The following are some warning signs that might be cause for concern, but remember to talk with your child and listen to what they have to say. Try not to over-react as some things do have other explanations.
Warning Signs of Drug Use
Changes at School:
- Lower grades
- Misses class
- Loss of interest in school and extracurricular activities
- Trouble with teachers and/or principal
Changes in Friends:
- Ignores old friends
- Reluctance to bring new friends home or talk about them
- Reluctance to introduce friends’ parents
- Friends don’t stay around when adults are present
Changes in Behaviour
or Attitude:
- Change in eating or sleeping patterns
- Increased time alone, secretiveness, avoids family
- Lying and denying
- For the feeling of being 'high'
- Trouble with the law (e.g., vandalism, fighting)
- Moody, irritable, hostile, anxious, depressed, overly sensitive
- Increased use of breath fresheners, room deodorizers, cologne
- To fit in or be different
Changes in Appearance:
- Decline in cleanliness and appearance
- Red eyes, dilated/contracted pupils, frequent use of eye drops
- Visible signs of intoxication
