Signs of Drug Abuse – Narconon Explains
Drug abuse is has been with us from ancient times to present. However, never before has it been of epidemic proportions. Prescription drug overdose deaths have been stated by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) as an epidemic and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency reports, "More law enforcement agencies are reporting that pharmaceutical diversion and abuse pose the greatest drug threat to their areas".
Not only is our nation bombarded with illegal drugs flooding into it, prescription drugs have moved into the forefront as a major problem. With the easy availability of drugs in America, it is no wonder we have over 23 million Americans in need of addiction services.
Although the best drug abuse prevention is education on the facts about drugs, as can be obtained at Narconon websites, what does one do if their child is already into risky behavior?
How Do I know if My Teen is Using Drugs?
As mentioned above, teen drug use isn't an isolated occurrence that only happens in "bad families". Teen drug use occurs where it occurs.
When a child reaches puberty he or she goes through some very radical changes. This also happens to be a time when peer pressure can be at its highest. "Fitting in" and "being cool" often take precedence over parental advices. It can even be difficult to communicate with a son or daughter.
However, the truth is with enough care and patience it can be done. It may take repeated attempts to break through, but for the sake of the teenager it must be done.
This is mentioned as one of the key signs of drug use is avoidance and an unwillingness to communicate. The drug user will shun conversation and avoid contact with adults and authority figures. Moodiness and uncontrolled emotional upsets are also signs something is up.
If your teenager or adolescent is unwilling to talk to you, when you are sincerely putting forth a calm and caring effort, it most certainly is a sign something is awry. To determine if it is due to drug use or some other teenage problem is the next step to take.
Different Drugs Have Different Signs of Abuse
Alcohol can be a gateway drug, meaning one leading to other drugs, and is oftentimes a drug started at an early age. Too many homes have unlocked alcohol bars. Even if your house doesn't have a bar, a neighbor or friend may have one. Obtaining alcohol as a minor poses no real difficulty if one intends to get it. The same goes for all drugs. Most are available on the street or from friends. There is always an older brother or relative or even a stranger one can obtain drugs or alcohol from.
The signs of alcohol abuse are:
- Breath smells of alcohol
- Eyes unusually bright
- Sleeps late
- Irritable and Moody in the morning
Prescription Drug Signs of Abuse:
- Appears drunk
- Slurred speech
- Stumbling gate
- Droopy eyes
Marijuana Signs of Abuse:
- Bloodshot eyes
- Dazed appearance
- Slow to respond/Blank look
- Sleeps late
- Illogical talk - can go on and on with no point
- Paranoia
- Sleeps late
Marijuana is also a gateway drug, meaning it is often started with and then the user goes on to other drugs. For a more signs of abuse from other drugs click here.
If a user is abusing methamphetamine, cocaine or heroin, generally paraphernalia connected with drug use is often found if one were to look into their personal area, bedroom, automobile, school locker, backpack, purse or jacket. Some of these items are lighters, broken glass, light bulbs, any object resembling a pipe, aluminum foil, tubes, needles, syringes and the like.
The Biggest Factor
Probably the single most difficult thing to face about drug abuse is the fact that it could be happening in your own home. There are many parents of drug addicts that suspected or knew for some time their son or daughter was using drugs. They may have even taken the matter up with them. Yet the son or daughter continued to use. In some instances it got so bad the parent finally threw the son or daughter out of the house, feeling they had no other option at that point.
A trained drug rehab specialist can help in these matters. Narconon staff are trained and experienced in handling matters of drug abuse. They are often able to get into communication with the youth even when the family had been blocked off. The whole purpose for Narconon staff involvement is to restore the loved one, drug-free, to the family. Part of the Narconon program is to teach Life Skills to the student that improve and increase his or her communication and restore basic moral values. One important factor that emerges in the student doing the Narconon program is an awareness of responsibility for one's family and friends and bettering relations with them. Narconon gives the student the skills to do just that.
If You're Unsure
If you are unsure if the indicators you are seeing in your son or daughter is a sign of drug use, contacting a Narconon staff member can be not only reassuring, but also put a friend in your corner to help direct you to the information that can help you sort things out. Not every teen that turns to drugs needs drug rehab. There are many solutions. Knowing the truth and what to do certainly takes the confusion out of the matter. There are abundant educational materials that can assist you to help someone turn away from drug use and reaffirm correct choices. Narconon staff are here to help.
For help call Narconon East U.S. at 877-337-3307.