• Problems at school, including failure to do homework, falling grades, and skipping school;
  
• An increase in secretive behavior, hiding certain possessions or reluctance to talk about activities and whereabouts;
  
• The smell of marijuana or alcohol coming from the child or his/her room or vehicle;
  
• Use of incense, room deoderant, or perfume to hide smoke or chemical odors;
  
• Subtle changes in conversation with friends, particularly the use of secretive or “coded” language;
  
• New friends;
  
• Changes in clothing choices, such as new fascination with clothes that highlight drug or alcohol use;
  
• Increase in borrowing money or problems with missing money;
  
• Evidence of drug paraphernalia (pipes, rolling papers, etc.) or alcohol empties;
  

• Evidence of inhaling products and accessories, such as hairspray, correction fluid, electronic dusting spray, paper bags and rags, common household products;
  
• Bottles of eyedrops, which may be used to mask bloodshot eyes or dilated pupils
  
• New use of mouthwash or breath mints to cover up the smell of alcohol
  
• Missing prescription drugs, especially narcotics or mood stabilizers;
  
• Signs of heavy use of cough syrup or other over-the-counter drugs;
  
• Dramatic changes in attitude or mood;
  
• Unusual physical changes, such as excessive weight loss or dramatic shift in sleeping patterns.
  

For Part 2 of this article please click here:

It is important for parents and caregivers to act quickly to investigate and intervene when they suspect a child is getting involved with drugs or alcohol.  First, learn as much as you can.  Visit www.TheAntiDrug.com or www.freevibe.com or http://www.stopalcoholabuse.gov for information on drug and alcohol use by teens.

For more information go to:
Talk to Your Teen

For more information, contact Cathy Guzik, Breaking Free Services Coordinator at (815) 260-7902, (815) 941-0724, or Fax: (815) 941-4934.