It makes sense that parents would rather not think their children are using drugs. They want to believe that their kids know better or that they are too young for that sort of thing. Unfortunately, we all do things despite knowing better. Including younger children who drugs use. The younger they start, the more likely they are to develop a serious addiction. If you drug use can catch early, later treatment and therapy problems can be prevented. Here are some indications that your child may be using drugs.
# 1 Sudden changes in behavior
A quiet child who suddenly becomes talkative or a talkative child who suddenly becomes quiet are both troubling signs. Behavioral changes can be caused by something else. If you notice a sudden change, it's worth trying to figure out what's causing it. Even if it isn't drugs they may still need help.
# 2 Changes in friends
Children change friends all the time. This is because adolescents are cheeky and unsure of their identity. If your child suddenly has new friends you don't know or don't seem completely trustworthy, it's helpful to pay close attention to them.
# 3 Suddenly failing in school
It's hard to do well in school when you spend all of your free time drinking or smoking marijuana. Both are not good for your focus and memory and can coincide with a shift in priorities. Suddenly doing bad at school is worrisome in itself, but it can also signal a bigger problem.
# 4 Be secretive
If your child suddenly avoids you, lies about where he has been or where he is going, spends a lot of time alone in his room, and generally does not like to talk, he may be hiding drug use. Sure, it's normal for teens to be a bit withdrawn and want their own space, but when combined with other signs, secrecy can indicate drug use.
# 5 Finding drugs in their clothes or room
This speaks for itself.
# 6 Stealing money or other items
Teenagers don't have a lot of money of their own. If you discover that money or valuables have disappeared, it could be a sign that your child needs drug money. Again, even if it's not drugs, you want to know what's going on.
# 7 Cognitive problems
Drugs are not good for cognitive ability. If your child suddenly seems to have trouble focusing or remembering things, this could indicate drug use. He may also have distant vision, speech or coordination problems. Constricted pupils are a very bad sign. If these don't go away quickly, it's a good idea to see a doctor. Depending on the symptoms, it may be a relief to find out that they are caused by drugs.