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The presence of one or two signs might just be the result of normal adolescent issues – failing an exam, breaking up with a boy/girlfriend, fight with a best friend, etc.
More serious issues such as bullying or eating disorders may be indicated by the presence of two or more signs. But whatever the reasons for these behaviours, parents need to find out what is going on.
- withdraws from old friends and activities
- reluctance to introduce new friends or talk about them
- reluctance to have parents meet new friend’s parents
- new friends don’t stay around when adults are present
- new friends seem to have a lot of money to spend
- subtle changes in conversations with friends, e.g. more secretive, using “coded” language
- performance and grades are deteriorating
- absenteeism
- loss of interest in school and extracurricular activities
- trouble with teachers and administration
- increased isolation, secretiveness
- deterioration in personal hygiene and appearance
- lying or denying
- trouble with the law (vandalism, fighting)
- keeping strange hours, breaking curfew, sneaking out or in
- loss of interest in activities that were formerly important
- increase in borrowing money
- change in clothing choices: new fascination with clothes that highlight drug use
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use of incense, room deodorant, or perfume to hide smoke or chemical odors
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evidence of drug paraphernalia such as pipes, rolling papers, etc.
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evidence of use of inhalant products (such as hairspray, nail polish, correction fluid, common household products); rags and paper bags are sometimes used as accessories
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bottles of eye drops, which may be used to mask bloodshot eyes or dilated pupils
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new use of mouthwash or breath mints to cover up the smell of alcohol
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missing prescription drugs—especially narcotics and mood stabilizers
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