Skip to Main Content

Back to School: Warning Signs of Substance Use

Maryland Opioid Operational Command Center, Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention Want You to Know, Before It’s Too Late

September 17, 2018

ANNAPOLIS, MD — No parent wants to think of their teen as having an alcohol or substance use problem, but it can happen. How do you spot the warning signs and what do you do? The Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention and the Maryland Opioid Operational Command Center are offering a few tips on what to watch for and how to get help.

“The reality is that teenager moods can change from hour to hour and that’s a part of growing up,” said GOCCP Executive Director, Glenn Fueston, Jr. “But as parents, we have to be extra vigilant to know the difference between a normal part of development or something else.”

“Today, the risk of overdose is especially high,  as fentanyl – which is 50 times more deadly than heroin – is being added to many prescriptions and other illicit drugs. Just a small amount can be deadly,” said Executive Director of the Opioid Operational Command Center, Clay Stamp. “That’s why it’s so important that we protect our most vulnerable, our youth and adolescents, from the dangers of drug use.”

Problems at school

  • Frequently forgetting homework.
  • Missing classes or skipping school.
  • Disinterest in school or school activities.
  • A drop in grades.

Physical signs    

  • Lack of energy and motivation.
  • Red eyes and cheeks or difficulty focusing – alcohol use.
  • Red eyes and constricted pupils – marijuana use.
  • A strange burn on your child’s mouth or fingers – (possibly heroin) smoking through a metal or glass pipe.
  • Chronic nosebleeds – cocaine use.
  • Alcohol presence: finding it in your child’s room or backpack/smelling alcohol on his or her breath.

Neglected appearance

  • Lack of interest in clothing, grooming, or appearance is not normal. Teenagers are usually very concerned about how they look.

Changes in behavior

  • Teenagers enjoy privacy, but be aware of excessive attempts to be alone.
  • Exaggerated efforts not to allow family members into their rooms.
  • Not letting you know where they go with friends, or whom they go with.
  • Breaking curfew without a good excuse.
  • Changes in relationships with family.

Changes in friends

  • No longer is friends with childhood friends.
  • Seems interested in hanging out with older kids.
  • Acts secretive about spending time with new friends.

Money issues

  • Sudden requests for money without a good reason.
  • Money stolen from your wallet or from safe places at home.
  • Items gone from your home. (May be sold to buy drugs.)

Specific smells

  • Odor of marijuana, cigarettes, or alcohol on teen’s breath, on clothing, in the bedroom, or in the car.

Drug paraphernalia

Before It’s Too Late is Maryland’s effort to bring awareness to this epidemic and to mobilize resources for effective prevention, treatment, and recovery. Citizens grappling with a substance use disorder can find help at BeforeItsTooLateMD.org or by calling 211 and pressing 1.

-###-

doit-GOCIWP-W02
Close window
Close Disclaimer

Google Translate Disclaimer

The Maryland Department of Information Technology (“DoIT”) offers translations of the content through Google Translate. Because Google Translate is an external website, DoIT does not control the quality or accuracy of translated content. All DoIT content is filtered through Google Translate which may result in unexpected and unpredictable degradation of portions of text, images and the general appearance on translated pages. Google Translate may maintain unique privacy and use policies. These policies are not controlled by DoIT and are not associated with DoIT’s privacy and use policies. After selecting a translation option, users will be notified that they are leaving DoIT’s website. Users should consult the original English content on DoIT’s website if there are any questions about the translated content.

DoIT uses Google Translate to provide language translations of its content. Google Translate is a free, automated service that relies on data and technology ​​​to provide its translations. The Google Translate feature is provided for informational purposes only. Translations cannot be guaranteed as exact or without the inclusion of incorrect or inappropriate language. Google Translate is a third-party service and site users will be leaving DoIT to utilize translated content. As such, DoIT does not guarantee and does not accept responsibility for, the accuracy, reliability, or performance of this service nor the limitations provided by this service, such as the inability to translate specific files like PDFs and graphics (e.g. .jpgs, .gifs, etc.).

DoIT provides Google Translate as an online tool for its users, but DoIT does not directly endorse the website or imply that it is the only solution available to users. All site visitors may choose to use alternate tools for their translation needs. Any individuals or parties that use DoIT content in translated form, whether by Google Translate or by any other translation services, do so at their own risk. DoIT is not liable for any loss or damages arising out of, or issues related to, the use of or reliance on translated content. DoIT assumes no liability for any site visitor’s activities in connection with use of the Google Translate functionality or content.

The Google Translate service is a means by which DoIT offers translations of content and is meant solely for the convenience of non-English speaking users of the website. The translated content is provided directly and dynamically by Google; DoIT has no direct control over the translated content as it appears using this tool. Therefore, in all contexts, the English content, as directly provided by DoIT is to be held authoritative.