How would you know if your child is using alcohol or drugs? Being a kid can be very stressful and most youth demonstrate signs of stress at times during their childhood and adolescence. Usually, these signs of stress are transient and, although they certainly warrant discussion with your youth, they don’t generally represent a need for extensive outside intervention from you or others. There are times however, that your child will appear to be changing before your eyes, and it feels outside the range of normal. Pay attention to that gut reaction. Youth are vulnerable and there is a significant amount of peer pressure to use alcohol and drugs. The following are some potential signs and symptoms of alcohol or drug use in the tween and adolescent population:
- Changes in friends, social activities, or clothing choices
- Mood changes (noticeable changes in irritability, crying jags, hostility, depression, or anxiety)
- Changes in schoolwork, missing school, or declining grades
- Behavior changes such as increased secrecy, lost motivation, forgetfulness, or changes in sleeping habits
- Evidence of alcohol or drug use such as drugs, alcohol, empty containers, or paraphernalia such as papers, pipes, or inhalant products
- Use of incense, room deodorant, perfume, eye drops, mouthwash, or breath mints to hide evidence of alcohol or drug use
- Missing items in the household such as money, prescription drugs or items that might be sold or pawned to get money
In small amounts, many of the above behaviors can be attributed to normal teenage behavior. Let’s face it, that is a tough time and there is a lot of transition! However, if you are seeing several of the above signs over a period of time and your child is not living up to the basic household expectations, it may be time to intervene. Don’t wait! If you suspect your child has a problem with alcohol or drugs, get help now. Find a local therapist or treatment facility that specializes in adolescent alcohol and drug use and abuse or you can find some national resources HERE.