Signs Of Drug Abuse in Teenagers

Drug abuse can put your teen's health and safety at risk. Parents! Here are some warning signs that your teen may be using drugs.

13 May, 2023

Longjam Dineshwori

Changes in Physical appearance

A lack of hygiene, messier than usual, unusual smells on breath or on clothes, red cheeks, burns or soot on fingers or lips, track marks on arms or legs.

Source: Thehealthsite

Behavioral changes

Sudden shifts in relationships with family members or friends, loss of interest in school and family activities, avoids eye contact, frequently make excuses, becomes unusually clumsy, disappears for hours.

Source: Thehealthsite

Shifts in mood

Less motivated, hostile, uncooperative, aggressive, uncommunicative, secretive, unusually elated, sensitive and defensive, unhappy or depressed.

Source: Thehealthsite

Physical health

Lethargic or overly tired, frequent sickness, sudden weight loss or gain, frequent perspiration, seizures and/or vomiting, off sleeping habits, and skin bruises.

Source: Thehealthsite

Consistently ask for money

Consistently asks for money or borrows money from others with endless excuses. You have noticed money or valuables are missing from your wallet or home.

Source: Thehealthsite

Consequences of teen drug abuse

Teen drug abuse is associated with increased risk of drug dependence, mental health disorders, poor school performance and high-risk sexual activity, unsafe sex and unplanned pregnancy.

Source: Thehealthsite

Health risks of drug abuse

Use of illicit drugs such as cocaine, ecstasy, marijuana and methamphetamine can increase risk of heart attack, stroke, liver failure and heart failure, seizures, psychotic behaviors.

Source: Thehealthsite

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