Back to School, Back to Substance Abuse: Is Your Child Using Drugs?

Back to School, Back to Substance Abuse:

Is Your Child Using Drugs?

September brings the start of the 2013-2014 school year. For some parents, the start of the school year is a relief, an opportunity for more free time during the week. For other parents, however, the start of the school year brings anxieties and fears surrounding their children associating with the “wrong crowd” and experimenting with drugs. This September, all parents should activate the “eyes behind their head” and pay close attention to their children’s behavior. With a recent rise in the use of dangerous mind-altering substances, such as Bath Salts, “Molly” or MDMA and Synthetic Marijuana, association with the “wrong crowd” can be more detrimental than ever.

According to a recent survey, ninety percent of American high school students report that one or more of their classmates uses illicit drugs regularly during the school day. These numbers are alarming, as we often assume that school is a safe and healthy environment for young people. With heavy volumes of students due to funding decreases; educators often cannot recognize student drug use, let alone facilitate an intervention. In order to keep our youth population away from such dangerous drugs as Bath Salts, “Molly” (MDMA) and Synthetic Marijuana, as well as other mind-altering substances; parents must pay close attention to their children and take immediate action if they suspect that their child may be using drugs.

1.)    Search for Signs: There are signs specific to all drugs, including Bath Salts, “Molly” and Synthetic Marijuana. Parents should search for such signs as; paleness of skin, discoloration, dark circles around the eyes, rapid weight loss, sudden mood changes, shaky hands, suffering grades, suspicious school absences and a shortened temper.

2.)    Search Your Child’s Bedroom: Bath Salts, “Molly”, Synthetic Marijuana and other mind-altering substances could be hidden within a child’s personal space. Thus, as a parent, you have the right to search your child’s bedroom. The most likely spots for drugs to be hidden include; under cabinets, under mattresses, under dresses and inside pockets of clothing not commonly worn.

3.)    Look Closely at Your Child: Children using Bath Salts, MDMA, Synthetic Marijuana or other mind-altering substances are often withdrawn. This is especially true in interactions with parents or other figures of authority. If your child is using mind-altering substances, he/she will likely avoid conversation and give short yes or no answers. He/she will also likely seek to mask physical symptoms of drug use and may take such measures as; chewing gum, using Visine to disguise eye redness, and covering eyes with a hat or another piece of clothing.

4.)    Keep Track of Your Child’s Friends: The more you know about your child’s friends, the better. Peers are a significant influence on your child, and association with the “right friends” is critical for a young person’s “drug free” existence.

5.)    Give Your Child a Random Drug Test: This may seem like a desperate measure, but if you are concerned that your child is using Bath Salts, MDMA, Synthetic Marijuana or another illegal substance; this step is an appropriate one.

6.)    Keep Track of Your Child’s Money: If your child has a job where he/she makes their own money, have a job where he/she earns money, keep track of the money you give them. Many young people save the money their parents give them to buy drugs.

7.)    Check Your Child’s Vehicle After a Friday or Saturday Night: Pay close attention to unusual odors and search for signs of white powders, (especially white powders present on CDs or mirrors), green leaf-like particles and seeds.

Parenting is more stressful of a job than ever. With the presence of such frightening drugs as; Bath Salts, MDMA, Synthetic Marijuana, the development of open, strong and judgment-free parent and child relationships are crucial. With school in full-swing, collaboration between educators and parents can also be extremely beneficial.

Self-Empowerment NH, LLC specializes in working with families suffering from substance abuse issues. Through both individual counseling and family counseling; Selfempnh is here to serve as an empathetic, confidential and non-judgmental support system.

Self-Empowerment NH, LLC is also excited to announce half and full day presentations, one in which is titled Signs and Symptoms of Substance Abuse in the Workplace. Signs and Symptoms of Substance Abuse in the Workplace is an interactive presentation geared for parents and educators seeking education about youth substance abuse. Learn about the signs and symptoms of youth substance abuse by drug of choice, and appropriate steps for intervention and recovery. For more information about the signs of youth drug abuse, counseling and group services and/or presentations, please contact Lori Magoon, MLADC, LCMHC at (603)470-6937 or selfempowermentnh@gmail.com.

 

You are not alone. Open the door to self empowerment. Open the door to a better tomorrow.