Most adults acknowledge that drug and alcohol experimentation by teens is risky and can lead to serious trouble. But some say "it's only marijuana," or "it's only alcohol." However, the world has changed, and so have the drugs. What was once excused as a "rite of passage" for some teens is now shown to have harmful and, sometimes, lasting effects.
 

Even with the best parent involvement, there are no guarantees. So it's important to know the signs and symptoms of drug use and to take action if you see your child displaying them.

What to look for

There is no easy way to figure out if your teen is using drugs or alcohol. Many of the signs and symptoms are typical teenage behaviors. However, as you start to recognize more and more of these signs and symptoms in your teen, a picture of drug or alcohol use may begin to become clear. 

• Changes in friends
• Negative changes in schoolwork, missing school, or declining grades
• Increased secrecy about possessions or activities
• Use of incense, room deodorant, or perfume to hide smoke or chemical odors
• Increase in borrowing money
• Evidence of drug paraphernalia such as pipes, rolling papers, etc.
• Bottles of eye drops, which may be used to mask bloodshot eyes or dilated pupils
• New use of mouthwash or breath mints to cover up the smell of alcohol
• Missing prescription drugs-especially narcotics and mood stabilizers