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There
is no easy answer if you suspect your child is developing a substance
abuse problem. Don't ignore the signs. Here are some things to watch
for if you think your child may be drinking or using drugs:
- Low
grades or poor school performance
- Withdrawal,
isolation, depression or fatigue
- Aggressive
rebellious behavior
- Truancy
- Excessive
influence by peers or change in friends
- Hostility
and lack of cooperation
- Deteriorating
relationships with family
- Loss
of interest in appearance and personal hygiene
- Loss
of interest in hobbies and sports
- Changes
in sleeping and eating habits
- Evidence
of drugs and paraphernalia
- Physical
changes such as: red eyes, runny nose, frequent sore throats,
rapid weight loss, bruises from falls
What
to do:
Talk to your child. If you need help with this, contact your doctor,
a school social worker or clergy member, your local hospital, or
family counsellor, the Dave Smith Youth Treatment Centre. Professional
intervention can help determine an appropriate course of action.
Keep
in mind that the moment of disclosure is not just a moment to punish.
It should open a conversation of understanding and bond by working
together to solve the problem.
©
1996, The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia
University
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