To know if your child is using drugs, what signs should you look for? They're not easy to spot, but here's a list anyway.
They are not easy to detect because they often overlap with behaviors common in adolescents, such as a change in sleeping habits, a change in hobbies, or even mood swings and different attitudes. Are there any specific clues to watch out for?
Although not necessarily associated with drug use, watch for signs of depression, withdrawal, unkempt appearance or hostility, or changes in school performance or ability to form friendships or actively participate in sports or other activities.
Items to Watch:
- New friendships
- Degradation in school work, absences from school or poor results
- Secrecy surrounding property or activities
- Using incense, home air freshener, or perfume to camouflage smoke or chemical odors
- Subtle changes in conversations with friends, such as secret or coded language
- Wearing different clothes: strong preferencefor clothes that evoke drug use
- Increased demand for pocket money
- Instruments associated with drug use, such as pipes and rolling papers
- Proof of use of inhalation products (hairspray, nail polish, correction fluid, common household cleaners); rags and paper bags are also props
- Bottles of eye drops, used to mask red eyes or dilated pupils
- Disappearance of prescription drugs, especially narcotics and sedatives
This list is intended to give you clues to harmful behavior in your teen that may be drug-related. If you have noticed one or more of these changes in your child, you may want to see your family doctor, pediatrician, your child's school counselor, or another resource person. Share your observations with your child and ask for an explanation of the possible causes of his behavior change.
Warning: As of October 17, the possession and consumption of cannabis will be legal for those 18 years of age and older.Get informed!
