Warning Signs That a Teenager Is on Drugs

There are a number of signs you can watch out for if you are concerned that your child is using drugs. A person's mood and emotions can change noticeably when on drugs. There can also be physical symptoms of drug use. According to the National Health Service, drug use can cause a variety of health problems and psychological problems including addiction. Cocaine can cause heart failure, long-term marijuana use can cause depression and schizophrenia, heroine can cause the lungs to stop functioning and HIV can be caught by injecting substances with tainted needles.

Eyes

• Teenagers who are under the effect of drugs will sometimes show physical symptoms in their eyes. Parents who suspect that their child may be on drugs should check the eyes to see if the pupils are either significantly enlarged or restricted as this could signify the presence of alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, crack cocaine or methamphetamine in the system. Bloodshot eyes are also a symptom of recent marijuana use. If the teenager has used heroin they may have a far-away expression with the eyes nearly closed.

Weight Changes

• Weight fluctuations can be a sign of an ongoing drug habit in teenagers. If a teenager loses weight at a fast rate he may be using drugs, such as amphetamines, which can cause a loss of appetite. A teenager who has gained weight may be using a drug, such as marijuana which can cause an increase in appetite. According to HelpGuide.org the ongoing use of drugs can cause a person to stop looking after himself by neglecting his physical appearance and hygiene. This may also include forgetting to eat.

Changes in Mood and Attitude

• Drugs can cause changes in a person's mood and attitude because of the effect that the substances have on the brain. Teenagers may appear to be experiencing euphoria if they have used drugs, such as MDMA or ecstasy. This is caused by increased amounts of serotonin being released in the brain, although the following day the teenager may appear depressed as they will then be suffering from serotonin depletion. Mood swings can be triggered by a number of drugs including marijuana, crack cocaine, alcohol and L.S.D. in which the person may become giddy, paranoid, anxious or aggressive.

Suspicious Behavior

• Parents who are concerned that their child could have a drug habit should pay attention to the teenager's behavior. If the teenager is using drugs regularly, he may be asking for money or even stealing to fund the habit or addiction. Other warning signs may include a change of friends, lack of interest in usual hobbies and secretive behavior such as telling lies about where he has been. The teenager may also start skipping school or getting into trouble for unacceptable behavior, such as getting into fights.