Many adults say they can tell immediately if someone is “doing drugs.” Glassy eyes, shabby dress and out-of-the-ordinary behaviour are the most commonly-cited “signs.”
Almost all parents of teens say they could tell right away if their own child were using recreational drugs. This simply isn’t the case. Drug use among teens is pervasive, and very few young people exhibit obvious outward signs. Teens who sport piercings and tattoos are no more likely to be recreational drug users than those who are more conventional in their appearance - and glassy eyes could have more to do with too many late nights than drug use. So how can you tell if your teenaged child is “doing drugs”?
Common Signs of Drug Use
The following are signs that someone is using methamphetamine (crystal meth) - the current “in” drug among youth. Not all of these conditions pinpoint drug use: Insomnia, for example, could be caused by many different things. Combined with excited speech, however, it could well be a sign of methamphetamine use.
- Insomnia
- Decreased appetite and weight loss
- Increased agitation and physical activity
- Excited speech
- Compulsive actions such as repeated cleaning or grooming
- Intense paranoia, possibly accompanied by hallucinations or delusions
- Episodes of sudden violent behaviour
- The presence of items needed for inhaling drugs, which include razor blades, mirrors and drinking straws
- The presence of items needed for injecting drugs, which include syringes, spoons for heating, and surgical tubing
Other, less obvious, signs that a child may be using drugs include:
- A sudden drop in grades
- Truancy
- Not doing homework
- Defiance of authority
- A change in friends
- Appearing unhappy and depressed
- Cheating, stealing or always needing money
Where to Get Help
You suspect your child is abusing drugs and you are rightfully concerned. Where do you turn? A good start is your family doctor. He or she will have a list of referral services run by professionals who understand why teenagers experiment with drugs, and how best to deal with your child’s specific situation. Explain to your son or daughter that you believe he or she may be experimenting with drugs, that you continue to love and be concerned for him/her and that you would like to be part of the solution. Explain that, although drug abuse may appear to be fun, it is in fact a highly dangerous pastime. Should your child refuse help or treatment, your family doctor or local health department will likely be able to recommend support groups where you can learn from other parents and professional counsellors, how best to help your child. You will also find a list of telephone numbers for agencies providing help and support in London Drugs’ informative brochure, Methamphetamine Abuse is Everyone’s Problem.