Is Your Child Using Alcohol or Drugs?
Questions to ask yourself about your child...- Is there any change in appearance? Is your child not as orderly or neat as before?
- Does your child take fewer baths or showers?
- Do you know your child's friends? Is there a new set of friends who may be a bad influence?
- Does your child have different eating or sleeping habits?
- Have you ever detected any sweet odor that could tell-tale of marijuana?
- Is money or valuables missing?
- Is there significant change in your child's school grades?
- Does your child disregard curfews, stay out late, or not come home at all?
- Is your child more withdrawn, refusing to join family and friends in activities?
- Does your child show mood swings frequently, and for no visible reason?
- Does your child take exception to having his or her privacy invaded?
- Does your child use incense, scented candles or other perfumes?
- Has your child been sick more often or have respiratory infections?
- Are you missing medications, over-the-counter drugs or alcohol? Have you found drug paraphernalia?
What can a parent do?- Talk with your child about concerns or any evidence of chemical use. Stay focused on behaviors.
- Stay calm and end the discussion if you are feeling angry or upset. Be willing to listen to their side of this situation without interruption.
- Set specific rules, expectations, and consequences for your youth and your home.
- Educate yourself about drugs, so you can speak with them about correct information rather than relying on myths or scare tactics
- Don't make excuses for their behavior or possible use. You have not failed as a parent and the best way to help your child is to confront this issue head on.
YSB provides a variety of services to help...
Contact your local Youth Service Bureau Service Center for more information.
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