Fourth Edition, September 2011

Signs of a Possible Substance Abuse Problem 

Change in personality or baseline mood
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Drop in grades and classroom performance
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Increase in absences from school or classes
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Dropping old friends and getting ‘new’ friends
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Loss of interest in sports or other extra-curricular activities 
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Deterioration of personal grooming habits
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Forgetfulness or diffi
culty paying attention
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Sudden aggressive behaviour, irritability, nervousness, or giddiness
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Increased secretiveness or heightened sensitivity to inquiry
How long do substance use problems last?
Some older children and teens try illicit drugs only once or, at most, a few times. A smaller group may 
go on to become chronic users, becoming addicted to cocaine, heroin, tobacco, or alcohol, and may 
need long-term treatment. Substance abuse that begins in late childhood or early adolescence tends to 
persist and be more severe in adulthood. Tobacco use that begins in adolescence is associated with poor 
outcomes in adulthood, including depression, poor physical health, reduced income compared to non-
smoking peers, and fewer years of education.
What treatment is eff ective?
First of all, prevention is the ideal way to deal with the problem of substance abuse. It is also important 
to know that some treatments, like group therapy with other young people who have been engaged in 
criminal activity, may do more harm than good by causing more drug use or antisocial behaviour.
Comprehensive programs have, however, been found to work best to treat established substance abuse 
problems. These programs include all or some of the following components:

Medications or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) that address underlying mental health prob-
lems have shown promise in the treatment for substance abuse. 
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Family therapy should be used in addition to other treatments to reduce family confl ict.
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Interventions that help increase motivation may help teens stay in recovery. 
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Long-term follow up of any treatment is recommended because substance use is a chronic disorder.

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Making a Diff erence: An Educators’ Guide to Child and Youth Mental Health Problems
www.cymhin.ca
F 6
Drug and Alcohol Problems