How to Recognize If Your Child Is Using Drugs: A Guide for Parents.

Hey everyone! Today, I want to talk about a sensitive but very important topic: recognizing the signs that your child might be using illegal drugs. It's crucial to pay attention to certain changes in their behavior and appearance so we can intervene in time and provide the necessary support. Let's go over some common signs and how we can tackle this situation together.

Signs That Suggest Possible Drug Use

Emotional Area:

- Behavior Changes: If your child used to go out a lot and now prefers to stay home, or if they used to be a homebody and now they're always out, this could be a red flag.

- Unexplained Mood Swings: Watch for episodes of tension, nervousness, euphoria, irritability, and restlessness that have no clear cause.

- Indifference: Lack of interest in activities they used to enjoy, such as school, sports, or other hobbies, can be a sign that something is off.

Family:

- Reserved Attitude: If your child becomes extremely secretive and avoids talking about their life, this could be concerning.

- Distancing: They might start to distance themselves from the family, preferring to spend time alone or with new friends.

- Increased Conflicts: An increase in family conflicts can be a sign that your child is dealing with something significant.

School:

- Absences and Tardiness: You'll notice they miss classes more often or are frequently late.

- Declining Grades: A drop in their grades and academic performance.

- Behavior Problems: Problematic behavior and a negative attitude towards school and its activities.

Friends and Social Life:

- New Friendships: They leave old friends and start spending time with people involved in questionable activities.

- Changes in Activities: Abandoning hobbies and activities they used to love.

- Secretive Calls and Messages: Receiving calls or messages that seem to hide information about drugs.

Physical Effects:

- Eye Irritation: Red or glassy eyes can be a sign of substance use.

- Weight Loss: Significant weight loss.

- Sleep Issues: Changes in sleep patterns, either insomnia or excessive sleep.

- Fatigue or Hyperactivity: Excessive tiredness or unusually high energy levels.

- Headaches and Tremors: Frequent complaints of headaches and tremors without an apparent cause.

- Poor Hygiene: A decline in personal hygiene and appearance.

Other Signs:

- Changes in Routines: Variations in their daily routine, especially in sleep and eating patterns.

- Style Changes: Sudden changes in their dressing style and way of speaking.

- Missing Valuables: Missing money, clothes, or other valuable items from home.

- Missing Medications: Medications or prescriptions disappearing from other family members.

- Drug Paraphernalia: Finding drug-related items.

- Herbal Residues: Finding herbal residues in their pockets.

- Use of Incense: Using incense or other substances to mask the smell of marijuana.

- Burn Marks or Blood Stains: Burn marks or blood stains on their clothes, though this is less common nowadays.

What to Do If You Suspect Drug Use:

1. Stay Calm: It's crucial to stay calm and not overreact if you discover these signs.

2. Observe and Note: Keep track of the changes you observe to have a clear and detailed view.

3. Seek Counseling: Consider seeking help from a school counselor, therapist, or support group specializing in addictions.

4. Encourage Communication: Create an environment where your child feels safe to talk about their problems without fear of judgment.

5. Educate About Drugs: Talk openly about the dangers of drug use and provide accurate and helpful information.

6. Reinforce Family Support: Make sure your child knows they have the unconditional support of their family.

Remember, identifying these signs is just the first step. The key is to act with love and understanding, always seeking your child's well-being and giving them the support they need to overcome any difficulty.

Together, we can face any challenge! 🌟

How to Recognize If Your Child Is Using Drugs: A Guide for Parents. By Dr. Arturo José Sánchez Hernández.

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