Signs and symptoms — what should you look for?

  • A negative change in grades
  • A change in appearance – clothing, personal hygiene
  • Trying to hide the smell in a room or on the breath
  • New friends — particularly those you suspect may not be a good influence
  • Secrecy about activities
  • Strange pupils – pinpoint or dilated
  • Missing money, prescription drugs or household items of value
  • Evidence of drug paraphernalia – pipes, balloons, etc.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

First, review the resources below.

If you believe your child is using alcohol or other drugs, take action as soon as you can. Talk to your child. Tell your child you are concerned and explain the serious consequences of using alcohol or other drugs. If you feel you need the support of a professional, call your family physician or seek the help of a licensed alcohol and drug counselor.

The links and downloadable files below can provide guidance for discussing alcohol and drugs with a child of any age.

Crucial Conversations

Positive Parenting Prevents Drug Use

Healthy Student Brochure

Parenting Teens

The Partnership at Drugfree.org

Navigating the Teen Years

Suspect Your Teen is Using Drugs or Drinking

Tips for Parents to Prevent or Reduce Youth Alcohol, Tobacco or Drug Use

You and Your Child Can Survive the After-School Five

Family Guide to Prevent and Reduce Underage Drinking

Five Steps Parents Can Take to Prevent Underage Drinking

Make a Difference Talk to your child about alcohol

Parents and Underage Access to Alcohol

Talking to Teens Underage Drinking

Effects of Drugs on the Teen Brain from FCD Prevention Works

Talking With Teens About Illegal Drugs: How You Make a Difference

Educate Before You Medicate Parent Brochure

Getting High on Prescription Drugs and Over-the-Counter Drugs is Dangerous

Growing Up Drug-Free A Parents Guide to Prevention

Marijuana Facts Parents Need to Know

Prescription for Disaster- How Teens Abuse Medicine

Your Child Needs You! A guide to help your child lead a healthy drug-free life