How to Tell if Your Teen Is Using Drugs
Nearly half of all teens will try drugs before they turn Eighteen. Some teens use marijuana (and/or) alcohol regularly. A fairly small amount of teens are addicted to drugs, but that number is growing. Use this guide to help decide of your teen is using drugs
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1
Look for drastic changes in appearance. This is one of the first cries for attention if that is what they are seeking.
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2
Look for falling grades. Teens who use drugs sometimes are less likely to value academic performance, so this is a telltale sign. Search for drastic drops, not just little dips. This could be due to anything.
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3
Note your child’s altered eating and sleeping habits, like poor appetite and insomnia. Sudden desires for sweets as well as weight loss indicate addictive swings typical of drug use.
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4
Change in interest. Take seriously any mysterious rejection of interests that were once important to your child, like sports and hobbies.
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5
Monitor their attitude. They might become much ruder and more rebellious than usual, and they might refuse to do any chores unless paid.
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6
See who they hang out with. Their friends may be more rebellious than usual, and/or they might bring home new friends, or neglect their old ones.
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7
Watch if they lose interest in their usual activities. They might abandon their usual hobbies, or take up new ones.
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8
Consider their mood. They may be grouchy and may mope around in a lazy mood most of the time.
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9
Be aware if they are always asking for money. They might be spending their money on drugs. If they ask for money, ask them what they need it for.
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10
See if they take to wearing sunglasses a lot (to hide dilated pupils, or red eyes caused by marijuana). Also if they always carry eye-drops with them.
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11
Pay attention to how they smell. If they were drinking or doing drugs, you might be able to smell it on their clothes or breath. If they smell like they just sprayed of perfume or cologne they might be trying to cover up the scent.
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12
If they start being away from home more than ever before, ask where they’re going and who’s going to be with them.
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13
In many cases, drug use is a result of boredom.