Some clues that your teen could be abusing drugs

Several signs may indicate drug involvement, said Patt Saso, author of "Parenting Your Teens with TLC."

+Decline in school performance: drop in grades, inability to follow through and has excuses for poor performance, absenteeism, resentment toward teachers, sleeping in class, or being nonresponsive.

+Change in personal appearance: change in clothing style, poor hygiene, change in weight, unsteady gait, smell of alcohol or pot, slurred speech or bloodshot eyes.

+Variations in behavior: angry or hostile, short-tempered, verbally or physically abusive, apathetic, unmotivated or sleeping more.

+More secretive and private: aloofness, withdrawn from responsibilities and family, less contact with old friends, more time spent alone.

+Change in peers: replaces lifelong friends with new friends you don't know, no longer introduces friends, receives mysterious phone calls, associates with known drug users, is suddenly popular with older kids, talks of drugs or parties.

+Unusual patterns of behavior: vague physical symptoms and complaints, headaches, nauseous, up late, excessive sleeping, secretive phone calls, preoccupation with death and suicide, reduced memory or attention span, overtired or has excessive energy, selling of possessions, uses eyedrops or room deodorizers, unexplained money or merchandise from unknown sources or drug paraphernalia.

+Defensive and guarded attitude about drugs: tells you everybody is doing it, says it is "natural," or asks, "Didn't you use?"

For more information, visit www.SasoSeminars.com.

This story provided by StatePoint Media.