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In a world where drugs seem like they're just around the corner, how do you find out if your kid is under the influence?

1. A sudden change in behavior. Yes, hormones (and PMS for girls) can be the reason why this happens. However drugs are a possibility too. Here are some classic signs: falling grades, lack of activity, too much activity, increased time spent outside, depression, complaints of vision or hearing problems, increased paranoia or please of privacy, asking for money or working a lot more without them telling you what they need it for, change in style of speaking and dressing, etc..

2. Changes in clothing. Often teen drugs users will alter the way they dress in order to look more like the people they hang out with. So they can start wearing a lot more types of a certain clothes than they normally would. So if your kid doesn't usually wear t-shirts much, but now wears them on a daily basis, or a recurring color, there may be signs that your child now belongs to some sort of group. It may be benign, like a secret club, or it may be a more adult -and probably drug using- club. Changes in hairstyle and color are also possible.

3. Changes in the body's shape. If your child suddenly starts to lose a lot of weight, drugs may be involved. Also an increase in your child's tiredness. Yes, it could be he/she is studying a lot. However if your child usually looked well-rested, and now he/she looks tired consistently for weeks, it is probably not studying that is causing this. Or if he/she is taking less care of common things like brushing things, brushing hair, or showering.

4. Changes in friends. Gee, that nice looking friend doesn't come by anymore? Or maybe you never really got to know your child's friends but you noticed there was something odd? Investigate! Go out and find out what their interests and parents are like. While having a troubled friend won't guarantee that your kid will end up the same way, it can enable such a condition.

While none of these are tell-tales signs of drug-usage, they are signs of significant changes in your teenager's life. Whether these are good or bad, you need to go find out. It's your job as a parent to meddle in your teen's life - no matter how much they may hate it.

Learn more about this author, Caren Franco.
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