Skip Ribbon Commands
Skip to main content

Drug Abuse

​You already know about the widespread abuse of dangerous drugs by teens. The list is endless: marijuana, heroin, cocaine, alcohol, tobacco, methamphetamines, anabolic steroids. And don't forget about the substances that are as near as the supermarket-or your medicine cabinet: inhalants, stimulants and tranquilizers.

Some easily obtained substances seem harmless but can be deadly: room deodorizer, spray paint, nail polish ​remover, paint thinner, liquid paper, gasoline and insecticide. These are rapidly absorbed by the brain and can cause convulsions, blood vessel damage, heart attacks and death.

Kids are offered drugs at an alarmingly early age. It is imperative that we as parents know and watch for signs of drug abuse:

  • Problems in schoolwork: low grades, assignments not completed
  • Skipping school
  • Memory lapses
  • Short attention span
  • Bloodshot eyes
  • Carelessness about appearance
  • Withdrawal from parents and family
  • Breaking away from old friends/having a new set of friends
  • Loss of interest in hobbies and favorite activities
  • Violent behavior
  • Listlessness

If you believe there is a problem, here are some parenting tips and strategies:

  • Learn all you can about the effects and/or consequences of drug and alcohol use.
  • Discuss your suspicions with your child in a calm manner, and not while he or she is under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
  • Find out about the drug problems that are impacting your community and schools and any current trends.
  • Talk to other parents and school personnel.
  • Get involved with community anti-drug groups.
  • Look for support groups, such as AA, Al-Anon, NarAnon, MADD, and Families Anonymous.
  • Seek help from local counseling agencies or drug counselors.

The best course of action is prevention. Don't wait until your child shows signs of a problem. If you have not already done so, begin talking about the dangers of alcohol and other drugs right now.

Model good behavior. Don't talk about the dangers of smoking as you light your cigarette. If you drink, be responsible always. Few teens are going to heed the anti-drinking advice of someone who gets behind the wheel of the car after "just one."

Above all, keep communication lines open. Be a good listener, and let your child know that he or she can talk to you about any subject, no matter how sensitive.