SHOULD I SNOOP?

Many parents struggle whether to search their kid's room for evidence
of drug or alcohol use. "Should I snoop?" is a difficult question
because there are so many factors to weigh:

Should you warn your kid first?

Exactly what should you search?

Should you ask her directly if she's using drugs instead of snooping?

Deciding whether to "snoop" is your choice - but it should be a
decision that you can defend. If you notice any change in your
child's behavior or identify odors such as pot, cigarette smoke or
scents to mask other smells (incense or Lysol spray, for example)
coming from his room, you may have a good reason to find out what's going on.

If you snoop and your kid finds out, he might hold it against you as
a violation of his privacy. Counter this argument by telling him that
his behavior is raising questions, and you are concerned there may be
a problem. Consider regularly checking your medicine cabinet.
Research shows that teen abuse of prescription and over-the-counter
medications to get high is increasing. Many kids view the medicine
cabinet - in their own home and at friends' homes - as a convenient
source of those medications. Be sure not to leave "leftover"
prescription drugs in your medicine cabinet, and keep an eye on the
medications you are using.

For possible hiding places, visit www.drugfree.org/parent/SpotDrugUse