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Drug Dependency

How to Know When Your Teen Is in Trouble

By Gary Direnfeld, MSW, RSW

Consider these warning signs:

• Stressors as noted above.
• Change in peer group.
• Decrease in school performance.
• Staying out late at night.
• Breaking house rules.
• Secretive behavior.
• Fatigue, lethargy and apathy (lack of motivation).
• May admit to some drug use, but rationalizes and "enjoys" it.
• Adamantly denies drug use in a manner disproportionate to the question.

Normal healthy teens may show a few of these signs anyway, but a drug-dependent youth will show several signs. If you suspect your teen may be drug dependent, you should take action including:

• Talk to your teen about your concerns (if non-responsive, you talk; they listen).
• Although controversial, consider searching their room for drugs and drug paraphernalia (destroy if found).
• Set curfews, limits on behavior and reasonable expectations for appropriate performance.
• Look to engage your teen in activities that are fun and incompatible with drug use.
• Consider attending counseling with your teen.
• Consult your physician.

If your teen is drug dependent, by definition, they are out of control. It will be necessary for you to take control in the short turn at least to help them overcome their dependency. Never fall into the trap of denying their problem, because it is too difficult for you to admit! A drug-dependent teen can use clean and sober parents for support and direction.