My Teen Would Never Do Drugs: How to Be Certain

On a typical day in America, 15,000 teenagers will have their first experience with using some type of drug. About 21% of high school seniors have used marijuana in the last month, 10.5% have used some sort of steroid drug, and about 9 million kids aged 12 or older have abused prescription drugs. Drugs are still a major concern for teenagers and parents alike. So how does a parent know if a teen is using drugs? Read on.

The Signs My Teenager May be Using Drugs

Not all teens will react the same way when starting to use drugs, but there are some typical tell-tale signs that are common to all teens. Here are the main things to look for - Loss of interest in family activities or school, a total disrespect and/or disregard for rules, and a withdrawal from usual responsibilities.

A teen who uses drugs may also exhibit physical or verbally abusive behavior, making excuses for continued bad behavior, a sudden drop in grades, not respecting established curfews or not disclosing where they are going, school truancy, and lying about where they have been or with whom. A sudden increase in appetite, spending a great deal of time in their room, or even the sudden loss or disappearance of valuables or money may also indicate the possibility of drug use.

Of course, look for the usual items that may indicate drug use like cigarette rolling papers, pipes, small cigars, roach clips, small glass vials, plastic baggies, or remnants of drugs like seeds or powder residue. Some of these signs may just be part of a normal teen growing up and have no relation to drug use like increased appetite, bad behavior, or disrespect for authority. As a responsible parent, it's your job to watch all behaviors and activities closely. If six or more of these indicators show up and remain for some time in your teen's life, there may indeed be a drug use problem.

Just Experimenting with Drugs

There is a saying that goes like this; you take the drug and the drug takes you. With the types of drugs available to teens out there today, this is simply not possible. Crack cocaine, a highly addictive and powerful stimulant which is nearly always smoked, produces an immediate and highly euphoric feeling in users. Crystal Meth, a colorless and odorless form of d-methamphetamine, is so addictive that just a single use may hook users.

If your teen says they are just experimenting with drugs, make sure they know the risks of experimentation which can be deadly. Most all drugs alter the user's state of mind and can even affect their ability to think and reason clearly without the user even knowing it. How can a teen experiment when his thinking is altered. There is a good reason these type of drugs are illegal in the U.S. Good parenting means paying careful attention to your teen. Be vigilant in your observance, caring in your approach and communication, and always understanding with your troubled teen.

Sources:

TroubledTeensInfo.com, "American Drug Abuse Statistics for Teenagers"

Justice.gov, "Crack Cocaine: Fast Facts"

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