Signs of Child Drug Abuse - Learning To Spot Them

April 24, 2007

Welcome Moms! Please register as a user and feel free to submit your posts and comments often! We are link friendly and super excited about what you have to say!

You may think you can spot drug and alcohol abuse from far away but often times that is not the case. Drug abusers are pretty good at hiding their addictions which is why it is imperative that we learn to look for the signs that a child may be abusing drugs.

As a parent, you worry that you are not doing enough to keep the influence of drug and alcohol out of your son or daughter’s life. You can’t be with them every minute of the day. The best way to arm ourselves, as parents, is with knowledge. If you suspect that your child is experimenting with drugs or alcohol, know the signs.

Experimentation with these substances starts as early as twelve. There are many reasons why a child may try drugs: peer pressure, depression, troubles at home, troubles at school, low self-esteem, or any combination of factors. Whatever the reason, drugs act as a release from reality. The problems dont seem as unbearable when seen through the haze of drugs. Kids may feel that they have found a solution to get through the day.

Kids have a greater chance of using drugs if there is a history of family drug abuse. When children see their parents using marijuana or other drugs, they want to try it too. Children of alcoholics often become alcoholics themselves. Those who are around the child should be on the lookout for signs and symptoms of drug use.

The signs of drug abuse can also be attributed to other causes. If more than a few of these signs are occurring together, then drug abuse intervention could be warranted. Children who abuse drugs exhibit physical symptoms. Depending on the drug of choice, they may sleep more often than normal. Their eyes may be blood shot, red and glazed over. If they drink a lot, you may notice an increase thirst in your child. If they are using marijuana, you may notice that they have an increased appetite from using the drug.

Drug use may make them prone to mood swings with or without violence. They become withdrawn and quiet. Their grades fall in school and they drop out of extracurricular activities. They may even change their dress to fit in with the drug crowd. A total lack of respect for authority figures at home and at school leads to disciplinary issues with parents and police.

Don’t fool yourself into thinking that this is just a phase. Denial could spell further disaster for your child. Sit down with your child and talk to them. Don’t ask them if they are doing drugs. Ask them about their friends and how things are going in school. Something in their responses could give you a clue into what has led to the drug use.

If you suspect that your child is using drugs, get help. Call a counselor or a drug abuse hotline. Your child needs an intervention before they ruin their future. Don’t be afraid of their anger. They need you to save their life.

To learn more, check out the Mom’s Talk Guide to Raising Happy & Healthy Kids - Tips and resources address nutrition, exercise, sleep, routines, and much more.

Posted by admin | Filed Under Health & Wellness, Parenting 

Add to Technorati Favorites

Similar Posts

Comments

Comments are closed.