The Brain and Spine Institute is made up of experts in the field of neuroscience in order to bring patients the best healthcare in East Tennessee for a full range of neurological diseases and disorders.
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We provide a comprehensive continuum of cancer services, including prevention, outreach, diagnostic, treatment and support services delivered by our highly skilled staff with compassion and care.
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The Center for Women & Children's Health is a hub for supporting women's and children's individual healthcare needs. The center provides support, research and unmatched patient-centered care.
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Emergency and Trauma Services is the only Level I Trauma Center in the area and serves as the tertiary referral center for medical care in East Tennessee, serving Knox County and 21 surrounding counties.
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The Heart Lung Vascular Institute brings together expertise in clinical care, teaching and research. Patients receive exceptional healthcare combined with patient-centered care.
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Drug signs and teenagers
Definition
Alternative Names
Teenagers and drugs
Information
Although some surveys suggest that drug use in teens has decreased since 2001, the numbers are still quite high. Over 17% of high school students admit use of illegal drugs within one month of when they were asked and more than 40% of those over 12 years old say that they have tried an illegal substance at least once.
Some signs of possible drug use include:
- Bloodshot eyes
- Persistent cough
- Pupils of eyes extremely big (dilated) or extremely small (pinpoint); nystagmus (rapid eye motion) might be a sign of PCP abuse
- Loss of appetite (occurs with amphetamine, methamphetamine, cocaine use)
- Increased appetite (with marijuana use)
- Sluggishness, listlessness, or constant sleeping (opiate drugs such as heroine, codeine; or may occur when coming down off stimulant drugs)
- Hyperactivity (as seen with "uppers" such as cocaine, methamphetamine)
- Poor school performance and increased school absenteeism
- Withdrawal from family and extracurricular activities
- Change in group of friends
- Unusual odor on breath (inhalant drugs)
- Secretive behavior
- Lying or stealing
- Slow or slurred speech (downers and depressants)
- Rapid, explosive speech (uppers)
- Unsteady gait (ataxia)
Early intervention may decrease the likelihood that drug use will continue in this population.
See: Drug abuse and dependence and drug abuse
References
Jenkins RR, Adger H. Substance abuse. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 113.
National Institute on Drug Abuse: Preventing drug use among children and adolescents. NIH Publication No. 04-4212(B). 1997. Revised October 2003.
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