Symptoms of Teenage Drug Abuse - What Should a Parent Be on the Lookout For?

Are you worrying that your child might be a victim of drugs? Do you have reason to suspect that your child is a prohibited drug user? Or worst of all, is your child actually peddling drugs to others to finance his or her habit? If you've answered yes to any of these three simple questions, then you'll want to read on, and find out exactly what signs you should be looking for to keep your child safe.

You can't possibly monitor your child 24/7 without invading his or her privacy, and you can't physically be there beside your child at all times. So you could have good reason to look out for signs of drug abuse. If the school that your child attends has a questionable reputation, then you should as well be on the alert.

The same applies to your neighborhood; because you will probably notice if something's obviously wrong. School and the neighborhood are most often the first places that a child will get his first education, and possibly his or her first try when it comes to using drugs. Often, those who try drugs for the first time are coaxed by their peers to do it. It is an example of peer pressure getting to your child, because if his or her friends are doing it, then why isn't he doing the same?

The most obvious thing to look out for is the behavior of your child. Typically, a child will display behavior different from his normal behavior before addiction. These changes may not be abrupt, but are the most obvious of drug abuse symptoms. A drug user will also have long-term psychological effects from drugs that change their mindset as well.

The most common is being withdrawn, irrational and displaying hostile behavior, as well as being defensive. You might also notice that your child is hanging out with peers that seem suspicious. Be wary, these might possibly be drug buddies and not normal friends.