Is My Child Using Drugs?

One of the hardest life experiences we will ever face here in Columbia SC is the day we must contemplate the question, “is my child using drugs”? When a child is using drugs or alcohol, chances are they are doing everything they can to cover up that activity. Would you know if your child was using drugs? About.com recently published a set of questions to assist parents in focusing attention on this gut wrenching issue. The answers to the following questions might help you in determining if some of the tell-tell signs of substance abuse are showing up in your home and your child's behavior.

Has anyone ever told you your child is drinking or using drugs?

Do you know for sure that your child has 'experimented' with either drugs or alcohol?

Have you noticed that one minute your child can be happy and giddy followed by withdrawal, depression, or fits of anger or rage?

Has your child suddenly developed the need for additional money, for vague or unexplained reasons?

Has your child suddenly turned away from his old friends?

Have you notice changes in the pupils of your child's eyes, or redness or bloodshot eyes?

Is your child suddenly using breath mints consistently?

Has your child lost interest in tidiness in his room or does your child pay less attention to personal hygiene?

Has your child developed a negative attitude against anti-drug or anti-alcohol programs, materials or literature?

Has your child been in trouble with the law for any reason?

Has your child developed a bad attitude toward any authority figures in his life?

Have you found that your child has generally become dishonest about things?

Have you noticed any alcoholic beverages missing or noticed anything missing from the medicine cabinet?

Have you found unexplained empty alcohol or solvent containers around the house or grounds?

Has your child suddenly started smoking cigarettes openly?

Has your child had medical conditions that might be attributed to substance abuse, such as digestive problems?

Has your child's attitude toward school suddenly changed?

Is your child hanging out with an older group or with those that you suspect are using drugs?

Have you seen your child's grades go from pretty good to very bad?

The more questions you answer YES the more likely your child may be using drugs or alcohol.. If you think your child may be using, please intervene and contact a resource listed below. Alcohol and drug abuse intervention will require every bit of energy, intelligence and effort any parent can muster. Our Columbia SC children deserve our very best in this on-going war.

If you enjoy this column, please click the “Like” button and also subscribe. If you would like to participate, submit questions or make comments, you may do so here or contact the author at: AnthonyEBaker@Hotmail.com or visit the author’s recovery and sobriety blog at Tony’s Sobriety Rack. If you or a loved one is suffering in Columbia SC with addiction issues or for further assistance with chemical dependence and addiction, please see: Columbia Treatment Centers. Additional addiction questions can be channeled through Columbia’s Alcoholics Anonymous Intergroup office located at:

AA Intergroup
3014 Devine Street, Room 103
ColumbiaSC 29205
(803) 254-5301