Teenager drug abuse is often marked by warning signs that may indicate drug use. However, many parents may miss these signs because they’re often the hallmark of teenagerdom in general. Some of the physical signs may indicate physical illness instead of drug abuse. Thus if you note some of the following possible symptoms of teenager drug abuse, your first stop might be to insist on a doctor physically examining your teen.

First off, it is important to note that teenager drug abuse does not simply apply to “street drugs.” Many teens also abuse prescription drugs like Ritalin, or over the counter (OTC) drugs. Further, some teens may experiment with inhalants that are potentially deadly on the first try. If another family member takes prescriptions and the pills come up short, it's important to keep a close watch, and perhaps keep these prescriptions under lock and key. As well, researching OTC drugs and household chemicals that might be subject to teenager drug abuse can give one valuable information.

Essentially, teenager drug abuse can have a variety of symptoms. These include physical symptoms, emotional symptoms, and changes in social life, school life, and problems with family. Some or all of these might apply to teenager drug abuse, but on the other hand, may merely indicate problems with adolescent life and changing bodies, or physical or mental illness. Should you see these symptoms emerging, it is better to go the extra mile in identifying the cause, since teenager drug abuse can quickly lead to long term addiction, permanent physical damage, or accidental death.

Physical symptoms of teenager drug abuse can include excessive tiredness, persistent cough, red or watery eyes, and frequent illnesses. One can sometimes know a person has used drugs or alcohol by smelling his or her breath, noting hangover symptoms, or by the person clearly acting disoriented or stoned. When the cause is not evident, the above symptoms should be cause for a physical examination of the teen to make sure no other illnesses are present and to rule out teenager drug abuse.

Teenager drug abuse can also result in mood changes. These could mean a teen becomes more withdrawn or secretive, or seems depressed. Sudden mood changes are also suspect. Lack of interest in life or low self-esteem may also be caused by teenager drug abuse. When these mood changes occur, many attribute them to normal teen behavior. However, a child who persistently has quick mood changes or who has suddenly become withdrawn and secretive may be best served by examination by a mental health professional.

While it is normal for teens to have more conflict with family as they begin to assert their independence, constant arguments or complete withdrawal from the family may suggest teenager drug abuse. Constant rule breaking, like ignoring curfews could also be caused by teenager drug abuse. Schools might report to parents a drop in grades, cutting school, or poor behavior. When this behavior is sudden in a teen who has generally gotten along well in school or at home, one should consider teenager drug abuse as a possible cause.

One also needs to evaluate the type of friends a teenager has. Friends who appear to exhibit poor judgment, or who you know do abuse drugs, are more likely to exert social pressure on your teen to use drugs or alcohol. Getting to know your kids’ friends, and what they are like can often be an excellent way to help prevent teenager drug abuse. Kids that exhibit these symptoms are a risk factor for your teenager.

Most studies suggest that parents do not talk to their teens soon enough, or long enough about drug use. This needs to be an ongoing discussion in your home. Teenagers also benefit from supervision. Attending parties that are not chaperoned, or “hanging out” without providing parents with an itinerary often leaves the teen more open to using drugs. Insisting on greater vigilance of a teen is not going to win a parent any popularity contests with their children. However this vigilance can prove life saving, and if a teen can’t thank you now, he very well may thank you later.