The effects of substance use on individuals can vary, and there is no definitive way to identify substance use from an outsider’s perspective (without actually seeing someone using it). In this regard, good communication is paramount. Since many behavioral changes can be observed in adolescents, it is important not to confuse these changes with substance use. Generally speaking, when drugs are used, certain behavioral changes associated with this situation and certain symptoms related to the specific substances used may be observed. These include:
In terms of behavioral changes:
Family relationships may diminish, and problems may arise in family relationships,
The individual may begin to spend more time alone,
Their circle of friends may change,
Their social life may be negatively affected,
Academic performance may decline,
Absenteeism from school may increase,
Spending may increase,
They may give up old habits (e.g., exercising, spending time with friends),
They may change their lifestyle to accommodate continued substance use (e.g., dropping out of school, quitting a job, or taking jobs with fewer demands),
Self-care may decrease,
They may start lying,
They may start coming home late,
There may be changes in eating and drinking habits,
You may find unusual items at home,
They may exhibit behaviors such as self-harm or suicide attempts
You may notice items going missing from the home or money being stolen.
There are also changes that may be associated with substance use. For example:
Mood swings may occur (such as sudden changes in emotional state, like going from angry to happy and relaxed),
Mood swings (a range of emotions from anger and aggression to cheerfulness and calmness),
Difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, and memory problems,
Severe irritability when faced with obstacles,
A general lack of enthusiasm,
Fatigue, weakness,
Physical symptoms,
Redness in the eyes, constricted or dilated pupils,
Speech disorders, such as a lisp,
Excessive sweating,
Changes in blood pressure,
Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss,
Difficulty walking, loss of balance,
Sleep disorders (which may take the form of excessive sleep or insomnia),
Scars on the body, injection marks,
Sores and spots around the mouth, burns on the hands,
Joint and muscle pain, cramps,
Hallucinations,
Occasional impairment in assessing reality, and so on.
If you have these symptoms, call our 191 hotline
Source:
http://alo191uyusturucuilemucadele.saglik.gov.tr/TR,21181/cocugunuzun-madde-kullandigindan-supheleniyorsaniz-nelere-dikkat-etmelisiniz.html
