Chemical Health Assessment & Treatment Process
Physical Signs and Symptoms of Chemical Use
- Droopy eyelids
- Tremors
- Dry mouth
- Small or large pupils
- Pale or flush skin color
- Odor of alcohol, marijuana, vomit, chemical, urine
- Facial itching
- Raspy voice
- Warm body
- Headaches
- Poorly kept appearance
- Perspiring
- Drug paraphernalia, pills, small pill bottles, syringes, paint residue
- Grinding teeth
Behavioral Sign of Chemical Use
- Loss or change in positive peer group or friends
- Personality changes
- Attitude changes
- Lack of attention and focus
- Withdrawn from family and friends
- Memory problems
- Secretive behaviors
- Unexplained wealth or material wealth
- Mood swings
- Numerous phone calls, instant messaging or text messages
- Overreaction to criticism
- Drop in grades and poor quality work effort
- Inability to sleep or insomnia
- Change in eating habits
- Accident prone
- Uncommon illness
- Blaming
- Sensitivity to noise
Stages in Chemical Use
Stage I
- Occasional to infrequent use
- Social settings or alone
- Some secrecy and anxiety about getting caught
- Curiosity of chemical side effects
Stage II
· Controlled use and avoidance of intoxication
· Party and weekend use
· Uses to socialize, not for enjoyment
Stage III
- Change friends and peer group
- Parents and other adult become suspicious
- Behavioral signs of memory loss, mood swings and more begin to appear
- Increase problems in school or a change in grades
- Change in interest that includes more “partying.”
- School, sports and other activities become secondary and less important
- Signs of depression, sleep loss begin to appear
Stage IV
- Blackouts
- Sleeping, insomnia issues
- School problems that may result in suspensions or other disciplinary action
- Apathy
- Increase in chemical use not limited to weekends
- Chemical use and abuse becomes a major part of life
- Rationalization for hiding chemicals and drugs
How Should A Parent Respond?
Begin to speak with your child before they enter stage one of chemical or drug use. Begin to look for the physical and behavioral signs listed above. Let your child know that you have a right to search their room, backpack and other areas of your home if you suspect drug use. Do not be afraid to contact your school counselor and ask for help. The school counselor may provide you with other steps to take which may include meeting with your child, speaking with your child’s teachers, school nurse and other school officials. The school counselor can not help you if you keep your suspicions or information about your child’s chemical use a secret.
There are also numerous chemical and drug use agencies that can provide you with additional help. The school counselor can refer you to some of the best outside sources in your area.
Additional steps may include:
- Educate yourself about alcohol, club drugs and other chemicals by clicking on ScottCounseling Links.
- Stay calm while speaking to your child about your suspicions of their chemical use.
- Speak with other parents and join a support group.
- Speak with a school counselor, school nurse or the school district Drug Prevention Coordinator.
- Click on: www.nida.nih.gov/ for more information and the latest facts regarding drug and chemical use by teens.
