Drug Free AZ releases list of potential drug use warning signs for parents

By Staff Writer

In recent weeks Drug Free Arizona has released a list of signs that could help parents determine if their child is abusing drugs. The organization also suggests that parents ask their children outright if they have been using drugs or alcohol. Additionally, it suggests that parents consider getting a professional assessment of their child.

A teen's personal appearance can reveal what activities they are involved in. For example, messy clothes, poor hygiene and flushed cheeks can signify drug or alcohol use. Track marks on arms and legs, or wearing long sleeves during warm weather to cover marks, are often symptoms of heroin use. Meanwhile, burns on fingers or lips can suggest that a teen is smoking marijuana.

Teens who clench their teeth, frequently run out of money, avoid eye contact, lock their doors, are secretive about phone calls or drive recklessly can be abusing stimulants. However, personal habits such as chewing gum, breaking curfew, eating more frequently and using eye drops may reveal a marijuana problem.

The Office of National Drug Control Policy reports that mental health problems, including depression, developmental lags, apathy, withdrawal and other psychosocial dysfunctions, are frequently linked to substance abuse among adolescents.