|
Some
warning signs that a youth might be abusing drugs or alcohol include
(from the National
Youth Network):
- Sudden personality
changes that include abrupt changes in work or school attendance,
quality of work, work output, grades, discipline
- Unusual flare-ups
or outbreaks of temper
- Withdrawal
from responsibility
- General changes
in overall attitude
- Loss of interest
in what were once favorite hobbies and pursuits
- Changes in
friends and reluctance to have friends visit or talk about them
- Difficulty
in concentration, paying attention
- Sudden jitteriness,
nervousness, or aggression
- Increased
secretiveness
- Deterioration
of physical appearance and grooming
- Wearing of
sunglasses at inappropriate times
- Continual
wearing of long-sleeved garments particularly in hot weather or
reluctance to wear short-sleeved attire when appropriate
- Association
with known substance abusers
- Unusual borrowing
of money from friends, co-workers or parents
- Stealing
small items from employer, home or school
- Secretive
behavior regarding actions and possessions; poorly concealed attempts
to avoid attention and suspicion such as frequent trips to storage
rooms, restroom, basement, etc.
Of course, presence
of any one of these signs doesn't necessarily mean there is a problem.
The emphasis is on CHANGES in behavior.
|
