This is the fourth in a series of blog entries looking at the problem of prescription medication abuse by our nation’s youth. Today we look at warning signs that parents can look for to spot a drug problem before a serious incident occurs.
Although our focus here is on prescription medication, it is important also to be concerned about signs of alcohol or marijuana use as well as use of harder drugs. Some of these may seem like no-brainers, but never ignore the obvious!
Warning signals include:
If you spot one or more of these warning signs you need to act quickly, otherwise, the progression of drugs they’re exposed to could become lethal. If it is necessary, you need to stage an intervention as soon as possible. If you delay you could miss the opportunity to get your child on the right path to wellness and sobriety.
Your child is not the only one who needs help. Anyone who has suffered through the substance abuse of a loved one knows how crucial it is to get support.
Joining a parent support group gives parents strength and hope as they meet others who walked the same path but then did something new, by putting up a roadblock that got their kid the help he or she needed.
If you or someone you love has a substance abuse problem, seek help immediately. If you prefer to maintain total anonymity there are online drug classes too. Minor in possession classes are available here: http://www.onlinedrugclass.com/MIPClass