Signs and Symptoms of Substance Abuse

Alcohol &
Drug Services
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Adolescent Resource Center
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	Alcohol and Drug Services of Gallatin County_
	Signs & Symptoms of Substance Abuse A Resource Guide For Parents & Families
On this page: Signs and Symptoms of Substance Abuse \| Stages of Adolescent Substance Abuse \| CRAFFT Assessment Tool \| If the answer is yes, what can you do? Other Parenting Resource Pages
Signs and Symptoms of Substance Abuse Download as a PDF for easier printing.
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Physical injuries Older social group Time disoriented Inappropriate responses or behavior Depression Defensiveness Withdrawn, loner Rapid weight loss or gain Discolored fingers Dilated pupils Criminal/Illegal Behavior Selling drugs; exchanges of money.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
Top of Page 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
Top of Page CRAFFT: An assessment tool that professionals use to assess youth substance use. Learn more.
What Can Parents Do? 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
Definitions of Terms Used \| Parent Resource Guide Ages and Stages for Parenting Youth in Drug Use Prevention Sexual Assault and Bullying \| Depression and Suicide \| Parenting Tools Return to Adolescent Resource Center Parenting Page
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