Too often, many parents do not realize until it is too late that their child uses drugs and alcohol.
By the time some parents discover their child’s drug or alcohol use, he or she may already be addicted and endangered. Signs of alcohol and drug abuse can regularly escape the notice of otherwise vigilant parents, or worse, these signs are passed off as a part of “growing up.”
Sadly, drug and alcohol abuse is mostly begun during an individual’s adolescent years; rarely do adults experiment with drugs for the first time after the age of 21. In fact, the majority of adults who use drugs and alcohol are users because of their adolescent experiences (Oetting and Beauvais, 1983).
Our current society is inundated with references to drugs and alcohol. Kids walking to school can be approached on corners by dealers, adolescent party-goers have access to a much wider variety of drugs and alcohol than ever before, popular youth television programming consistently shows influential celebrities with drinks in hand, and Hollywood blockbusters are full of references to the enjoyment of drug and alcohol use.
The reality is that Canadian adolescents will inevitably be exposed to drugs and alcohol. Hopefully, your child will have the confidence and education to say no when asked to have a drink or try drugs. However, if that is not the case and your child chooses to experiment — as in many situations and across all kinds of socio-economic groups — here is what you can look for to monitor whether or not your child may be using these harmful substances:
· Uncharacteristic lying
· Making excuses
· Breaking curfew
· Withdrawing from family (ex: staying in his/her room)
· Becoming verbally or physically abusive toward others
· Possessing items that are connected to drug use*
· Smelling of drugs or alcohol
· Mood swings
· Stealing
· Changing peer groups
*Called paraphernalia, items connected with drug use include matches, lighters, rolling papers, pipes for drugs that are smoked, pill bottles, needles, syringes and tourniquets.
If you consistently notice these signs in your home, a medical or psychiatric assessment is the first step to determine the level of risk your child or family member poses to him/herself and others.
The next step is your family’s commitment to maintaining a drug-free home. As a family, clearly set the expectation that each family member is responsible for being accountable for his or her drug and alcohol use, and offer home drug tests as a way for your family members to show commitment to your decision. Home drug tests are designed to test for short and long-term drug use in a non-invasive, safe way. Home drug testing requires only saliva, urine or hair follicles to determine whether your family members are actively committed to being drug free.
Commit to a drug-free home, and make the choice to live healthfully, honestly, and responsibly.