Signs & Symptoms of Substance Abuse

A Resource Guide For Parents & Families

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Download as a PDF for easier printing | Stages of Adolescent Substance Abuse
CRAFFT Assessment Tool | If the answer is yes, what can you do?

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Many of the following behaviors can be a symptom of normal adolescence; however, take a few together, and your student/child may have a problem with substance abuse. Listen to yourself. Teacher and parental instincts can be a valuable guide.

Grades

Lower grades � lower achievement
Academic failure
Falling behind in class work
Lack of motivation, apathy

School Attendance

Absenteeism
Tardiness
On absence list but in school
Suspension
Frequent schedule changes
Frequent counselor visits

Extra Curricular Activities

Loss of eligibility
Decreasing involvement
Dropping out

Physical Symptoms

Staggering or stumbling
Smelling of alcohol or marijuana
Vomiting
Glassy, bloodshot eyes, dark glasses
Lack of coordination
Slurred speech
Bad hygiene
Sleeping in class
Physical complaints
Physical injuries
Older social group
Time disoriented
Inappropriate responses or behavior
Depression
Defensiveness
Withdrawn, loner
Rapid weight loss or gain
Discolored fingers
Dilated pupils

Criminal/Illegal Behavior

Selling drugs; exchanges of money.
Possession of drugs or paraphernalia.
Involvement in thefts or assaults.
Carrying weapons.
Smoking.

Disruptive Behavior

Defiance of rules, constant discipline problem
Cheating
Irresponsibility, blaming, denying
Verbal or physical abuse of others
Throwing objects
Obscene language or gestures
Dramatic attention-getting
Crying
Constantly in the wrong place at the wrong time
Extreme negativism
Hyper-activity, nervousness

Atypical Behavior

Sitting in the parking lot
Talking freely about drug use
Avoids contact with others
Erratic behavior changes on a day to-day basis
Change in peer group, friends

Home Problems

Family problems
Running away
Job problems
Medicine in home is missing
Alcohol in home is missing
Money of of parents or siblings is missing
Belongings of parents, siblings, or youth�s own belongings are missing, though they may have been lent to friends

Stages of Adolescent Substance Abuse
Download as a PDF for easier printing.

Stage 1: Experimental/Social Use of Drugs or Alcohol

Behavioral
Uses drugs/alcohol occasionally (weekends, parties)
Gets drugs/alcohol from friends; sometimes obtain parent�s alcohol
Has no major changes in behavior (although they may lie about use, experience
moderate hangovers, or adults may find evidence)

Emotional or Mental
Uses drugs/alcohol because of curiosity, peer pressure, rebellion, boredom, or as a social lubricant or as a way to experience pleasurable feelings
Experiences a euphoria/intoxication and then returns to a normal state.

Stage 2: Purposeful Misuse of Drugs or Alcohol

Behavioral
Uses drugs/alcohol on a regular basis (several times a week or during the
daytime)
Buys enough drugs/alcohol to be prepared for future use
Experiences a decline in school performance and attendance, mood swings,
lying/conning, change in appearance, increased family conflict, increased
rebellion, has straight and drug-using friends

Emotional or Mental
Uses drugs/alcohol to cope with stress or uncomfortable feelings; experience pleasure; overcome feelings of inadequacy
May begin to feel guilt, fear, shame about their drugs/alcohol use
Experiences euphoria/intoxication and then return to a normal state

Stage 3: Habitual Use or Daily Preoccupation with Drugs or Alcohol

Behavioral
Engages in almost daily use and may use drugs/alcohol alone
Has made unsuccessful efforts to control use
May sell drugs to keep personal supply/may steal for money
Steals, lies, or cons others to cover use; focused on obtaining and using
Has poor school performance/attendance, no straight friends
Has drugs/alcohol drug culture appearance, poor family relationships, personality changes

Emotional or Mental
Experiences depression or uncomfortable feelings when not taking the drug
May have suicidal thoughts/attempt when not using drugs
Experiences shame and guilt, then use drugs/alcohol to maintain normal feelings
After euphoria, experiences pain, depression, or discomfort

Physical
Needs more substance to produce same effect

Stage 4: Dependency or Addiction to Drugs or Alcohol

Behavioral
Uses drugs or alcohol daily or on a continuous basis
May have run away from home
Takes serious risks or engages in criminal behavior to obtain drugs
Has had possible overdoses
Has quit school or was expelled from school

Emotional or Mental
Takes drugs to avoid depression or pain
Is out of control with their drug use escape realities of daily living
Experiences guilt, shame, remorse
Has suicidal thoughts or attempts
Has changes in personality
Exhibits changing emotions (depression, irritability, aggression, irritation,
apathy)
Experiences memory loss, flashbacks, paranoia, volatile mood swings, other
mental problems
Takes drugs to feel normal; they are unlikely to experience euphoria
Does not care about getting caught; they are focused on getting and using
drugs at any cost
Focuses all interest on getting and using drugs

Physical
Has blackouts
Shows signs of physical deterioration (health problems, weight loss)
Has poor physical appearance

What if the answer is "yes?"  Your child is using alcohol  and/or other drugs?

In a small percentage of cases, parents can work with their own kids to get them to stop. This might be easiest when the young person is just using occasionally, to have a good time.

Of course, the earlier you start talking to your children about alcohol and/or drugs, the better the chances are they won�t become involved with them. 

If a child reaches the age of 20 without using alcohol, tobacco or marijuana, the probability is almost zero he or she will ever develop a serious drug problem.

If you have questions or concerns about alcohol, tobacco or other drug use in your child or family, call the Adolescent Resource Center at 586-5908. You will be able to talk to someone who can help give you good, confidential, and caring information.

 -Other Parenting Resource Pages -

Parent Resource Guide Home Page | Definitions of Terms Used
Parenting Tools | Safe & Legal Teenage Parties | Ages and Stages of Adolescent Drug Use
What to watch for | Sexual Assault and Bullying | Depression and Suicide
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Adolescent Resource Center 
(406) 586-5908