Your Childrens Health

Substance abuse is becoming more popular in children and teenagers.  Parents may notice a shift in the child’s normal patterns and behaviors. If your teen is refusing orders; missing curfew; creating a hostile environment; or seems depressed, agitated or sleepy, you should investigate further.  Avoiding school may be a sign of drug abuse.  Find out why they don’t want to go to school.  A healthy child cannot be sick every Monday morning. 

It is also important to communicate with the child’s teachers.  They may be noticing some similar signs as well.  By keeping in touch with them, it will make them comfortable getting in touch with you if they have concerns. 

If grades drop this may also be an indicator. It is also important to rule out any other issues,   for example: clinical depression, bullying or learning disabilities.  Never ignore violent mood swings.  Children with depression disorders are at higher risk of suicide.  Teens with undiagnosed depression or bipolar tend to use alcohol and illegal drugs to ‘take the edge off’, although some drugs can make teens more anxious.  They may even seem jumpy or paranoid. 

Here is a list of a few drugs and their signs:

Marijuana

Marijuana is usually rolled with a rolling paper.  It can be smoked in a water bong as well.

What you can look for:

·       Dilated pupils

·       Rolling papers

·       Seeds

·       Smell in room, car or on clothing

·       Bloodshot eyes

·       Pipes, bongs or homemade smoking devices

·       Reduced motivation

·       Increased appetite

·       Sleepy appearance

It can be difficult to recognize the signs of marijuana use. Some slang terms include: weed, ganja, bud, laughing grass, herb, Mary Jane and yellow submarine.

 

Inhalants

The scary part about these is that they are readily available in your home.  Paint, aerosols, thinners and glues can be huffed to experience a high. The tragic thing is that these are the most deadly.  Users can choke to death, suffocate, suffer a stroke and damage their lungs, liver, kidney and other organs.  Some signs to look for:

·       Strong chemical odors

·       Chemicals missing

·       Extremely drowsy appearance

·       Rags and paper bags

One study revealed that 20% of eighth graders have abused inhalants.

Hallucinogens

This could include acid, meth, magic mushrooms, etc.

Your child may exhibit drastic mood swings, paranoia, euphoria, or other uncharacteristic personality traits.

If you suspect your child has a substance abuse problem you need to get them help right away.  This is a serious problem and can lead to death in some cases, with an increased risk of depression, accident, suicide or overdose.

Related:

Depression in Young Girls May Be Linked to Abuse in Later Life

What To Do If You Suspect A Child Is Being Abused

Migraines in teens go untreated

This entry was posted on Tuesday, March 21st, 2006 at 12:36 am and is filed under Uncategorized, Adolescence. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.