Raising kids is a daunting job; dangers like drugs and alcohol lurk in every direction. Many teens choose to experiment with drugs, whether because of boredom or in an effort to fit in. A parent should always be on guard and to try to protect children from such dangers. Even the best parenting decisions, however, cannot prevent kids from stepping on the wrong paths. If you suspect your child is using drugs, talk to an expert.
Symptoms of DXM Abuse
Dextromethorphan (DXM) is a popular drug abused by teens because it is affordable, easily accessible and often presumed harmless for these reasons. According to KidsHealth.org, DXM can be taken safely in doses of 15 to 30 mg. A common ingredient in cough and cold medicines, it has a host of dangerous side effects. Mass quantities of DXM can cause hallucinations, confusion, blurred vision, loss of motor control, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, headache, abdominal pain, numbness in the fingers or toes, dry, itchy skin, loss of consciousness, seizures and brain damage or death. These drugs are often distributed at parties--particularly dance parties--and are similar to PCP in appearance.
General Drug Abuse Symptoms
Other physical signs of drug abuse in teens include nosebleeds, frequent illness, noticeable bruises, sores or spots around his mouth, nausea, sweating, dry mouth (cotton mouth), weight loss or gain and depression.
Signs at Home
Strange or untypical behavior can alert you to the fact that your teen is using drugs. When your child abandons old friends and begins hanging out with a new crowd, behaving defiantly, expressing negativity and dissatisfaction at home or being more secretive than usual are red flags for parents. If you notice suspicious Internet activity, find drugs missing from your medicine cabinet or find your child in possession of cough or cold remedies, he may be abusing drugs. You might also notice strange smells and objects that could be used as drug paraphernalia in the house, car or your child's bedroom. Drugs can be stored in various bottles and containers.
Signs at School
Your child's school behaviors can also be telling. If he was once an A student and is suddenly getting significantly lower grades and losing interest in school functions, you might want to investigate. Reports of truancy and other complaints from teachers and school faculty are additional signs. Disinterest in hobbies and sports that were once enjoyable could also indicate a problem. Talk to your teen about any of these behaviors or physical signs and continue to monitor his behavior even if he denies drug abuse. Other resources are available for concerned parents (see link in Resources).
