Wednesday, May 26, 2010Is Your Teen Using Drugs?

Parenting a teenager is difficult enough, but it’s vital to ask yourself “Is my teen using drugs?” especially if you see suddent changes in behavior.

Your child knows the difference between right and wrong, so if he or she has begun to experiment with drug use, he will not do it where you can see him doing it, because he knows it is wrong. The very act of trying to hide his drug use from you can alter his behavior a lot. It’s watching for this kind of change in his behavior that will tip you off. It is unfortunate that your child cannot see the consequences his drug use will have into the future. He’ll need your help for that.

You may have a sense deep inside you that something is different, that something has changed in your child. Trust this! Begin to observe his behavior, his attitudes, his patterns and see if he is demonstrating anything like these behaviors, because the earlier you can detect the changes, the earlier you can get him help. You might take some notes about his behaviors, so that when you intervene, you can show him what you have observed and what your suspicions are.

Remember, teenage peer pressure at this age is of the most importance. Your child may be experimenting with drugs due to peer pressure. It won’t be helpful to use old sayings like “I guess if your friend jumped off a bridge, you’d jump too?” You’ve got to reason with him point by point with a goal of him conceding to your wisdom about drug use.

Grades. Changes in the grades he normally earns is a tip off that there is something going on. Watch this area closely. Tell him you see this change.

Excuses. Is your child coming up with excuses, some of them decidedly lame, for his behavior, for the lowering of grades, for example? Mention that you notice he’s coming up with excuses where he once did not.

Energy. Some kids who are experimenting with drugs are always tired; some are always hyper. If your child’s normal energy level is changed, make a note of it.

Money. Drugs cost money, so your child will either have excess money around him or will demonstrate the need for more money. Watch how he is using, spending, or wanting money.

Weight. Some kids lose weight on drugs; some gain weight. Are there fluctuations in your child’s weight?

Interests. Have your child’s interests in school, sports, activities, or old friends changed? Has his clothing style changed? His choice of music? His style of jokes? Are there things in his life that are obviously drug-culture related?

The more areas you can see above where you’ve answered “Yes” the more you should ask “Is my teen using drugs?” This will require loving intervention. There is a plethora of information on the internet about this, and it might be time for you to do some research. It would not be wise to do nothing. Your child’s future is at stake. I’d like to encourage you to be strong. Your actions might not win a popularity contest with your child and the teenage peer pressure will be strong, but in the end, he’ll know that you love him.