Keeping an eye open for childhood drug consumption might help a parent stop their child from traveling down a dangerous path. Educate yourself on the signs of drug use. Snooping in your child's bedroom might seem dishonest, but uncovering drug use by your children will require you to come out of your comfort zone. Early discovery of a drug habit will give your child a fighting chance to recover from addiction.
Step 1
Stay informed on the latest trends in drug use. Not all abused substances are illegal. The Partnership for a Drug Free America's annual tracking study revealed that 20 percent of teens abuse or previously abused prescription medication.
Step 2
Become familiar with your child's friends. Identify any individuals who might already engage in drug use. Keep your child away from children and family members who are addicted to drugs. According to the "Monitor The Future" survey conducted in 2009 by University of Michigan's Institute for Social Research, 52 percent of senior high school students received prescription narcotics from a friend or relative.
Step 3
Search your home for drug paraphernalia. Children often use deodorizing sprays to cover the smell of drug use in their bedroom. Finding incense or other products used to cover up odors might indicate drug use. Talk to your child if you find any suspicious items or substances.
Step 4
Recognize changes in your child's behavior. Be direct. Ask your child if he is using drugs and let him know that you are concerned. If your child denies using drugs, but you are still suspicious, take the child for evaluation by a pediatrician or child psychologist.
Step 5
Buy an over-the-counter drug testing kit. Test your child for drug use if you suspect he is not telling the truth about drug use. Beware that medications taken by your child for legitimate purposes can cause a false-positive test result. For example, ibuprofen could cause a positive drug test for barbituates or cannaboids.
Tips and Warnings
- Alcohol is abused by children more than any other drug. "Facts About Alcohol," published by the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration Family Guide website, suggests looking for bloodshot eyes, lethargic behavior, memory lapses, school problems and poor concentration to identify alcohol abuse.
- According to the Partnership For A Drug Free America, keeping your prescriptions out of the medicine cabinet will help prevent a child from abusing pharmaceuticals.
Things You'll Need
- Drug testing kit
References
- Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration: Facts About Alcohol
- The Partnership For A Drug Free America: Prescription Medicine Abuse--A Serious Problem
- Journal of Family Practice: What Common Substances Can Cause False Positives on Urine Screens for Drugs of Abuse?
- National Institute on Drug Abuse: NIDA InfoFacts--High School and Youth Trends
- The Partnership For A Drug Free America: Is Your Teen Using? Signs and Symptoms of Substance Abuse
