Sue Scheff: Michael Jackson’s death is a warning to parents about teen drug use
Parents need to learn about drug use, especially during the summer months. Teen peer pressure can contribute to your teen or tween to experimenting with drugs - but remember, experimentation can lead to addiction. The loss of a music ICON can also be a time to open lines of communication with your kids. Start today.
Source: Examiner.com
By Michael Velardo
Michael Jackson’s death is a warning to parents about teen drug use
With Michael Jackson’s death still fresh in everyone’s mind, it is important to remember that there are many people in America with the same kind of problems he is alleged to have had. Although Michael’s notoriety has extreme draw power, we can’t forget about those 2500 teens who wake up every morning and get high for the first time on prescription drugs, some eventually ending up dead.
That is why, in this 2nd part series, I have short-listed some behaviors you can look for in your teen to help you determine whether he/she is using drugs or not. Although not an exhaustive list, it is a primer that will give you at least some knowledge of what you are dealing with. I’ve also included links where you can find extensive information on the topic as well as join in a community of parents with the same concerns. You can even subscribe to newsletters, emails that will provide you with tips, and information about teen drug abuse.
Please remember that exibiting these behaviors may not necessarilly mean your teen is using, but don’t use that to go into a state of denial. In fact, your teen may be in denial about drug use. The following information was taken from Partnership for a Drug Free America.
Your teen may be using if you notice any of these behaviors:
Behavioral Issues
A difference in family relationships or change in friends
Unable to focus
Edgy/hyperactive
Withdrawn/likes to be alone
Overly tired/sleeps alot
Hostile/angry more often
Starts lying/hiding things
Loud and obnoxious behavior
Slurred speech
Pinpoint pupils (physical) (narcotic use)
Dilated pupils (physical) (may have taken acid, speed)
Nodding out
Extremes in energy followed by excessive sleep
Unusually clumsy, stumbling around
If you notice any of these changes, there is a good chance that your teen is using drugs and/or alcohol. There may be a good reason that the behavior is happening, but probably not.
For an exhaustive list of behaviors, including personal appearance issues, health issues, school.work issues, personal habit issues, home and/or car related issues, vist a Time to Act, by a Partnership for a Drug Free America. There, you will find an exhaustive list of behaviors, both physical and psychological that will enlighten, and arm you with the information you need to identify a drug problem, and more importantly, what to do if you discover one.
Please look over this site, as it contains a lot of information you can access for substance abuse problems, educational information, etc.
Tags: Inhalant Abuse, Parenting Teens, Sue Scheff, Teen Depression, Teen Drug Use, Teen Help, Troubled Teens
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