Teenage drug addiction

Involvement with drugs is often one of a parents worst fears. Have you noticed any obvious signs such as smelling smoke or chemicals in their room? Have you seen anything which you think may be drug paraphernalia?

To help you out, here are some of the things to look out for:

Changes in their attitude. This usually means negative changes. A previously happy teen may turn moody and withdrawn. Do they have mood swings without known reason. Many parents assume that teens have mood swings and that they are normal but they can be a sign of drug use or depression.

A decline in their school work or poor school attendance is another area of concern. Is your child skipping classes, missing assignments, late for school or are there any other school related problems? Drug use often causes big changes in their ability in school.

Are there any changes in friends? Are they in with a different crowd? If so, do you know these youngsters? It is always good to know who your children are hanging out with. Adults can usually spot an unsafe alliance before they morph into something bigger.

Are there any changes in their clothing? There is a lot of clothing marketed to young people with hidden drug logos. Would you know what to look for? Do you know that "onE" which looks like the word "one" actually means "on E or ecstasy"

Have you had discipline problems or issues with violence. This includes verbal abuse, teasing siblings or pets or violence towards people or animals.

Are things missing from your home? I know that you do not want to think that your child could be a thief. Sadly, many drug users of any age, steal to support their habit. Look out for things which may not be used often so the absence might not be noticed for a long time. Check jewel boxes, tools, electrical items, DVD's, coin or stamp collections. Do not assume that because the containers are in place that the contents are still there. Yes, I know it is an ugly thought, but many parents have discovered, too late, that Aunt Jane's wedding band or Granddad's coin collection have gone missing.

Have their interests or hobbies changed. Apathy or loss of interest in things that they previously used to enjoy can be a warning sign. Incidentally this can be another marker for depression so it is worth check this one out.

How is their health? Any signs of sores on face or arms, picking at skin, sinus problems, weight loss (big one for girls given the current understanding about bulimia), reddened eyes and changes in eating or sleeping habits.

Does their room or their clothing smell of smoke or chemicals? Are room deodorizers or incense suddenly being used to mask smells? Are there strange stains or burn marks on clothing or furniture? Are they secretive about their computer use? If they have a cell phone, do they get texts or calls at odd hours of the day/night and if so do they leave the house?

Any of these things by themselves may not mean much. It is up to you as a parent to decide if they add up to the possibility of drug use. Children as young as 8 or 9 are getting involved in drugs, especially huffing, which is the inhalation of household chemicals, which gives them a 'high'. Sadly these children have no idea what dreadful damage they can do to themselves. It is never too early to begin talking about drug use. Once a child is in school, even grade school, you can be sure that they are mixing with some children who have knowledge of drugs. Once youngsters get old enough to attend parties, raves or clubs, they are much more likely to be offered drugs or even given them in a drink without their knowledge. Drugs known as date rape drugs, for example, Rohypnol, GHB or Ketamine, can be dropped into a drink without the person being aware. All young people should be aware that this can happen and should never leave a drink unattended in any group.

Please discuss drug use with your children, preferably before they get to the teen years. Help them get educated about drugs and the long-term damage they can do. Lay down the family ground rules for drug use. Better to do it now, than when they are in a coma or brain-damaged. Many young people only used drugs once and are living a lifetime of the effects.