WARNING SIGNS OF DRUG USAGE

QUESTION: I am suspicious that my 16-year-old son may be using some
kind of illegal drugs. He's just not himself lately, and his friends
are some of the weirdest guys you ever saw. Can you summarize the most
common symptoms of drug abuse? What should I look for?

DR. DOBSON: A complete answer to that question would fill a book,
because there are so many illegal substances on the market today and
each has its own characteristics. But there are eight common physical
and emotional symptoms you might look for in your son:

* Inflammation of the eyelids and nose is common. The pupils of the
eyes are either very wide or very small, depending on the drug.

* Extremes of energy may be evident. Either the individual is
sluggish, gloomy and withdrawn, or he may be loud, hysterical and jumpy.

* The appetite is extreme - either very great or very poor. Weight
loss may occur.

* The personality suddenly changes; the individual may become
irritable, inattentive, and confused or aggressive, suspicious and
explosive.

* Body and breath odor are often bad. Cleanliness is generally
ignored.

* The digestive system may be upset - diarrhea, nausea and vomiting
may occur. Headaches and double vision are also common. Other signs of
physical deterioration may include change in skin tone and body stance.

* Needle marks on the body, usually appearing on the arms, are an
important symptom. These punctures sometimes get infected and appear
as sores and boils.

* Moral values often crumble and are replaced by new, avant-garde
ideas and values.

Some kids are able to hide their drug use better than others. You
might stop by to see the officer in charge of narcotics enforcement
for your local police department. He or she may be able to give you
more specific information applicable to your son.

QUESTION: What about snooping through my son's room to see what he
might be doing?

DR. DOBSON: There are definitely times when mothers and fathers need
to conduct their own quiet investigation, even though it might invade
the privacy of the teenager.

Don't let your respect for their privacy cause you to stick your head
in the sand and fail to notice what is going on right in front of you.
I strongly agree.