Behavioral Signs of Adolescents Using or Abusing Drugs or Alcohol

Young adults often show signs of using or abusing chemicals. Parents who are aware of the signs are at an advantage in assisting their child to get help before more serious problems occur. Below is a list of common behavioral signs that your child may exhibit when using drugs or alcohol.

Change in Friends: Your child switched friends and is now hanging around others who are slightly or very different than his or her old friends.

Drop in Grades: Your child grades are no longer at or above his or her ability level.

Mood Swings: You child is displaying emotional swings that are high one day and low the next day. You child uses words or swears and this was not a common behavior.

Withdrawn: You child is beginning to isolate him or herself. He or she prefers being alone and no longer wants to communicate with you or anyone else in the family.

Secretive Behavior: Your child keeps things to him or herself. It’s almost like he or she wants to hide thing from you.

Suspicion of Money or Alcohol Missing: You discover a pattern of missing money in the family or alcohol bottle appear to be more empty or missing.

Weight or Diet Changes: Your child’s weight significantly changes (10-20 lbs.) over a short period of time (4-6 wks.).

Selling Belongings: Your child begins to sell his or her clothing or other belongings to friends, classmates or online.

No Communication Regarding School: Your child fails to share grades, behavioral issues, conflicts or teacher messages.

Appearing Drunk or High: Your child abuses alcohol or appears high or low from chemical use.

Legal Problems: Your child gets in trouble with the law or school officials on a regular basis. Your child has negative feels about police or school officials.

Manipulation: Your child tries to play adults or mom and dad against each other.


IF YOUR CHILD IS DISPLAYING SEVERAL OF THESE BEHAVIORAL OR CHARACTER TRAITS, PLEASE READ THE SCOTTCOUNSELING SECTION ON CHEMICAL ASSESSMENT.