If you’re concerned that your teenager is using drugs, you will want to know what signs to look out for. Unfortunately there is no guarantee that you will be able to know for sure, and so the best way of finding out is to keep calm and talk to them about your worries.

However, there are some signs that may show that a young person is using drugs. But remember that many of these signs may just be typical teen behaviour – so don’t jump to conclusions until you’ve spoken to them!

Physical signs

• Appears intoxicated or ‘stoned’  

• Eyes – red, watery, dull, bright, staring, heavy, vacant, pin-point or dilated pupils

• Poor complexion
  

• Skin complaints, ‘glue rash’
  

• Weight loss
  

• Loss of appetite
  

• Runny nose
  

• Appears ill/drawn
  

• Injection sites – track marks
  Wasted muscles

• 'Nodding off’
  Swollen or damaged hands

• Impaired coordination
  
  Behavioural signs
  

• Mood swings
  

• Inappropriate or unpredictable behaviour
  

• Lack of concentration
  

• Loss in interest in usual activities
  

• Sudden change of personality
  

• Tiredness
  

• Depressed, lethargic
  

• Irritable
  

• Paranoid
  

• Overactive
  

• Withdrawn
  

• Standard of their schoolwork drops
  

• Social relationships (e.g. their friendships) start to break down
  

• Involvement in crime

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