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How can you tell if your child is using drugs or alcohol? It is
difficult because
changes in mood or attitudes, unusual temper outbursts, changes in
sleeping habits and changes in hobbies or other interests are common
in teens. What should you look for?
You can also look for signs of depression, withdrawal, carelessness
with grooming or hostility. Also ask yourself, is your child doing
well in school, getting along with friends, taking part in sports or
other activities?
Watch List for Parents
- Changes in friends
- Negative changes in schoolwork, missing
school, or declining grades
- Increased secrecy about possessions or activities
- Use of incense, room deodorant, or perfume to hide
smoke or chemical odors
- Subtle changes in conversations with friends,
e.g. more secretive, using “coded” language
- Change in clothing choices: new fascination
with clothes that highlight drug use
- Increase in borrowing money or stealing
- Evidence of drug paraphernalia such as pipes,
rolling papers, etc.
- Evidence of use of inhalant products (such as
hairspray, nail polish, correction fluid, common
household products); Rags and bags are sometimes used as
accessories
- Bottles of eye drops, which may be used to
mask bloodshot eyes or dilated pupils
- New use of mouthwash, gum, or breath mints to
cover up the smell of alcohol
- Missing prescription drugs.
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These changes often signal that something harmful is going on—and
often that involves alcohol or drugs. However, some of these signs
also indicate there may be a deeper problem with depression, or
suicidal thoughts. Be on the watch for these signs so that you can
spot trouble before it goes too far.
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