Drug Abuse: Watch out for signs of teen drug abuse
by Jim Neuenfeldt, Cottage Grove Crime Board Member
In today’s fast paced world, parents need to stop and take time to speak to their children about drug use. Parents should be aware of the general signs of drug use as well as the specific signs of the drugs. 
For simplicity in this article, drugs will include alcohol, illegal drugs, prescription drugs and over the counter drugs. The different types of drugs used will present certain types of behavior.
The following signs of drug abuse are a guide. If these signs are present it does not necessarily mean your child is abusing drugs. There may be other causes for some of these behaviors, such as normal adolescence.
Several sources used for this article are indicated when six or more of these signs are present over a period of time you should talk to your child and investigate further. These six or more signs do not need to be in the same category.
The general signs of teen drug abuse occurring at home and at school are listed below:
Signs in the Home
- Loss if interest in family activities
- Disrespect for family rules, refuses to do chores
- Becomes verbally or physically abusive, aggressive outbursts
- A drastic increase or decrease in appetite
- Money --sudden requests with no reasonable explanation or your money or items are missing
- Not telling you where they are going, not coming home on time or at all
- Exaggerated efforts for privacy, spending long periods of time in their rooms, door kept locked
- Lies about his or her actions or activities
- Finding cigarette rolling papers, pipes, roach clips, small glass vials, small plastic baggies (some may have designs on them), remnants of drugs
Signs at School
- Sudden drip in grades, loss if interest or dislike of school, drops out of sports, music, hobbies
- Increased absence from school (skipping, too tired or sick to go)
- Sleeping in school
- Defies authority, poor attitude
- Attention span and memory decreases
Contact your school officials and compare known absences from school. Check his or her performance and if they are keeping you informed of teacher meetings, open houses, etc.
Physical and emotional signs
- Sudden change in friends – will not introduce you do them
- Unexplained mood swings and behavior, increased violent behavior
- Overly hyperactive or increased tiredness
- Depressed, at times paranoid
- Drastic weight loss or gain
- Appearance becomes sloppy, poor hygiene, unusual style changes
- Anxiety
Parents, you know your child and his or her normal patterns and behavior. When you observe changes take the time to talk to your child, have open communication (listening to them also), let them know what you expect, set clear guidelines and or rules and follow those guidelines and rules. Get to know their friends, their activities at school, home or play. To them it may seem you are prying into their lives but it may save your son or daughter, family member, friend or even yourself. The general statements most often heard by parents was I did not know or I did not know what do to and by that time it was too late .
Specific Signs of Drug Use
Drugs are classified into the following categories: stimulants, depressants, inhalants, and hallucinogens. Below are the basic groups of drugs, several popular drugs in each group and the signs associated with each group.
Alcohol
Slurred speech, odor of alcohol, impaired judgment and motor skills, confusion, tremors, drowsiness, agitation, nausea and vomiting, respiratory aliments, depression, and possession of false ID.
Marijuana
Mood swings, euphoria, slow thinking and reflexes, dilated pupils, glassy red eyes, increased appetite, loud talking and inappropriate laughter, dryness of mouth, increased pulse rate, delusions, hallucinations
Stimulants
Drug Type:
Amphetamine, Cocaine, Methamphetamine, Ritalin, Nicotine, Khat.
Effects:
Hyperactivity, euphoria, irritability, anxiety, excessive talking, high energy, increased mental alertness, rapid breathing, increase heart rate, reduced appetite, and hallucinations.
Long-term effects:
Weight loss, loss of coordination, impulsive behavior, aggressiveness, addiction and heart failure.
Depressants- Narcotics
Drug Type:
Heroin, morphine, codeine, methadone, opium, oxcodone (OxyContin)
Effects:
Sedation, pain relief, euphoria, impaired coordination, drunk like state, confusion, lower heart rate, lower respiratory rate.
Long-term effects:
Withdrawal illness, respiratory depression, physical and psychological dependence may occur
Depressants- Non Narcotic
Drug Type:
Alcohol, barbiturates, GHB, Valium, Xanax, Rohypnol
Effects:
Slurred speech, poor coordination, dilated pupils, disorientation, seems drunk except there is no odor associated with alcohol, sleepiness
Long-term effects:
Rash, tremors, irreversible damage to organs, overdose leads to coma and possible death
Inhalants
Drug Type:
Airplane glue, nail polish remover, spray paint, whipped cream cans, correction fluid, nitrous oxide, hair spray, paint thinner, PVC cement, cleaning fluid, gasoline, toluene, markers, alkyl nitrates (poppers).
Effects:
Watery eyes, impaired vision, secretions from the nose or rashes around the nose and mouth, headaches and nausea, drowsiness, poor muscle control.
Long-term effects:
Damage to vital organs, hallucinations, flashbacks, overdose death.
Hallucinogens
Drug Type:
LSD, peyote, mescaline, PCP, hallucinogenic mushrooms (shrooms), marijuana, hashish, THC, anabolic steroids, MDA, MDMA Ecstasy, DOM, DOB.
Effects:
Disoriented behavior, rapid speech, wandering mind, trance-like state, anxiety, panic reaction, visual imagery, time distortion, aggression, mood swings.
Long-term effects:
Panic reaction, flashbacks, psychosis, paranoia.
The information provided is a basic guide. New trends, new drugs, and new or revised forms of drugs are showing up on the streets enticing teenagers to become the next victim.
Links
Following are a few webs sites which may provide you with information on drugs being used and signs to help detect their use or abuse: