How will I know if my teenager is taking drugs?

Unless you actually find or see something, there is no one sure way to tell. But a significant, sudden and unusual change in behaviour could be a sign of drug use.

Trust your intuition as a parent. If you feel something is not right, talk openly about drugs. Ask your teenager what they think about drugs in our society. Stay calm. Listen to what they have to say.

Signs of drug use can include:

• Unusual behaviour.
• Silence, sulking, or anger towards others.
• Mood swings.
• Very uncooperative and/or rude behaviour.
• Very little time spent with, or talking with, the family.
• Drop in school work, or truancy.
• Dropping out of regular activities such as sport.
• Unexplained or sudden change to a new group of friends.
• Change in physical appearance, such as reddened eyes.
• Eating problems.
• Lack of energy.
• Valuable items or money missing at home.

Don't jump to conclusions. Drugs may have nothing to do with your teenager's change in behaviour. Try and find out:

• Is it due to a sudden growth spurt, or changes due to puberty?
• Are there problems at school or with friends?
• Are things going on within your family that could be affecting your teenager?

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