Did you know that over 75% of teens aged 16-17 report that obtaining marijuana is "easy or fairly easy?" Or that 25% of youths between 12 and 17 say the same of crack?
When children start using drugs they usually exhibit many different signs that parents need to watch out for. Unfortunately, many parents often write-off these signs as normal adolescent behavior and as a result they don't realize that their child is into drugs until it is too late. How can you as a parent know for sure whether or not your child is in danger of falling into drugs? Know that every child is in danger of this. Parents who fail to recognize this will stay in this state of denial till their son or daughter is arrested or overdoses -- and by then it is too late. So what should you as parents be looking for as signs that your child is experimenting with drugs or alcohol?
* Dramatic changes in attitude or personality.
* New friends who may exert peer pressure on your child.
* Problems at school, such as falling grades or increased tardiness.
* Increased withdrawal, depression, or secretiveness.
* Changes in sleep patterns.
* Increased or decreased appetite.
* Dilated, red, or glossy eyes.
* Escalating verbal or physical abuse. * Dramatic mood swings.
* Need for additional money.
Drug use can lead to a host of significant health, social, learning and behavioral problems at a crucial time in a young person's development. Getting high also impairs judgment, leading to risky decision making on issues like sex, criminal activity or riding with someone who is driving high.
If you believe that your child may be using alcohol or drugs, don't overreact. Some of the warning signs listed above may be normal for your teen and some signs may have other causes. One cannot ignore the reality of teenage drug and alcohol abuse, however, so the presence of three or more of these warning signs should prompt a discussion with your teen and an evaluation of whether professional help is needed. For more advice, or to locate the right treatment facility for you, contact your pediatrician or call the Center for Substance Abuse Referral Help line at 1-800-662-HELP.
Nicole Brownfield
I hope you found this article both informative and enjoyable. Please feel free to contact me with questions or comments at: jnb8788@aol.com
From the book Spider's Night on the BoomI've only begun... Read More
Courage means doing the right thing when it is hard,... Read More
The Internet, is magnificent in its resources for families. Educational... Read More
Grandparents, what better way to stay close to your grown... Read More
Do you have a wild child? Then this article may... Read More
Very often, new parents rely on a parenting tip or... Read More
Once upon a time there was a beautiful bird whose... Read More
It is not the divorce but the conflict arising after... Read More
In today's mental health system there is a pattern of... Read More
I am a single mother of a 17 year old... Read More
For troubled teens who are struggling with drug abuse, depression... Read More
Look around: Your kids are counting sleeps until the last... Read More
Sometimes dreams really can come true! May 8th - 11th,... Read More
If there are any parents reading this who are thinking... Read More
As parents, we want our children and teens to grow... Read More
You are in the final round of your favorite game... Read More
Isn't it ironic that a country whose constitution allows for... Read More
It was blisteringly hot last Saturday. As I took that... Read More
While most fathers aspire to become the best Dads they... Read More
Hey Parents! I hate to tell you, but there is... Read More
Do you want your child to cooperate with you more?Children... Read More
Dining in a restaurant with kids can be very enervating... Read More
Even as a busy parent, I'm sure you've seen a... Read More
LOS ANGELES (May 19, 2005) - With Memorial Day weekend,... Read More
Dear friends here we will charge up our mind with... Read More
home cleaning services Wilmette ..I am writing this from the beautiful mountains of Western... Read More
Every week I write something about the stock market -... Read More
We're all familiar with the over-indulgent parent. But there's another... Read More
Few things are more completely enjoyable than becoming a grandparent.... Read More
What is hard for parentsLetting them learn from their mistakes.Trying... Read More
A small town, somewhere in the world, was managed by... Read More
Incest is sexual activity, ranging from fondling to intercourse, between... Read More
As a mother of two sets of fraternal boy/girl twins,... Read More
Hope, excitement and anxiety all wrapped up in fresh haircuts... Read More
As I sit here and reflect on the past two... Read More
I thought I was the only one in the world... Read More
Dear MomOn this day set aside to honour "Mother's" let... Read More
School authorities continually claim that they want more parent cooperation... Read More
Everyone needs friends, and, as parents, you and I both... Read More
I was in the life insurance sales industry for over... Read More
When my daughter was born, I must admit there was... Read More
Many young people don't know how to study efficiently and... Read More
Many families, ours included, have learned that breakfast is eaten... Read More
Most of us really don't like it when someone is... Read More
17 Quick Ways to Strengthen the Bonds of LoveOn Mother's... Read More
Everyone loves penguins. And now, everyone has a chance to... Read More
To every thing there is a season, and a time... Read More
I know this Mom. She homeschools her 5 children, plus... Read More
Our children are our most important legacy to the world.... Read More
Suppose that you rearrange your life to homeschool your child... Read More
Parenting |