Answers About Teen Drug Abuse

Dec. 22, 2006— -- Last night we invited your questions following our coverage of young adults and drug abuse. We received a lot of questions from viewers, and while we can't answer them all, ABC's Medical Unit has worked to answer some of them. Check out the answers below.

Click here to read the report: http://abcnews.go.com/Health/Drugs/story?id=2743870&page=1

Question:What are the signs and symptoms of drug addiction and abuse? -- BronsonLinda

Answer: Drug addiction can be mental or physical. If you have a drug addiction -- whether to a legal or illegal drug -- you have intense emotional and physical cravings for it. You want to use the drug again and again. When you stop taking it, you may have unpleasant physical reactions.

Drug addiction involves compulsively seeking to use a substance, regardless of the potentially negative social, psychological and physical consequences. The signs of addiction are the same whether a drug is legal -- a prescription or over-the-counter medication -- or something illicit such as cocaine or heroin.

The U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) publishes a brochure, Faces of Change, that discusses the signs and symptoms of drug addiction. Check it out here: http://www.kap.samhsa.gov/products/brochures/pdfs/TIP35.pdf

Here are some signs and symptoms from the Mayo Clinic to look out for if you suspect your teenager is using drugs:

   School performance. Your child suddenly shows an active dislike of school and looks for excuses to stay away from the classroom. Ask 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 sudden drop in performance -- possibly failing courses or barely passing -- 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.