Some behavioral, psychological and physical signs of substance abuse:
• Sudden drop in grades
• Loss of interest in family activities
• Changes friends, not introducing parents to new friends
• Verbally or physically abusive
• Not doing homework
• Unexplainable mood swings and behavior negative, argumentative, paranoid or confused, destructive, anxious
• Over-reacts to criticism acts rebellious, unhappy and/or depressed
• Cheats, steals
• Defiant of authority
• Truancy
• Loss of interest in learning
• Not telling parents where they are going
• Disappearance of valuable items or money
• Not coming home on time
• Constant excuses for behavior
• Lies about activities
• Unusual sleeping habits
• Physical appearance changes, sloppiness in appearance, unusual style changes
• Hostile outbursts
• Sudden increase or decrease in appetite
• spending a lot of time in their rooms
• Finding the following: cigarette rolling papers, pipes, roach clips, small glass vials, plastic baggies, remnants of drugs (seeds, aluminum foil, etc.)
• Bloodshot eyes or pupils which are larger or smaller than usual.
• Changes in appetite or sleep patterns. Sudden weight loss or weight gain.
• Deterioration of physical appearance and personal grooming habits.
• Unusual smells on breath, body, or clothing.
• Tremors, slurred speech, or impaired coordination.