HOW CAN I TELL IF MY CHILD IS DOING DRUGS?

While it is difficult to distinguish typical adolescent behavior from drug-induced behavior, parents should consider possible drug use if they notice several of these changes in their child:

1. Changes in Physical Appearance

• Lack of personal cleanliness, messy appearance Red eyes and frequent use of eye drops
• Runny nose, congestion, coughing
• Wearing dark glasses when not necessary
• Pale face, circles under eyes

2. Changes in Eating and Sleeping Habits

• Difficulty falling asleep, insomnia
• Inappropriate napping
• Significant weight loss or gain
• Poor appetite
• sudden appetite (especially for sweets

3. Changes in Behavior and Personality

• Hostility, defiance of rules
• Depression, "I don't care" attitude
• ack of responsibility: not doing chores, homework;
• forgetting family occasions
• Blaming, lying, making excuses
• Loss of memory, shortened attention span, disordered thought patterns
• Withdrawal from family, isolation, secretiveness

4. Changes in School or Job Performance

• Lowered grades, neglected homework
• Frequent tardiness and absenteeism
• Falling asleep in class
• Discipline problems
• Quitting or getting fired from job
• Quitting or getting fired from job

5. Physical Evidence of Drug Use

• Liquor missing or watered down
• Fake ID
• Mouth wash, breath sprays
• Visine or other eye drops
• Roach clips, rolling papers
• Bongs, pipes and small screens
• Baggies containing dried leaves, seeds
• "stash cans", often disguised as cola or beer cans
• Burning incense, room deodorizers
• Prescription medication disappearing
• Any drugs or drug paraphernalia you find on your child or in your home are indications of drug use, even if he or she insists they "belong to a friend."

6. Changes in Friends and Interests

• New or different friends, especially ones who use drugs
• Friends rarely introduced and seldom come to the house
• More time spent in room or away from home
• Secrecy about actions and possessions
• obbies, sports or extra-curricular activities are given up; everything is "boring"
• Stays out past curfew

7. Positive Attitudes Towards Drugs and Alcohol

• Pro-drug messages on posters of clothing
• Strong defense of the occasional use of drugs by peers, think adults "hassle" kids
• Easily angered when confronted about chemical use
• Concern expressed by others over his/her use of alcohol or other drugs