Last Updated on December 10, 2019 by Valarie Ward
In our work with substance abuse treatment in St Louis, we understand that it is hard to discuss the dangers of alcohol and drugs with young people. This is especially true during teenage years as children are open to discovering and learning more about themselves and are influenced to try new things. So how do we as parents, teachers, friends or family members recognize if the children in our lives are using drugs or alcohol? And if they are, how do we have those tough conversations? In today’s article, we will point out some warning signs and next week, we’ll follow up with how to approach conversations and get help for teens who are using drugs and alcohol.
Is Your Teenage Child or Student Using Drugs? The Warning Signs
In addition to providing education courses through the Prime For Life drug prevention program, we also rely on guidelines provide by the leading authority on substance and drug abuse, which is the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to help parents and adults understand how to protect children from drug and alcohol addiction. According to the SAMHSA, when teenagers are using drugs and alcohol, they often times behave differently because substances do have an effect on their brain’s ability to reason, process information and communicate. If you suspect your teen may be using drugs, it may be because they are displaying these warning signs:
• Getting in trouble repeatedly at school
• Missing class
• Missing curfew
• A new group of friends – especially older friends
• The smell of alcohol, cigarettes or marijuana on their breath or clothes
• Their eyes are red or speech is slurred
• Acting out
• Not looking you in the eye
• Criminal behavior such as theft
• Getting suspended from school
• Shutting down
• Depression or lack of communication or desire to communicate
• Keeping secrets, lying
• Defiance and rudeness
• Suicide attempts
• Excessive talking or the opposite: avoiding conversation
• Hiding things or not wanting you to clean their room
What To Do If You Notice These Warning Signs
Ask The Tough Question. The hardest part about suspecting your teen for using drugs is confronting them. However, as their parent or adult in their life, upsetting them now before it’s too late is much easier to handle than dealing with the consequences of drug addiction. In our experience, the sooner someone gets treatment, the more likely they can change their behavior and make better choices.
Get Help. If your teenage child is using drugs or alcohol, help is available. Here are a few resources:
- If the problem is an emergency, call 911.
- In the Charlotte area: Contact our office at (704) 215-4095 for PRIME for Life educational program for your school or group. If you need individual help, we can refer you to licensed specialists who can provide drug and alcohol intervention.
- National List of Drug and Alcohol Treatment Agencies can be found at the SAMHSA website here: Drug and Alcohol Treatment Program Locator
Next week, we’ll share some helpful tips and resources for how to talk to your teen about drugs and alcohol.
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