In addition to addiction, we address coexisting disorders such as ADHD, bipolar disorder, anger, anxiety, self-harm, and depression. If your adolescent son is struggling with substance abuse and/or mental health issues, learn more about the rehabilitation programs at Lakeside Academy, a Christian boarding school with accredited academic programs. Adolescents may display a lack of interest in activities, a decline in academic performance or a change in friend groups. However, you may have cause for concern if the person also displays unexplained mood changes, tremors, restlessness, confusion, panic, increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, sleep changes, appetite changes and/or other troublesome symptoms. Pupil changes alone do not necessarily indicate a struggle with substance use, especially in the absence of other addiction symptoms. Rarely, neurological disorders can cause the eyes to dilate inappropriately, remain fixed or otherwise appear irregular. However, note that a difference in the size of 1 millimeter or less is normal and does not pose a concern. In either case, seek emergency medical attention.
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This chemical reaction leads to mydriasis, the muscle relaxation that allows the eye’s pupil to expand and let in more light. Some substances trigger the body’s fight or flight adrenaline response by interacting with serotonin and adrenergic receptors in the brain.
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Learn more about what drugs cause dilated pupils as well as other potential red flags for addiction. Are you concerned about signs of drug use in your child or another loved one? Dilated pupils, an enlargement of the black portion of the center of the eye, are one common symptom of substance use.