HOW DO I KNOW IF MY TEEN IS USING DRUGS?

It's hard to believe that your child could be using alcohol or other
drugs. Many teens experiment with drugs, and you need to know how to
recognize the signs that they may be experiencing problems.

What are the signs?

Remember, you know your kids. You do not need to be an expert to
detect drug use. Trust yourself to know when there is a problem. When
they were babies you could tell when they were sick because they
weren't acting themselves. In the same way, you will notice when your
teen's behaviour changes and such changes could be the sign of drug
use. Keep in mind that these changes could be due to other reasons and
there isn't a single sign that only points to drug use.

Possible changes to watch for include changes in:

- - school performance

- - mood swings

- - attitudes toward sports and other activities

- - withdrawing from family

- - weight or physical appearance

- - friends

- - eating or sleeping habits

- - behaviour

What should I do?

If you notice changes in your child's behaviour, friends and/or mood,
talk to them. Tell them you are concerned and explain why. If you
suspect that your child is using alcohol or other drugs, you may feel
that you need to catch them using. Perhaps you feel that you should
search their room or control their activities and friends. These are
normal feelings. After all, you want them to be safe.

It is much more helpful to talk with your child about the changes you
have observed. Tell them the differences you see between the way they
used to behave and the way they behave now. Try not to judge them.
Stay focused on their behaviour. For example, saying "You used to be
considerate!" may seem like a personal attack. If you concentrate on
the behaviour you are observing, you will be less likely to hurt or
offend them.

For example, "You used to call when you were going to be late and you
don't anymore. Would you be willing to do that again?"

It is possible that there is another cause for their behaviour. Some
medical conditions can appear as drug use and it is important to
involve your family doctor as well in determining the best next steps.
If drug use ends up being the problem, help is available. And
remember, you can see a counsellor to help you find new ways of
reaching your teen.

For more information, contact your local AADAC office or call the
AADAC Help Line at 1-866-33AADAC.

The Leduc Community Drug Action Committee (LCDAC) was started in 2004
with the goal in mind to create a drug aware, drug resistant community
for the citizens of Leduc. The LCDAC continues to work towards this
goal through community education, advocacy and information. If you are
interested in participating on this committee, please contact FCSS at
(780) 980-7177.