Is Your Child Trying Drugs or Alcohol?

At age 10, I smoked my first cigarette.

By age 15, I was huffing gas.

At age 20, I smoked weed for fun.

By age 25, I was in a massive car accident while drinking.

Now, at 30, I am telling you how to save your kids.

More and more kids across America are trying recreational, illegal and prescription drugs for fun. These same kids and others use alcohol for the same reason. As parents we need to open our eyes and notice our children because of all the choices they make, it may be the ones we are not around to see that will change their lives forever.

In today's monetary society more families are having to manage home life with work life. Both parents having to work and leave children to fend for themselves before and after school, breeds free time with peers teaching "cool" values and fewer parents teaching life lessons.

More time alone with peers and less time with parents is leaving children to make major life decisions on their own. When children are left in this situation pressure to try drugs and alcohol is at an all time high. As parents how can we tell if our children are doing drugs?

Despite the best efforts of parents to manage all parts of life your child may still abuse drugs. The major warning signs of drug or alcohol abuse include:

* Smell, of alcohol, smoke, or other chemicals on your child's breath or clothing

* Obvious intoxication, dizziness, or bizarre behavior

* Change in dress, appearance, and grooming

* Change in choice of friends

* Frequent arguments, sudden mood changes, and unexplained violent actions

* Change in eating and sleeping patterns

* Skipping school

* Failing grades

* Runaway and delinquent behavior

* Suicide attempts

HOW CAN A PARENT HELP?

The best way to help your child is you think they may be abusing drugs or alcohol is to be supportive. Sending a loving message instead of critical ones will show your child you care and are not judging them and this is important because the signs you think signal drug or alcohol abuse may just be changes in a life stage for your child.