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Tips for Parents: Warning Signs of Adolescent Alcohol & Drug Use
Provided by the Adolescent Recovery Program
It’s critical that parents know the warning signs of adolescent alcohol and drug use. One of the first indicators is a basic change in personality. This change may be manifested in the following ways:
- Changes in school work or attendance
- Wide and unexplained mood swings
- Withdrawal from responsibilities
- General change in appearance
- Major changes in eating or sleeping patterns
- Prolonged loss of interest in favorite activities
- Change of friends or peer group
- Ongoing deterioration of relationships with family members
- Lying, stealing, or secretive behavior
- Smelling of alcohol or marijuana
Alcohol, Drugs and Youth: What Parents Can Do
If you know or suspect that your child has a substance abuse problem, the following guidelines may be useful:
- Discuss the situation with another adult who knows your child. They can be a valuable “sounding board” for you to express your concerns to and deal with any conflicts you may have before talking to your child.
- Explore the possibility of gathering information from others who know your child and enlist their help and support.
- Talk to your child about what you have noticed, giving him or her an opening to discuss with you his or her use of alcohol or drugs and the extent of the use.
- Consult a family therapist who is trained in working with adolescent substance abuse problems. The therapist will interview the youth and other family members. If your child is using drugs or alcohol, the therapist can also help you decide on the appropriate kind of treatment, not only for your child, but also for any other family members who may be in need of help.
- If you decide you can deal with the situation at home, set household rules and consequences for breaking those rules, in regards to drug and alcohol use. Be consistent in enforcing the rules.
- Express your own values and feelings, and encourage your child to do the same.
A word of caution: substance abuse is no one's fault and self-blame hinders effective action. Do not blame yourself!
The Looking Glass Adolescent Recovery Program offers free initial screening to youth, ages 20 and under. For more information, call 485-8448.
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