Alternative boarding school offering troubled teens programs and boot camps providing teenage help and parenting advice and tips.

Is My Kid Doing Drugs?

Alcohol and drug abuse is a concern for almost any parent. As your child enters his or her teens, they are likely to sample alcohol for the first time. By the time they reach their final year of high school, they are likely to have been exposed to, if not experimented with, illegal narcotics such as marijuana, meth, or “raver” drugs like Ecstacy (MDMA).

Keep in mind that while drug abuse can lead to health problems, chemical dependency, and criminal behavior, drug use is not be taken lightly. Casual use of alcohol or drugs, which starts in adolescents, leads to a higher risk for chemical dependency in adulthood, with this being especially true for alcohol.

If your teen is caught with alcohol or illegal drugs, they will face serious legal consequences, including the possibility of jail time. You may be stuck paying the fines and legal fees stemming from your teen being “busted.” The experience is sure to be unpleasant and embarrassing for both you and your child.

If the health risks alone don’t sway you, the legal ramifications should. Your teenager needs to know that drug use will not be tolerated, and they will face serious consequences at home if they choose to drink or use other drugs.

Drug use is not always easy to spot. Many of the symptoms associated with use of alcohol or narcotics could be misunderstood as normal adolescent behavior.

Here are some general signs to be on the lookout for.

• A drop in academic performance, truancy.
• Peer changes. Hanging out with a new crowd.
• Secretiveness. Talking in “drug slang” with friends.
• Burning incense to hide odors.
• Mood swings, depression.
• Frequently asking for money.
• Your booze or prescription meds start disappearing.
• Empty hairspray or Liquid Paper bottles (used as inhalants).
• Wearing drug-related clothing.
• Use of eye drops, mints, or mouthwash to hide signs.
• Drug paraphernalia.

Parenting Procedures

Parents need to listen for drug slang including, but not limited to, the terms above. This “street talk” should raise a flag of caution.

Marijuana is the most popular narcotic used by teens, and has spawned a plethora of pot-related merchandise. Listen for the term “Four-Twenty”. Some teens will get stoned at 4:20 (usually PM) although the expression dates back to hippies who declared April 20 a holiday for pot smokers. Beware of merchandise (decals, clothing, etc.) bearing this term. Tell your teen you aren’t fooled, and have a talk enforcing your guidelines against drug usage which you expect them to follow.

Talking with your teen about drugs will be an ongoing process. You can’t just warn them of the dangers and repercussions involved and then forget about it. Positive reinforcement of good behaviors and building self-esteem are good ways to resist the peer pressure to take drugs. Having a loving relationship with your teen, and being familiar with what they are doing is proactive prevention.

If you suspect drug use or abuse, watch your child closely for telltale signs or other evidence. Control your emotions while you have a family talk about what is happening and why. Continue to enforce your anti-drug policy. If you feel your teen is lying or sneaking around behind your back, set up a doctor’s appointment for a drug screening. Positive results must be followed by restrictive discipline such as grounding, limiting privileges and maybe professional counseling. You can also make your teen attend substance abuse group meetings where he or she can get peer support and assistance.