Abuse of dangerous drugs by children is widespread - not just marijuana, heroin and cocaine, but also alcohol, tobacco, steroids, and a variety of inhalants, stimulants and tranquilizers, both prescription and over-the-counter. Some easily obtained substances seem harmless, but can be deadly: room deodorizer, spray paint, nail polish remover, paint thinner, liquid paper, gasoline, and insecticide. There are rapidly absorbed by the brain and can cause convulsions, blood vessel damage, heart attacks, and death.
It is important to note that if you smell alcohol on your child's breath, it is a warning that your child is using alcohol. Also, kids are offered drugs and alcohol at an alarmingly early age. It is imperative that parents know and watch for early signs of drug and alcohol abuse:
- Problems in schoolwork: low grades, assignments not completed
- Skipping school
- Memory lapses
- Short attention span
- Being unusually secretive
- Bloodshot eyes or dilated pupils
- Carelessness about appearance
- Sudden weight gain or loss; has changed eating and sleeping patterns
- Withdrawal from parents and family
- Breaking away from old friends/having a new set of friends
- Loss of interest in hobbies and favorite activities
- Possessing drug-related magazines and/or drug paraphernalia
- Violent behavior: is hostile and uncooperative or exhibits abrupt mood swings
- Listlessness: seems withdrawn, depressed, tired, uncommunicative
If you believe there is a problem, here are some steps to take:
- Learn all you can about drugs and alcohol. Find out about the drug problems in your community and schools. Talk to other parents and school personnel. Give your children the straight facts.
- Get involved with community anti-drug groups. Look for support groups such as NarAnon and Families Anonymous.
- Discuss your suspicions with your child in a calm manner, and not while he or she is under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
- State the concern and the signs: "Tony, I'm concerned about…"
- Have a plan to deal with denial. Don't set your child up to lie. If you already have evidence, state it clearly.
- Give your expectation for correcting the problem, for example, having a consequence and another adult to help you enforce it.
The best course of action is prevention. Don't wait until your child shows signs of a problem. Begin talking about the dangers of alcohol and other drugs while your child is young. Model good behavior-don't talk about the dangers of smoking as you light your cigarette. If you are a smoker, at least let your child know that you would like to quit, and let him or her see you make an effort.
Above all, keep communication lines open. Be a good listener, and let your child know that he or she can talk to you about any subject, no matter how sensitive.
If you are looking for a local contact, Search our Directory.
For further information on drug and alcohol prevention, visit www.samhsa.gov or www.health.org.
