Teen Drug Addiction is continually on the rise. Nothing is more destructive to a teen and their family than the use of drugs. The problem is that in most cases teens are using drugs for several months or even years before parents become aware of it. Even when parents do become aware of drug use, they often underestimate the extent of their child's involvement.

There are many tell tale signs that can reveal if your teenager is abusing drugs. But it is important to bear in sign that if a teenager shows any of the symptoms mentioned, it does not necessarily imply that he is abusing drugs. The symptoms may arise from various factors not related to drug abuse. But whatever the cause, any abnormal behavior warrants parent's attention, especially if they persist or appear chronic in nature or the symptoms appear in clusters. A mental health professional with the help of a caring and concerned adult may help a teen drug addict successfully overcome his addiction and develop more effective coping skills, often preventing further problems.

If you suspect that your child or significant other is using drugs or alcohol the following information will help you make an educated decision. If you still have doubts there are many websites that offer home Urine Drug Screen Tests that can be helpful to bring a uncover a substance abuse problem and bring it to the surface for counseling & treatment.

The key is change; it is important to watch for any significant changes in your child's physical appearance, personality, attitude or behavior.

Just like any other illness, troubled or substance-addicted teenagers may exhibit the following symptoms or characteristics:

-loss of appetite, increase in appetite, any changes in eating habits, unexplained weight loss or gain

-slowed or staggering walk; poor physical coordination

-inability to sleep, awake at unusual times, unusual laziness

-red, watery eyes; pupils larger or smaller than usual; blank stare

-cold, sweaty palms; shaking hands

-puffy face, blushing or paleness

-smell of substance on breath, body or clothes

-extreme hyperactivity; excessive talkativeness

-runny nose; hacking cough

-needle marks on lower arm, leg or bottom of feet

-nausea, vomiting or excessive sweating

-tremors or shakes of hands, feet or head

-irregular heartbeat

-change in personal grooming habits

-possession of drug paraphernalia

-change in overall attitude/personality with no other identifiable cause

-changes in friends; new hang-outs; sudden avoidance of old crowd; doesn't want to talk about new friends; friends are known drug users

-change in activities or hobbies

-drop in grades at school or performance at work; skips school or is late for school

-change in habits at home; loss of interest in family and family activities

-difficulty in paying attention; forgetfulness

-general lack of motivation, energy, self-esteem

-I don't care attitude

-sudden oversensitivity, temper tantrums, or resentful behavior -moodiness, irritability, or nervousness -silliness or giddiness

-paranoia

-excessive need for privacy; unreachable

-secretive or suspicious behavior It is the parents' major responsibility to always watch and care for their troubled teenagers. First of all, they should always see to it that proper and sufficient support is extended to their children. There are a lot of support groups and counseling sessions that may help them meet this demand.

About the Author

Julie Smith is a freelance writer for Drug Rehab Help, one of the foremost resources of drug rehabilitation centers all across America as well as an information portal for substance abuse resources. In her spare time, she enjoys the company of her family and little dog, Chiqui, in their suburban home.