Adolescent Drug,
Tobacco and Alcohol Abuse
As teens
grow and mature, many changes occur.
These changes are often very subtle.
Many of these changes are normal, but parents and professionals should
be aware that a combination of the following changes might be strong indicator
of alcohol, tobacco, and/or other drug involvement.
Social –
switching friends, defying rules, becoming more secretive, withdrawing from
family functions, lying and manipulating adults, missing items such as money,
alcohol or prescription medications, unexplained amounts of cash or
possessions, etc.
Emotional –
experiencing highs and lows, seeking isolation, being short tempered, talking
louder/faster/uncontrolled laughter, denying, being defensive to authority,
etc.
Physical –
sleeping more or less than usual, slow changes in personal hygiene, changing
weight, impaired coordination/ responses, respiratory problems, bloodshot eyes,
nervous and overactive behavior, etc.
Intellectual
– experiencing a drop in grades, developing poor study habits, dropping out of
extracurricular activities, not attending school, etc.
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information contact