(The following information is from the Department of Education, Employment and Training, State Government Victoria, ‘Backgrounds Project-Drug Information for Parents.’)
Signs that may reflect substance use or misuse in youth as well as adults are:

• Lethargy or unusual energy
• Change of eating habits
• Extreme mood swings
• Staying out all night
• Drop in school grades
• Trouble at school or work
• Change of friends
• Unexplained need for money
• Unexplained abundance of money
• Valuable items missing
• Trouble with the police
• Relationship difficulties

The existence of one or more of these signs does not necessarily mean that a person is using or misusing drugs. Some of these signs fall within the range of ‘normal’ adolescent behaviour. Others may indicate concerns of another nature such as oncoming mental illness or other problems. It is important to be able to approach the person when you are aware of changes that affect their functioning and relationships.Developing good communication is crucial for being able to meet these challenges effectively.