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
As the new school year begins, parents play a pivotal... Read More
Raising a pre-teen or teenage daughter (or son) is not... Read More
From the time the Mayflower landed at Plymouth Rock in... Read More
Checking accounts are an absolute necessity these days. You can... Read More
Are you worried about your child's reading habits? Perhaps you... Read More
Q. How do I overcome the 16-year-old who does things... Read More
There are many useful jogger stroller accessories out on the... Read More
Researching career education uncovered the following shocking statistic: The average... Read More
Congratulations on your new baby! You have just brought your... Read More
Did you know there's a game children and parents play... Read More
At age seven months in the womb, humans begin language... Read More
How excited do kids get with the start of school... Read More
What is hard for parentsLetting them learn from their mistakes.Trying... Read More
The Real Dangers to Kids Online and How to Avoid... Read More
1. You reheated the same cup of coffee three times... Read More
1 "Law of Belonging": The greatest need of teenagers (after... Read More
Would you like your child to be the best that... Read More
Single parents are not often thought of as good parents.I... Read More
Child support is defined as that part of your income... Read More
My oldest boy is fifteen and was a real jerk... Read More
Here we will come to know who are the most... Read More
Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes around the brain... Read More
College is one of the largest expenses through the course... Read More
In the movie, Finding Nemo, Nemo's father, Marlyn asks the... Read More
Many families, ours included, have learned that breakfast is eaten... Read More
Antigo wedding limo ..The learning and development of Australian kids is under threat... Read More
A certain educator was once asked at what point should... Read More
Not many things are more upsetting than discovering that your... Read More
Every week I write something about the stock market -... Read More
Here are some tips that I have picked up from... Read More
"Now don't you go getting any ideas, Harold.""Don't you get... Read More
I am sure that this list can be jogged and... Read More
When you think about it, probably the one thing that... Read More
When planning a child birthday party, just a little bit... Read More
As the kids go back to school, you can go... Read More
Corolle Paul or Emma Drink-and-Wet SET potty dollsThis is the... Read More
What parent hasn't gone into a son's or daughter's room... Read More
I am in pain. I've been in pain all day.... Read More
The public school system in America has become a dismal... Read More
Just a couple of years ago Annie helped her parents... Read More
Did you know that many people retire broke?It's true. After... Read More
MYTH: If you have not parented as well as you... Read More
"Family Matters" was the headline that caught my attention in... Read More
"I took care of Callie," my three-year-old announced.Callie had been... Read More
Well first off, please to don't institute the ? hour... Read More
In the last 20 years we've all been introduced to... Read More
Join a growing number of parents and teachers!Fact: Last year,... Read More
As a parent, are you at your wits end? Does... Read More
Dads, please let me encourage you to change some things... Read More
Goal setting is essential for building a successful life. However,... Read More
Parenting |