by Maggie O'Leary

Created on: April 15, 2008

It's something that no one wants to ever deal with - your teenage son or daughter abusing drugs. For a lot of parents, their own denial that their child may have a problem, overshadows the signs and symptoms of drug abuse that may be exhibited by their teen. This delays help for the child, and could cause the drug abuse to become worse and harder to treat.

If you have a teenage son or daughter, there are several signs that you can look for. Any one of these symptoms by themselves may not mean that your son or daughter is dealing with a drug abuse problem. However, if your child exhibits any of these symptoms, it is best to be cautious and seek the assistance of a professional health care provider or counselor.

If your child shows signs of depression, such as withdrawing from family members or friends, this could be a sign of drug abuse. Likewise, if your child stops being interested in sports or other activities that they have always enjoyed, this could also be a sign of drug abuse. Watch your child's grades at school - if there is a sudden drop, this may be a sign that a drug problem is interfering with your child's studies.

If your child exhibits different moods, such as uncontrolled anger or deep depressions, or wildly differing mood swings, this could also be a sign of drug abuse. Also, if you notice that your child is having trouble sleeping, or stays awake most of the night, this could be a sign of a drug problem.

If your child complains of difficulty with vision or hearing, or you notice that your child is having problems with memory or concentration, lack of coordination, or exhibits extreme paranoia, this could also signal a drug abuse problem. Also, if you notice that your child's appetite has changed - eating significantly more or less, this could also be a sign of drug abuse. Also - watch for significant changes in your child's weight. A significant drop or gain in weight could be another symptom of a drug abuse problem.

As the parent, you are the best source of help for your child if he or she is struggling with a drug addiction. Early intervention is key, so if you think your child has a drug problem, seek the help of a professional immediately.

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