by Michael Tyler

Created on: February 07, 2007   Last Updated: April 25, 2007

Well this is an easy enough topic to write about, but a harder one to really know for certain. With all drugs there are little give aways, and I will list a few of them here for you.

People who smoke pot generally have a smell, and if they don't...they cover it up with something. Another thing, is that the ash from pot generally has some black in it, unlike how a cigarette has no black thick ash.

Cocaine also has it's give aways. The most obvious one is when they're actually addicted. Most people start to lay off cleanliness, and stop eating normally. Another way to tell, is to look at their fingernails. A long pinky nail is a sure sign of it, most coke addicts have a long pinky nail to take quick snorts of cocaine. Also, if you find a mirror that's scratched thinly, that's another possible sign. Razor blades are also a common tool, easily found in an addicts wallet.

Now, most schools require drug testing for athletes or academic clubs. Those kids that aren't in any, should honestly raise your attention. Every person, has a hobby or something that they enjoy. When they start putting that behind them, there's another indicator.

Sure enough, another way to tell is keeping track of your child's money. Know what they spend it on, and where it's spent. This may sound pretty redundant but you'll find them lying to you about where they spend money.

You'd be surprised where you'd find drugs. As a child, to avoid getting caught with them you would have to have a hidding spot. When I was a kid, I was wise enough to actually pull a board off of a closet doorway and hide mine in the hollow space above the door.

One of the most important things, is REALLY knowing your children. As their friends and classmates do, because you as a parent can only know so much. Ask yourself this, does everyone know all of your secrets?

The best way to prevent a drug problem, isn't sitting there and talking about it with your kids. The best way is to show them the extremes it can take you to. Not only that, but all the things it can restrict them from doing. Like getting a good job, or losing one when you drug test during an accident at work.

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