How Can You Tell If Your Teenager Is Using Drugs Or Alcohol?

 If you have a teenager, you know sometimes it is often tricky to tell typical teenage behavior from potential behavior that might mimic drug or alcohol use. You may ask yourself "how can I tell if my teen is using drugs or alcohol"?  Of course not all rebellious behavior indicates your teenager is using drugs. Rebelling is a normal part of going through the teenage years. It is a time when they are trying to find who they are, where they belong.  Letting go of the child they no longer are. And moving into a whole new identity of that in between world of child and adolescence.

They have peers who are using drugs, drinking, smoking and having sex.  They have to decide if it is the right thing to do for them. Is it cool?  If they say no, they risk looking uncool, and the chance of becoming popular.  If they say yes, they embark down a road that might not be such an uncorrupted choice to be on.  If your fortunate,  your teen will talk to you or someone they feel confident enough to talk to about drugs with. In my case, my 14 year old niece talks to her grandmother about everything, before she talks anyone else.

Many people are not so lucky. I have witnessed closely what drugs can do to a family. It doesn't matter if your rich or poor, strict or easy-going. Your child is not going to escape peer pressure unless you lock them in a closet. Like some teenagers, they defy authority, itching to push that curfew just a little bit longer, act older than they really are.  Spend the weekend with their friends, instead of family outings. The good news is,  it is perfectly normal.

Drugs and alcohol destroy millions of lives every year. Nine times out ten you know someone who uses drugs, or someone who has been affected by drugs.  Alcohol is the most used and abused drug in the United States. Nevertheless,  if you are worried about some of the behaviors, the list below will help you identify if your teenager might be using drugs or alcohol. Remember the best defense is keeping a line of communication open.

 1. Noticeable Changes In  Appearance

• Sloppy appearance, poor hygiene habits
• Blood shot eyes, wearing sunglasses and using eye drops
• Coughing, stuffy nose, cold like symptoms

2. Noticeable Changes In Eating And Sleeping Habits

• Difficulty sleeping
• Taking long naps
• Noticeable changes in weight
• No appetite or suddenly eating a lot of sweets

3. Noticeable Personality Changes

• Sudden mood swings
• Sullen, defying authority for no reason
• Sadness, depression, suicidal thoughts
• Accusing, lying, doesn't care attitude
• Memory loss, not paying attention or zoning out

4. Noticeable Changes In School Activities

• Not finishing homework  assignments, grades are failing
• Skipping or showing up late for classes
• Falling asleep in class
• Sudden misbehaving problems

5.  Physical Signs Of Possible Drug Use

• Alcohol or prescriptions missing
• Sudden use of mouthwash, breath sprays or gum
• Roach clips, rolling papers and other drug paraphernalia
• Room fresheners, or scented candles

6. Noticeable Changes In Friends And Extra Curricular Activities

• New friends, who may be a bad influence
• Friends who don't come to the house
• More time spent alone, or away from home
• Secretive about their actions, and activities
• Stop favorite hobbies, gives up school sports or other school activities
• Continually stays out past set curfew

7. Positive Attitudes Toward Drugs And Alcohol Use

• Positive drug messages on clothing, or art, writing, and pictures
• Defensive when asked about drug or alcohol abuse
• Supports their friends drug or alcohol use
• Thinks taking drugs is cool

If you think there is a possibility your child could be using drugs or alcohol, don't ignore your suspicions. Talk to them, encourage them to get help if they need it. Let them know they are not alone. There are any number of reasons a teen decides to use drugs, whatever that reason is, they need to know that you want to understand them, and are willing to listen without judgments.

http://teens.drugabuse.gov/