Some of the symptoms below are normal developmental issues that adolescents exhibit. However, it is the quantity of behaviors and the quality of interactions that will alert true signs of substance abuse.

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The key is recognizing noticeable change in physical appearance, personality, attitude and/or behavior. The highest influences and predictors of drug use are peers, availability and school performance.

If you suspect someone you care about is using drugs please call (330) 434-4141 to arrange an assessment or speak to a counselor.

Warning Signs include:

• Problems in the home
• Withdrawl from family activities and responsibilities
• Isolates in their room or "hides"
• Late coming home or not at all
• Reluctant to discuss friends or introduce them to parents
• Demanding and disrespectful
• Refuses to tell you where and with whom they are going places
• Lies about activities
• Missing items of value especially money, jewelry
• Missing prescription medications, cough syrups, over the counter medications
• Missing household cleaners, markers, whiteout, aerosols
• Wearing clothing with drug logos
• Always needs or has excess amounts of money
• Using drug slang words, "joint" "refer" "wet" "poppers" "crank"

Problems at School:

• Disruptive behaviors
• Disrespect of authority
• Lower grades/lower achievement
• Truancy/Tardiness
• Sleeping in class
• Hiding reports or letters from school staff
• Poor attitude towards sports or other school activities
• Fighting/Bullying
• Suspension or increased in detentions
• Theft/vandalism of school property
• Caught smoking cigarettes, marijuana on school property
• Caught dealing or intoxicated at school

Physical and Emotional Problems:

• Frequent illness-flu-like symptoms
• Sudden increase or decrease in appetite
• Smell of alcohol or marijuana
• Strong body odors
• Red eyes or increased use of eye drops
• Lack of motivation
• Memory/attention problems
• Distorted thinking/ideas/thoughts
• Irritability/mood swings
• Argumentative/negative/cynical attitudes
• Less affectionate
• More secretive
• Becomes defensive about drug issues

Legal Problems:

• DUI charges
• Vandalism
• Breaking and Entering
• Place on probation
• Concealed weapons
• Car theft
• Selling drugs
• Public intoxication, underage drinking
• Car accidents

Intervene early. Please don't wait until there is long term use of substances. The earlier teens are helped, the less chronic and potentially harmful will be the impact of substance abuse upon their lives.