness (other than substance abuse) should never be ruled out. These symptoms along with behavioral signs, such as lying, depression, missing school, and secretive behavior, are indications of substance abuse in your troubled teen.

Some of the physical signs of substance abuse are:

• Changes in sleeping patterns. A couple things will happen with this, either sleeping to much, sleeping very little, trouble falling asleep, or difficulty staying asleep.
• Speaking. Speech is slurred or talking excessively and rapidly.
• Eyes are affected. Eyes are red, watery, or glassy; pupils are larger or smaller than usual.
• Walking is impaired. Staggering or walking very slowly. Tendency to fall over.
• Poor motor skills. Dropping things; clumsy.
• Change in eating habits. Dramatic increase or decrease in appetite; unusual and or unexplained weight loss or gain.
• Impaired hands. Shaky hands; sweaty hands; very cold hands.
• Skin injuries. Unusual skim abrasions or bruises; needle marks; rashes around nose and mouth.
• Poor Hygiene. Neglected appearance and hygiene.
• Nose and throat. Nose bleeds; runny nose; sniffing excessively; hacking cough; smokers cough.
• Unusual Smell. Pungent or smoky smell on breath, body, or clothes; smell of alcohol on breath or body.
• Illness. Nausea, throwing up, excessive sweating, dizziness, frequent feeling faint.
• Shaking. Shaking, twitching, or tremors of hands, legs, feet or head.
• Change in Face. Puffiness, blushing, excessively pale.
• Nervous. Excessive nervousness, irritability, anxiety, restlessness.
• Impaired Thinking. Paranoid, irrational, or bizarre thoughts.