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
Is there a fathering instinct?Celebrated child development expert Erik Erikson... Read More
I hear from many parents that their child is stressed... Read More
Many companies advertise their products as being educational. How much... Read More
In memory of 14 year old Matthew Smith; 11 year... Read More
Mother's Day is important for children.This Mother's Day take note... Read More
Elana, born in Russia, was told "We really don't know... Read More
It's funny how people seem to think that they have... Read More
Is it hard to communicate with your teenager about issues... Read More
As mothers, we play so many different roles and most... Read More
Do you want your child to cooperate with you more?Children... Read More
Spare the rod, spoil the child!This philosophy's been around a... Read More
She slipped her small, soft eight-year-old hand into mine. Her... Read More
Q. How do we decide what our teens should be... Read More
Q: Whenever we tell my daughter "no," she just bugs... Read More
Nothing touches the heartstrings of a parent more than the... Read More
I could nearly fund my children's future education if I... Read More
I am writing this from the beautiful mountains of Western... Read More
Recently I took my two children to a popular new... Read More
There's a new kind of fun and calm out there... Read More
Life is full of competition -- even in childhood. Kids... Read More
This past holiday season Canadians spent over $45 billion-with parents... Read More
Think back to your own childhood. Chances are, some of... Read More
Detox To Conceive.. If you're having trouble conceiving... Read More
So you're pregnant. Congratulations! Your life is about to change... Read More
LOS ANGELES (May 19, 2005) - With Memorial Day weekend,... Read More
bathroom cleaning service Lake Forest ..Levels of SafetyBy teaching our children there are different levels... Read More
My cousin boasts five names and I confess that when... Read More
Potty training fears, often called toilet terrors, are common among... Read More
The teenage years are a crucial time in a child's... Read More
From the book Spider's Night on the BoomI've only begun... Read More
In the last 20 years we've all been introduced to... Read More
Family meetings provide opportunities for feelings to be aired and... Read More
Not too long ago my teenage daughter approached me with... Read More
A study done by the Thomas B. Fordham Institute found... Read More
In this form of treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder... Read More
In the last few years, parents started getting more and... Read More
Everyone in a private practice setting who works with children... Read More
My son, Dakota is now 7 yrs old. He is... Read More
"Just turn the lights off and go to sleep"Do you... Read More
In our last issue we posted some of our suggested... Read More
If you're a single parent or a married couple on... Read More
1. Tell me something you like about yourself? Help your... Read More
Home schooling benefits children. As a parent, I feel it... Read More
Did you know that the number of twin births have... Read More
In his recent newsletter "Happy Kids", parenting expert Michael Grose... Read More
I will cherish this moment. I will not let it... Read More
When a couple steps forth with a baby in tow... Read More
Libraries offer more than books. They are places of learning... Read More
They Spur Members To Grow EmotionallyTatiana Tannenbaum grappled with a... Read More
The Greatest Gifts in Life, which are always created for... Read More
Parenting |