HOW TO SPOT SIGNS OF TROUBLE IN YOUR TEENS

The teenage years are filled with temptations, peer pressure and raging hormones, and many teens struggle during these years. The 2010 National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that of respondents between 12 and 20 years old, 26.3 percent had used alcohol, while 10.1 percent of respondents between 12 and 17 were current drug users. Your teenager may try to hide the signs that he's in trouble, but paying close attention can help you help him.

Emotional

His moods can be altered if he's using drugs or alcohol, is depressed or is struggling with some other issue. He may seem sad and worried all the time, or may move to the other end of the spectrum and seem very agitated all the time. He may cry more easily or seem withdrawn, sulky and anxious. Most teenagers struggle with self-esteem, but constantly criticizing his own actions and appearance is a sign he's struggling.

Physical

Changes in his sleeping and eating habits are signs of a problem. Teenagers are often hard to get out of bed, but be concerned if he's spending more than 10 hours a day sleeping, or just seems to never want to get out of bed. If he's using drugs, his eyes may frequently look red or glazed over. Losing his appetite, or binging on food, can be a sign of drug use or depression. Drugs or depression can also make him seem panicked or jittery. Pay attention to his clothing too; if he only wears long sleeves even on hot days, he may have bruises or self-harm marks he's trying to keep covered. Wearing only one color clothing or refusing to wear certain colors may be a sign he's involved with a gang.

Behavioral

His school performance will likely change if he's dealing with a problem. His grades may drop, he may be late or skip classes and his teachers may begin contacting you over a change in his schoolwork. He may become combative and argumentative with authority figures. He may also not want to spend much time with his family, but this on its own isn't necessarily a warning sign that he's in trouble; it's normal for teens to push their parents away a little as they try to gain independence. If he starts to give away his possessions or talks about death or suicide, he may be considering taking his life, and you need to seek medical help immediately.

Social

His friends are a major influence in his life, so if there are changes with them there may be changes with him. If he stops hanging out with his normal group of friends, or starts hanging out with a different group of people who seem to be involved in dangerous behaviors, he may be in trouble with activities like drugs and alcohol. On the other hand, if he withdraws from all social interactions and spends most of his time alone, he may be struggling with depression.