Look for Warning Signs
Of course, not every child is inclined to confess and a “no” could also mean they’re in need of help for other reasons, including a mental health issue. In either case, experts strongly recommend that you consider getting a professional assessment with your child’s primary care doctor or a clinical psychologist to find out what’s going on.
Behavioral Changes
Has changed relationships with family members or friends
Uses chewing gum or mints to cover up breath
Often uses over-the-counter preparations to reduce eye reddening or nasal irritation
Frequently breaks curfew
Has cash flow problems
Drives recklessly, and has car accidents or unexplained dents in the car
Avoids eye contact
Locks doors
Goes out every night
Makes secretive phone calls
Makes endless excuses
Has the “munchies” or sudden appetite
Exhibits uncharacteristically loud, obnoxious behavior
Laughs at nothing
Has become unusually clumsy: stumbling, lacking coordination, poor balance
Disappears for long periods of time
Has periods of sleeplessness or high energy, followed by long periods of “catch up” sleep
Mood & Personality Shifts
Exhibits mood changes or emotional instability
Sullen, withdrawn, depressed
Shows loss of inhibitions
Silent, uncommunicative
Hostile, angry, uncooperative
Deceitful or secretive
Less motivated
Unable to focus
Hyperactive
Unusually elated
Hygiene & Appearance Problems
Smell of smoke or other unusual smells on breath or on clothes
Messy appearance
Poor hygiene
Red, flushed cheeks or face
Track marks on arms or legs (or long sleeves in warm weather to hide marks)
Burns or soot on fingers or lips (from “joints” or “roaches” burning down)
Health Issues
Unusually tired
Lethargic movement
Unable to speak intelligibly, slurred speech, or rapid-fire speech
Nosebleeds
Runny nose, not caused by allergies or a cold
Frequent sickness
Sores, spots around mouth
Seizures
Vomiting
Wetting lips or excessive thirst (known as “cotton mouth”)
Sudden or dramatic weight loss or gain
Skin abrasions/bruises
Accidents or injuries
Depression
Headaches
Sweatiness
School and Work Concerns
Absenteeism or loss of interest
Loss of interest in extracurricular activities, hobbies or sports
Failure to fulfill responsibilities at school or work
Complaints from teachers or supervisors
Reports of intoxication at school or work
At Home and in the Car
Disappearance of prescription or over-the-counter pills
Missing alcohol or cigarettes
Disappearance of money or valuables
Receiving unusual packages in the mail
Smell in the car or bottles, pipes or bongs on floor or in glove box
Appearance of unusual containers or wrappers, or seeds left on surfaces used to clean marijuana
Appearance of unusual drug apparatuses, including pipes, rolling papers, small medicine bottles, eye drops, butane lighters, or makeshift smoking devices, like bongs made out of toilet paper rolls and aluminum foil
Hidden stashes of alcohol