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Protecting Your Children from the Inevitable

When it comes to your children being exposed to drugs and alcohol, it is no longer a question of "if" but "when." Children today are trying drugs at very young ages. Many of them say that drugs are easy to get. Some say that they've experimented with drugs, including alcohol, in junior high school or middle school, or that they knew people who were taking drugs or drinking during and after this time. Younger children may try inhaling common household products to get "high", and some try cigarettes. Because trying drugs can have long-term consequences, parents cannot consider experiments with drugs and alcohol a "normal" part of growing up. Some drugs can kill the person the first time he or she tries them. 

Having the belief that experimentation is "normal" adolescent 
behavior sends the message that it is acceptable... 
...a very dangerous idea. 

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The High Risk Child

The use of substances such as heroin and cocaine 
by young people can almost always be linked to 
earlier experimentation with tobacco and alcohol. 
Some young people face genetic and environmental factors 
that make them more likely than others to try harmful 
substances and to become addicted to those substances. 
Some of these factors include:

• Having a family history of substance abuse

• Having behavior disorders and self medicating to feel better

• Having learning disabilities or becoming frustrated when trying to learn

• Having difficulties fitting in

• Lacking opportunities for success and places to find help when in trouble        

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Signs of Trouble

Signs of substance abuse can be similar to the changes resulting from growing up, so they can be difficult to identify. If a child begins to show one or more of these signs, parents may consider substance abuse as a possible cause.

• Depression, withdrawal, or fatigue

• Carelessness about personal appearance or grooming

• Having drugs or drug equipment (pipes, rolling papers, butane lighters)

• Falling grades, skipping school, or tardiness at school or at work

• Degenerating relationships with family members

• Changes in sleeping or eating patterns; unexplainable weight loss or gain

• A new group of friends (especially if the new friends are known substance abusers) or new "hang outs"

• Problems concentrating, paying attention, or remembering

• Changes in hobbies and activities; loss of interest in family activities

• Hostility, lack of cooperation, or resentful behavior

• Moodiness, irritability, nervousness, over sensitivity, temper tantrums, silliness, or giddiness

• Red, watery eyes or wearing sunglasses at inappropriate times

• Runny nose or hacking cough with out a cold

• Odor of substance on breath, clothes, or body

• Needle marks on lower arm, leg, or bottom of feet; wearing long sleeves at inappropriate times

• Nausea, vomiting; excessive sweating; shaking hands, feet, or head

Other Signs To Look For

Abuse of some substances is accompanied by specific signs

• Inhalants                                                            
  Paint or unusual stains on body and / or clothing
  Sitting with a marker close to the nose
  Constantly sniffing sleeves of clothing
  Hiding rags and empty containers of used products    

• Marijuana
  Excessive appetite
  Smell of marijuana on breath, clothing, or in a room

• Cocaine
  Dilated pupils
  Increased blood pressure and body temperature

• PCP (Angel Dust)
  Bizarre behavior resulting from deep separation from reality, severe disorientation

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 Last Updated: January, 2002