Does your teenager abuse drugs or alcohol?

Your teenager is starting to have problems at school. His relationship with his friends, his family and teachers are strained. His favourite activities are ignored and he has now a new circle of friends.

Then you ask yourself this horrible question: Is my son using drugs?

If so, you must act as fast as possible to help your teenager and erase these bad memories of all the scenarios that haunt you. But first you must be certain.

Not only does he have school and relationship difficulties, he also has overly exaggerated emotional reactions accompanied by instances of irritability, anger, and disruptions in his sleep patterns. These may be clues that a teenager is using drugs.

The situation must be
thoroughly faced by the parent.

Jay Ronald Heller, M.D., associate professor of psychiatric medicine at the university of Virginia, said to be on the lookout for important changes in behaviour such as lower grades, new wardrobe and new friends. He also explained that you must listen to friends and teachers.

If you are certain that your teenager has a problem, says Dr Heller, insist that he takes a drug test. An adamant refusal is often an admission of drug use.

Different strategies can be used by the parents to help their teenager.

The situation must be thoroughly faced by the parent. No excuses or permission must be granted in the use of drugs, says Dr Heller. The parents must be very clear: the behaviour is unacceptable, and serious consequences will follow if the behaviour continues.

Ask for a professional intervention. The underlying problems for drug use must be found.

If your teenager does not take drugs, positive reinforcement and encouragement will benefit him. ''Show your kids that you respect their good judgement, Dr Heller continues; grant them more privileges and responsibilities.''

It isn't necessary to be overly worried at the first sign of alcohol or drug abuse. Teenagers will often experiment briefly.

Can parents know that their teen is using drugs or alcohol?

''Be vigilant and detect any alteration in his demeaner. If you notice changes in his behaviour interfering with his school work, social activities or his behaviour at home, it is possible that drug or alcohol abuse may be the cause.'' explains Dr Heller.

Here are some warning signs:

     Grades abruptly falling and interest in school activities have disappeared.
     A sudden change of friends without explanation.
     Abrupt changes in humor (violent), accompanied by episodes of depression, aggression and anger.
     Dependency signs: intoxication or hangover.

What should parents do if they expect the worst?

First, they must stay calm and be in control of their emotions. If you find that your teenager is using drugs or alcohol, insist that his use must stop now as it is illegal and dangerous. If use still continues, it would be time to call in the help of a professional, says Dr Heller.

source :
health-info: Montreal's children hospital

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