SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

There are many signs and symptoms that go along with substance use and abuse. The following list describes some of the changes you may see take place. In and of themselves, the symptoms may not mean a thing. However, if you see several of them, consider it a warning flag and seek further help.

Physical Symptoms

• Acting intoxicated
• Bloodshot or red eyes, droopy eyelids
• Imprecise eye movement
• Wearing sunglasses at inappropriate times
• Abnormally pale complexion
• Change in speech patterns and vocabulary patterns
• Repressed physical development
• Sudden appetite, especially for sweets
• Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite
• Neglect of personal appearance, e.g., grooming

• Unexplained periods of moodiness, depression, anxiety or irritability
• Strongly inappropriate overreaction to mild criticism or simple requests
• Decreased interaction and communication with others
• Preoccupation with self, less concern for the feelings of others
• Loss of interest in previously important things, such as hobbies and sports
• Loss of motivation and enthusiasm
• Lethargy, lack of energy and vitality
• Loss of ability to assume responsibility
• Need for instant gratification
• Changes in values, ideas, beliefs
• Change in friends, unwillingness to introduce friends to family
• Curfew violations
• Large sums of money

School Changes

• Decline in academic performance, drop in grades
• Reduced short-term memory, concentration and attention span
• Loss of motivation, interest, participation in school activities, energy
• Frequent tardiness and absenteeism
• Less interest in participation in classes and meetings
• Sleeping in class or meetings
• Untidy appearance, dress, personal hygiene
• Slow to respond, forgetful, apathetic
• Increased discipline, behavioral problems
• Change in peer group
• Disappearance of money or items of value

Physical Evidence

• Odor of marijuana (like burnt rope) in room or on clothing
• Incense or room deodorizers
• Eye drops, mouthwash
• Marijuana cigarettes (rolled and twisted at each end)
• Powders, seeds, leaves, plants, mushrooms
• Capsules or tablets
• Cigarette rolling papers
• Pipes, pipe filters, screens, strainers
• "Roach" clips (metal clips to hold the butt of the marijuana joint)
• "Bongs," water pipes (usually glass or plastic)
• Small spoons, straws, razor blades, mirrors (for use with cocaine)
• Stash cans (soft drink, beer, deodorant and other cans that unscrew)
• Unfamiliar small containers or locked boxes
• Plastic baggies or small glass vials
• Drug-related books, magazines, comics

1. Reward children. Give praise, recognition, a special privilege or increased responsibility for a job well done. Emphasize the good things they do, not the bad.
2. Take their ideas, emotions and feelings seriously. Don't belittle them by saying, "You'll grow out of it" or "It's not as bad as you think."
3. Define limits and rules clearly, and enforce them. But do allow leeway for your children within these limits.
4. Be a good role model. Let your children know that you feel good about yourself. Also let them see that you too can make mistakes and can learn from them.
5. Teach your children how to deal with time and money. Help them spend time wisely and budget their money carefully.
6. Have reasonably expectations for your children. Help them to set reachable goals so they can achieve success.
7. Help your children develop tolerance towards those with different values, backgrounds and norms. Point out other people's strengths.
8. Give your children responsibility. They will feel useful and valued.
9. Be available. Give support when children need it.
10. Show them that what they do is important to you. Talk with them about their activities and interests. Go to their games, parent's day at school, drama presentations, awards ceremonies.
11. Express your values, but go beyond "do this" or"I want you to do that." Describe the experiences that determined your values, the decisions you made to accept certain beliefs, the reasons behind your feelings.
12. Spend time together. Share favorite activities.
13. Discuss problems without placing blame or commenting on a child's character. If children know that there is a problem but don't feel attacked, they are more likely to look for a solution.
14. Use phrases that build self-esteem, such as, " Thank you for helping" or " That was an excellent idea!" Avoid phrases that hurt self-esteem, "Why are you so stupid?","How many times have I told you?"
15. Show how much you care about them. Hug them. Tell them they are terrific and that you love them

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