Are your teens using drugs? Most of us would say my teens are too smart to do anything like that, but the reality today is that at some point most of them will try drugs or alcohol.
With last weeks drug bust that took place in Adams and Wells County, every parent should be well aware of the fact that drugs are prevalent in our area. There were a total of 31 arrest warrants issues for people in Decatur, Bluffton and the Adams County area. This should scare parents to death. The fact that it took over a year for this investigation to result in arrests just means that the drugs have been readily available for at least that long in our town. You can bet that this is just the tip of the iceberg.
We all know that with this many drug dealers in our area that there is bound to be some getting into our teens hands. This drug bust should open your eyes and reinforce the fact that you need to discuss the side effects of drugs and the impacts they can have on your life with your teens. Yes they hear this at school through D.A.R.E, but it is our responsibility to follow up and make sure they are fully aware. You’re the parent don’t leave teaching your teens about drugs up to the school system.
Do your kids have a drinking problem? Here are some common warning signs that your teen is using drugs.
Mental Changes
· Memory lapses
· Poor concentration
Emotional Changes
· Mood changes, flare-ups, irritability, and defensiveness
· A “nothing matters” attitude
Physical Changes
· Low energy
· Bloodshot eyes
· Lack of coordination
· Slurred speech
Behavioral Changes
· School problems, poor attendance, low grades, and/or recent disciplinary action.
· Rebelling against family rules.
· Switching friends, along with a reluctance to let you get to know the new friends.
· Sloppy appearance
· A lack of involvement in former interests
This list of thing to watch for is by no means a guarantee that your teens is doing drug or alcohol but they are still good things to be on the look out for. The best way to find out if your teens are involved in drugs or alcohol is to communicate with them. Keeping the lines of communication open with your teens is the best way to detect a problem. If you find out that your child hasn’t escaped addiction you should definately be looking for a quality addiction recovery program.
