What are the warning signs of drug and alcohol use? (for parents)
Some warning signs to look for:
- Evidence of drug paraphernalia (such as rolling papers or pipes)
- Negative changes in school performance and attendance
- Change in activities and groups of friends
- Increased secrecy in activities and possessions
- Using room deodorizers, candles or incense to hide smoke or chemical odors
- Increased use of mouthwash, gum or mints to cover up smell of alcohol
- Increased need for money
- Parent or other family member’s prescription medications disappear, particularly narcotics, sleeping medications and mood stabilizers
- Increased eye drop use to cover redness or irritation of eyes
- Presence of increased amount of inhalant products (such as fingernail polish, hairspray or glue, along with paper bags or cloth scraps that are used to assist with inhalation.
Physical signs to look for:
- Excessive talking
- Droopy, tired, or wide open eyes
- Odor of marijuana (a skunk-like odor)
- Smiling and laughing for no reason
- Sudden drop in weight or unusual change in appetite
- Sleeping too little or sleeping an unusual amount
- Red and irritated eyes
- Sunken cheeks
- Unusual facial sores
- Irritable and nervous.
Many of these physical signs can be attributed to other causes. When you can’t determine other reasons for these symptoms, your teen may be using drugs or alcohol.
Different drugs will cause your child to exhibit different symptoms. Here is a site that will help you learn more about drug addiction, and about specific drugs that are currently in common use among pre-teens and teenagers:
http://www.drugabuse.gov/drugpages/index.html
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