Is Your Child on Drugs? 15 Tell-Tale Signs to Watch Out For

Drug abuse amongst kids is more common than you may think. Parents need to educate themselves on drug use and watch out for signs of drug use. Learn more here about what drugs kids are using, fifteen tell-tale signs to watch out for, and what you can do.

According to the National Institute On Drug Abuse (NIDA), abused drugs include tobacco, alcohol, prescription medications, anabolic steroids, cocaine, crack, heroin, inhalants, LSD, marijuana, MDMA or ecstasy, methamphetamine, PCP, and club drugs like special K, Vitamin K, jet, soap, G, and roofies.

In 2008, abuse of marijuana was reported by 11.8 percent of 8th graders, 26.7 percent of 10th graders, and 32.8 percent of 12th graders according to NIDA. The same year, NIDA revealed that recreational abuse of Vicodin and OxyContin had increased over the last five years among 10th graders. According to a poll conducted in 2009, nearly 1in 10 high school seniors reported non-medical abuse of Vicodin; 1 in 20 reported abuse of OxyContin.

Your own medicine cabinet may be a deadly source of drugs for your child. Opioids are prescribed to alleviate pain and are commonly abused by kids. Opioids include Vicodin, OxyContin, Darvon, Dilaudid, Demerol and Lomotil. Another class of drugs being abused is central nervous system depressants used for sleep disorders and include barbiturates such as pentobarbital sodium or Nembutal and benzodiazepines like Valium and Xanax. Commonly abused stimulants used for ADHD and narcolepsy include Dexedrine, Ritalin, Concerta and amphetamines like Adderall. Some common street names for these prescription drugs are oxy, cotton, blue, 40, and 80.

Educate yourself on the latest street names for drugs and look for them in your child's communications. Monitoring your child's emails, text messages and social media sites provides necessary insight into your child's life that you might not be privy to any other way. If you suspect your child is on drugs your first hunch is usually correct. Hopefully, you know your child better than anyone else. Find out what is going on with your child immediately if you see any of these tell-tale signs.

1. Severe Shifts in Mood


2. Unexplained Change in Personality


3. New Friends


4. Lack of Interest in Favorite Sports or Activities


5. Avoiding Family or Family Activities


6. Decrease in Appetite


7. Spending More Time in Bedroom


8. Feeling Down and Being Quiet Most of the Time


9. Falling Grades


10. Skipping School


11. Lack of Respect for Family Rules, Chores, or Curfews


12. No Interest in Personal Hygiene


13. Defensive Attitude When Drug or Alcohol Use is Suspected or Mentioned


14. Weight Loss or Weight Gain


15. Dishonesty and Stealing

Your child can become a complete stranger in the blink of an eye if you ignore any of these signs. Do not hesitate to get professional help. If you are not sure, seriously consider drug testing your child at home. There are lots of instant drug testing kits to choose from that are widely available at Wal-Mart, CVS, Walgreens and other well known drug stores. The prices are reasonable and range anywhere from twelve to thirty-eight dollars. You can easily and quickly test your child for drugs and alcohol in the comfort and privacy of your own home. Avoid online services that require the mailing of samples via FedEx due to the possibility of poor testing methods or fraud. If you are uncomfortable with drug testing you child, go to your family doctor or a state approved lab test facility in your area.