How to Tell When a Teen Is Using Uppers
The term "uppers" generally refers to amphetamines, which are drugs that speed up the central nervous system in the same way that the body's own stimulants like adrenaline do. Using uppers recreationally is very dangerous due to the high risk of physical dependency and overdose, so there are some very important warning signs to keep in mind to tell when a teen may be abusing uppers.
Instructions
Beware of sudden expressions of paranoia by your teen. When your teen is using uppers, it may cause him to have feelings that everyone is attacking him or out to get him. If he seems to be suddenly acting like you are an enemy in a way that is more extreme than normal teen behavior you should realize that this could be a very significant sign of abuse of uppers. Take into account any sudden outbursts of anger your teen experiences as a way to tell if he or she is abusing uppers. Uppers are known to cause irritability and may lead to emotional instability that is often expressed through anger, even in teens who previously did not exhibit such behavior. This type of anger could result in physical violence, or it may be limited to verbal abuse through yelling and threats to you and other members of your family. Learn about the physical appearance of uppers. Amphetamines are generally white or yellow in color in pill, powder or crystal form that may be injected, smoked, snorted or swallowed. Uppers usually have a smell similar to ammonia or fish. Examine your teen's eyes to see if they appear dilated, as this is a common side effect of use of uppers. When you teen's eyes are dilated, the pupils will appear much larger than usual and may look red or glazed over. If your teen wears sunglasses often, especially at night, he may be trying to cover up a problem with uppers. Notice if your teen is constantly asking for money or seems to spend her paycheck very quickly without having anything to show for it. Drugs like uppers are often expensive and someone with an addiction may even consider stealing to get his fix. Also, if your teen consistently seems to be spending the same dollar amount, this may be the cost of the uppers she is buying. Try not to jump to conclusions, as the warning signs for abuse of uppers and other drugs are often very similar to those that tell of depression and other mental health conditions. Still, it's very important to take your concerns seriously and consult medical help if necessary. It's best to deal with these problems as soon as they arise before they become an even bigger issue.