Warning Signs of Problem Drug Abuse

Warning Signs of Problem Drug Abuse

• Decline in school performance (an unusual decline in grades, loss of interest in school activities).

 

• Problems with law enforcement (arrested for possession, delivery or sale of drugs / alcohol, arrested for DWI).

 

• Problems with finances (involved in thefts, family begins missing money or valuables, appears to have more spending money than income would allow).

 

• Change in peer group (changes to new drug using “friends”, does not introduce new peers to parents).

 

• Personality changes, emotional problems (frequent mood changes, increased defensiveness and blaming others, critical attitude).

 

• Physical problems (personal hygiene suffers, diet suffers, fatigue, unusual sleep patterns).

 

• Alcohol/drug related behavior (smell of alcohol or marijuana, bloodshot eyes, problems with memory, presence of drug paraphernalia, drug related clothing/posters, smell of incense in room, family liquor supply dwindles, family medication disappears from medicine cabinet).

 

• Disruption of family relationships (increased irresponsibility, defies/ disregards family rules, avoids participation in family activities, avoids contact with family members).