Warning Signs

Recognizing drug abuse in family members

Sometimes it’s difficult to distinguish normal teenage moodiness or angst from signs of drug use. Possible indications that your teenager or other family member is using drugs include:

  • Problems at school or work — frequently missing school or work, a sudden disinterest in school activities or work, or a drop in grades or work performance

  • Physical health issues — lack of energy and motivation

  • Neglected appearance — lack of interest in clothing, grooming or looks

  • Changes in behavior — exaggerated efforts to bar family members from entering his or her room or being secretive about where he or she goes with friends; or drastic changes in behavior and in relationships with family and friends

  • Spending money — sudden requests for money without a reasonable explanation; or your discovery that money is missing or has been stolen or that items have disappeared from your home, indicating maybe they’re being sold to support drug use

Drug addiction symptoms or behaviors include, among others:

  • Feeling that you have to use the drug regularly — this can be daily or even several times a day

  • Having intense urges for the drug

  • Over time, needing more of the drug to get the same effect

  • Making certain that you maintain a supply of the drug

  • Spending money on the drug, even though you can’t afford it

  • Not meeting obligations and work responsibilities, or cutting back on social or recreational activities because of drug use

  • Doing things to get the drug that you normally wouldn’t do, such as stealing

  • Driving or doing other risky activities when you’re under the influence of the drug

  • Focusing more and more time and energy on getting and using the drug

  • Failing in your attempts to stop using the drug

  • Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you attempt to stop taking the drug