Do you think your teen is using cocaine or some other drug but you aren't sure? How can you tell if your teenager is using drugs? There are signs and symptoms of cocaine abuse in teenagers that can help you determine if your child is using. Cocaine is one of the most abused drugs in the U.S. and is popular among teens and young adults. Signs of teen cocaine abuse will begin to appear and you will notice a change in your teen's personality and behavior. Below are some signs of teen cocaine abuse:

1. Cocaine abuse in teenagers floods the brain with high levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which creates feelings of euphoria and well-being. This is the "high" that cocaine users experience which keeps them coming back for more.

2. Cocaine abuse in teenagers also increases energy, which causes talkativeness and an increase in mental focus and concentration. If your teen is unusually talkative, or is restless, hyper-active or twitching, he may be using cocaine.

3. Signs of teen cocaine abuse also include a change in the psychological and emotional state. If your teen is using cocaine he may experience states of agitation, paranoia, hallucination, and psychosis. He may exhibit strange or bizarre behavior, and he could develop mental disorders such as ADHD.

4. Cocaine abuse in teenagers also causes a decrease in appetite and your teen may have significant weight loss and develop malnutrition and anemia.

5. Another sign of cocaine abuse in teenagers can be respiratory depression where breathing becomes difficult and shallow, or stops altogether.

6. Other signs of teen cocaine abuse include an increase in heart rate, body temperature and blood pressure. Other signs are a ruptured aorta or heart attack or stroke.

Oftentimes, helping a troubled teen can be a difficult undertaking but it is not impossible, so try not to become discouraged. We should remember that teenagers are experiencing major physical and hormonal changes in their body that can make them moody and irritable. This is normal behavior for teens but if you notice that your child is exhibiting unusual moods or behavior, and sickness has been ruled out, this can indicate a drug problem.

How can you tell if your teenager is using drugs can often be determined by observing some of the warning signs and symptoms of drug use which include:

* If your teen has extreme mood swings with feelings of anger, sadness or depression for an extended period of time.

* Having a nasty, disrespectful attitude toward parents and other family members.

* If your teen shows feelings of hatred toward a family member.

* Stealing or borrowing money from family members can indicate cocaine abuse in teenagers, as well as buying expensive items that they could not normally afford may indicate stealing or drug dealing.

* If your teen has a change in attitude, behavior, personal style and values, this may also indicate a drug problem.

* Signs of teen cocaine abuse also include lying about where she is going and who she is with. Lying is an attempt to hide something from you that she knows you will not approve of

* Showing no guilt or remorse for disobeying you is a dangerous and rebellious sign of cocaine abuse in teenagers.

* Your teen may drop her former friends and make new friends who are using drugs. She may begin to act and dress differently, and change her values and morals.

* Depression, self-harm, suicidal thoughts or acts are also signs of cocaine abuse in teenagers.

If your teen is using cocaine, she will need professional help to get off of the drug and also to identify and resolve any psychological or emotional issues that are causing her drug use. Treatment at a drug treatment center for a minimum of 90 days or more is considered to be an effective approach to overcome substance abuse.