Definition:
Alternative Names:
Teenagers and drugs
Information:
Although some surveys suggest that drug use in teens has decreased since 2001, the numbers are still quite high. Over 17% of high school students admit use of illegal drugs within one month of when they were asked and more than 40% of those over 12 years old say that they have tried an illegal substance at least once. Some signs of possible drug use include: - Bloodshot eyes
- Persistent cough
- Pupils of eyes extremely big (dilated) or extremely small (pinpoint); nystagmus (rapid eye motion) might be a sign of PCP abuse
- Loss of appetite (occurs with amphetamine, methamphetamine, cocaine use)
- Increased appetite (with marijuana use)
- Sluggishness, listlessness, or constant sleeping (opiate drugs such as heroine, codeine; or may occur when coming down off stimulant drugs)
- Hyperactivity (as seen with "uppers" such as cocaine, methamphetamine)
- Poor school performance and increased school absenteeism
- Withdrawal from family and extracurricular activities
- Change in group of friends
- Unusual odor on breath (inhalant drugs)
- Secretive behavior
- Lying or stealing
- Slow or slurred speech (downers and depressants)
- Rapid, explosive speech (uppers)
- Unsteady gait (ataxia)
Early intervention may decrease the likelihood that drug use will continue in this population. See: Drug abuse and dependence and drug abuse
References:
Jenkins RR, Adger H. Substance abuse. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 113. National Institute on Drug Abuse: Preventing drug use among children and adolescents. NIH Publication No. 04-4212(B). 1997. Revised October 2003.
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