Any of the following signs/symptoms may be cause for concern.

If behaviors continue, you may want to seek professional assistance.

• Peculiar odors such as marijuana, alcohol, or solvents on your child, on his/her clothing, in the house, or in the car
• Presence of drugs or drug paraphernalia in your child’s environment or in dirty laundry (presence of seeds, leaves, or butts; use of small baggies, cigarette papers, tin foil, light bulbs)
• Use of eye drops, room deodorizers, incense, or scented candles
• Slurred speech
• Changes in dress, language, opinions, or behavior
• Sudden change in family relations (withdrawn, belligerence, marked increase in family arguments either with parents or siblings - especially regarding setting limits)
• Noticeable change in personality (laziness, loss of motivation or interest, unusually elated, hyperactive, or lethargic)
• Sudden changes in mood (aggressive anger, sullenness, uncaring attitude and behavior, seems depressed)
• Changes in appetite: loss of appetite or increased appetite (“Munchies”)
• Deterioration in physical appearance (general unhealthy appearance, bloodshot eyes, lack of alertness, decrease in neatness or personal hygiene)
• Noticeable changes in school performance (drop in grades or attendance, disciplinary reports from the school, truancy, loss of interest in activities/sports)
• Sudden change in social pattern (new friends, activities, choice of music)
• Secretiveness about friends or activities or endless excuses for behaviors
• Legal problems or delinquent behavior; frequently breaks house rules
• Unusual financial problems, repeated pawning or selling of personal belongings
• Health Concerns: frequently ill, nosebleeds, runny nose (without explanation of cold/allergies), queasy nauseous, vomiting, or headaches