Five Things to Know About Adolescents' Brain Development and Use
Learn more about the particular ways that substance use threatens the still-developing adolescent brain.
Concerning Behaviors to Look for in an Adolescent Who Might be Using Drugs
- Changes in school performance (falling grades, skipping school, tardiness)
- Changes in peer group (hanging out with drug-using, antisocial, older friends)
- Breaking rules at home, school, in the community
- Extreme mood swings, depression, irritability, anger, negative attitude
- Sudden increases or decreases in activity level
- Withdrawal from the family; keeping secrets
- Changes in physical appearance (weight loss, lack of cleanliness, strange smells)
- Red, watery, glassy eyes or runny nose not due to allergies or cold
- Changes in eating or sleeping habits
- Lack of motivation or interest in things other teenagers enjoy (hobbies, sports)
- Lying, stealing, hiding things
- Using street or drug language or possession of drug paraphernalia/items
- Cigarette smoking