| There are many, many more signs to look for if you | | | | recent study has shown a correlation between obesity |
| are the parent of a tween or teen, but I'll list just some | | | | and addiction |
| of the Top Ten for now. These are some of the | | | | · Falling asleep, nodding off, while in the middle |
| earliest signs, the ones that are easier to ignore when | | | | of eating |
| we don't even want to think about the possibilities of | | | | · Change in overall attitude/personality with no |
| drug use. | | | | other identifiable cause |
| First of all, always listen to your gut! If something feels | | | | · Changes in friends; new hang-outs; sudden |
| "hinky," don't ignore it. If your infant feels a little warm, | | | | avoidance of old crowd; doesn't want to talk about |
| warmer than usual or has the sniffles you wouldn't | | | | new friends; friends are known drug users |
| ignore that. You'd get out the thermometer pronto and | | | | - Doesn't want to bring new friends home |
| make sure the numbers didn't rise. Likewise with the | | | | - Doesn't want to give last names of new friends |
| sniffles, you'd pay close attention and if the condition | | | | - Vague about where he/she met new friends |
| worsens, you'd call your family physician. | | | | - Change in activities or hobbies |
| Unfortunately, there are no drug thermometers. You, | | | | - Drop in grades at school or performance at work; |
| the parent, have to be the drug detector. This is not an | | | | skips school or is late for school |
| easy job because no parent wants to believe their | | | | - Change in habits at home; loss of interest in family |
| child could be using drugs. We spend a lot of time in | | | | and family activities |
| denial, even when the warning signs are becoming | | | | Think about the above and if some of these ring true |
| clearer and more numerous. Sometimes these signs | | | | then it might already be past time to begin "The Talk." |
| have to practically slap us in the face to wake us up | | | | But don't let this stop you from beginning to seriously |
| to the harsh reality that our child is no longer an | | | | talk to your child about drugs. The age of children |
| innocent babe. | | | | entering the dangerous world of drugs is getting |
| Here then, are some signs to help you recognize what | | | | younger and younger. No longer is this world populated |
| could be indicators. I say could because some of these | | | | by just teens; the tweens are now succumbing to this |
| signs might be just normal teen behavior. If your child | | | | scourge. |
| displays any one of these signs it doesn't mean you | | | | Know your child; begin the dialog with him/her. Choose |
| need to go into full blown panic mode wringing your | | | | a comfortable, non-confrontational setting and format |
| hands and fretting endlessly. But... they should not be | | | | and talk in earnest. Ask questions and help your child |
| ignored! Because they could indeed be the beginning of | | | | feel comfortable to ask you questions. |
| a heartbreak like you've never experienced. | | | | Remember, it is never too early to talk with your child |
| · Increased appetite especially for sweets. A | | | | about drugs but sadly it can be too late. |