My Child May be Using Drugs

Sometimes the signs of drugs or alcohol abuse can be confused with normal teenage behavior, but a combination of things may be cause for concern.

1. Watch for a change in personality or mood swings, which often signals a use of drugs.
2. Likewise, a change in friends, especially hanging out with kids you don’t know, can mean that kids are using drugs.
3. Dropping grades or losing interest in usual activities, skipping classes or being late for classes; not participating in clubs or other groups he previously enjoyed – all these may be “red flags” for you.
4. Changes in appearance or decoration of his room, and changes in attitude about substances (defending his right to drink for example) are good indicators.
5. Health problems like fatigue, coughing, chest pains, allergies, loss of appetite or red eyes can signal use of drugs.
6. Find out more by contacting our local drug and alcohol education program. Drugs have changed a lot since you were a teenager and you need to be informed. Prevention offices can also give you referrals for services, if there is problem.
7. Expect a child who is taking drugs to deny it; you can’t always trust your child.