Inhalants: Signs and symptoms
The signs and symptoms of inhalant use vary depending
on what substance is inhaled. Some commonly inhaled substances include
glue, paint thinners, correction fluid, felt tip marker fluid, gasoline, cleaning
fluids and household aerosol products. When inhaled, these products can cause
brief intoxication and a decreased feeling of inhibition. Long-term use may cause
hearing loss and damage to the brain, liver and kidneys.
Opioids:
Signs and symptoms
Sedation
Depression
Confusion
Constipation
Slowed breathing
Needle marks (if injecting drugs)
Recognizing
drug abuse in teenagers
Possible indications that your teenager
is using drugs include:
School performance. Your child suddenly
shows an active dislike of school and looks for excuses to stay home. Contact
your school officials to see if your child's attendance record matches what you
know about his or her absent days. A student who experiences a drop in performance,
possibly failing courses or receiving only minimally passing grades, may
be using drugs.
Physical health. Listlessness and apathy may indicate your
child is using certain drugs.
Appearance. How they look is extremely
important to adolescents. A sudden lack of interest in clothing, grooming or looks
may be a warning sign of drug use.
Personal behavior. Teenagers enjoy
privacy, but exaggerated efforts to bar you from entering their room or knowing
where they go with their friends might indicate drug use. Also, drastic changes
in behavior and in family relationships may signal drug use.
Money. Sudden
requests for money without a reasonable explanation for its use may be a sign
of drug use. You may also discover money stolen from previously safe places
at home. Items may disappear from your home because they're being sold to support
a drug habit.
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