If someone is using drugs, you might notice changes in how the person looks or acts. Here are some of those signs, but it’s important to remember that depression or another problem could be causing these changes. A person using drugs may:

* lose interest in school
* change friends (to hang out with kids who use drugs)
* become moody, negative, cranky, or worried all the time
* ask to be left alone a lot
* have trouble concentrating
* sleep a lot (maybe even in class)
* get in fights
* have red or puffy eyes
* lose or gain weight
* cough a lot
* have a runny nose all of the time

What Can I Do to Help?

If you think someone is using drugs, the best thing to do is to tell an adult that you trust. This could be a parent, other relative, teacher, coach, or school counselor. The person might need professional help to stop using drugs. A grown-up can help the person find the treatment he or she needs to stop using drugs. Another way kids can help kids is by choosing not to try or use drugs. It’s a good way for friends to stick together.

Understanding drugs and why they are dangerous is another good step for a kid to take. Below, we’ve listed some words that may be new to you.kidshealth.org