How to Detect Drug Related Behavior in Tweens

The tween years are unfortunately years when kids are susceptible to peer pressure, which may lead to drug use. If you suspect your tween is taking drugs, you need to act quickly. Use this information to detect drug related behavior in your tween.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• A close relationship with your tween
• Careful observation

1. Look for a change in their moods. A child who suddenly becomes withdrawn and sullen may be trying to hide something from you. Do not allow them to disconnect from you to avoid confrontation. Instead stick closer to them and you might discover what they are up to.
2. If your tween suddenly develops new self esteem issues, they may be participating in drugs. Take the time to reassure them that they have not need to be self conscious and try to keep their personal outlooks positive.
3. Hanging out with a different set of friends may be a sign that your tween is taking drugs. If your tween suddenly stops hanging out with old friends and is meeting with new friends who are less likely to hang out at your house, you may have a problem. Sometimes, however, a new set of friends can mean their old friends are into drugs. Regardless of which it is, stick close and find out why friends have changed.
4. Lowered grades are a sign that kids have disconnected from school and may be taking drugs. Some kids begin to take drugs and other substances to get better grades, but as dependence on drugs increases, grades will inevitably fall.
5. A change in hygiene may be a sign that your tween is taking drugs. If a previously neat and clean child becomes unkempt, you may have a problem.
6. Finding chemical soaked rags or clothing stains may indicate that your child is dabbling in drugs and inhalants. Do not ignore obvious signs of huffing on chemicals and paint. This kind of drug abuse is deadly.
7. If you are smelling smoke in the laundry, your tween is smoking something. Do not try to pass it off as a fad and ignore it. At this age cigarettes can lead to marijuana use which will lead to more hardcore drugs.