Common Signs of Drug Addiction in your Child
The most common signs described by Bellefontaine Police Chief Brandon Standley include:
Additional signs as outlined by the NCADD include:
***Chief Standley is clear that nobody should jump to conclusions when considering a family member for drug abuse but when there are a series of behaviors that just don’t make sense parents should be aware of the possibility that their children are abusing drugs.
- Sudden and unexplained weight loss
- Cotton (dry) mouth
- Glassy eyes
- Long sleeves year round
- Missing spoons or belts in the home
Additional signs as outlined by the NCADD include:
- Physical and health warning signs of drug abuse
- Eyes that are bloodshot or pupils that are smaller or larger than normal.
- Frequent nosebleeds could be related to snorted drugs (meth or cocaine)
- Changes in appetite or sleep patterns. Sudden weight loss or weight gain.
- Seizures without a history of epilepsy
- Deterioration in personal grooming or physical appearance.
- Impaired coordination, injuries/accidents/bruises that they won’t or can’t tell you about- they don’t know how they got hurt
- Unusual smells on breath, body, or clothing.
- Shakes, tremors, incoherent or slurred speech, impaired or unstable coordination.
- Behavioral signs of alcohol or drug abuse
- Skipping class, declining grades, getting in trouble at school
- Drop in attendance and performance at work- loss of interest in extracurricular activities, hobbies, sports or exercise- decreased motivation
- Complaints from co-workers, supervisors, teachers or classmates
- Missing money, valuables, prescription or prescription drugs, borrowing and stealing money
- Acting isolated, silent, withdrawn, engaging in secretive or suspicious behaviors
- Clashes with family values and beliefs
- Preoccupation with alcohol and drug-related lifestyle in music, clothing and posters
- Demanding more privacy, locking doors and avoiding eye contact
- Sudden change in relationships, friends, favorite hangouts, and hobbies.
- Frequently getting into trouble (arguments, fights, accidents, illegal activities)
- Using incense, perfume, air freshener to hide smell of smoke or drugs
- Using eyedrops to mask bloodshot eyes and dilated pupils
- Psychological warning signs of alcohol or drug abuse
- Unexplained, confusing change in personality and/or attitude.
- Sudden mood changes, irritability, angry outbursts or laughing at nothing.
- Periods of unusual hyperactivity or agitation.
- Lack of motivation; inability to focus, appears lethargic or “spaced out.”
- Appears fearful, withdrawn, anxious, or paranoid, with no apparent reason.
***Chief Standley is clear that nobody should jump to conclusions when considering a family member for drug abuse but when there are a series of behaviors that just don’t make sense parents should be aware of the possibility that their children are abusing drugs.
