Is Our Teen Chemically Dependent?

If you answer “yes” to any two of the following questions, there is a possibility that your teen is developing a problem with alcohol or other drugs. If you answer “yes” to three or more questions, chemical use is probably causing serious problems in your family.

Has your child’s personality changed noticeably? Does he or she have sudden mood swings and unpredictable behavior?
Does your child seem to be losing old friends and spending time with a new group about whom you know little or who are known as a party bunch?
Is your child unable to account for large sums of his or her money, or have you had objects or money mysteriously disappearing from your home?
Does your child defend his or her right to drink?
Is your child reluctant to talk about alcohol or other drugs?
Does your child drive irresponsibly?
Does your child lie about drug or alcohol use as well as other activities?
Have you ever found paraphernalia (rolling papers, baggies, small spoons, roach clips, capsules), bottles, or beer cans in his or her room? Did your child explain it away when confronted?
Has your child lost interest in his or her physical appearance?
Has your child admitted to trying alcohol or other drugs “just once” while denying any regular use?
Are you hearing rumors about your child’s partying, goofing off, or drinking?
Has your child been cutting classes?
Do you as parents conceal from each other information about your child’s behavior?
Is your child suddenly less responsive? Is he or she losing interest in school work, athletics, extracurricular activities, family, job, and/or previous interests? Are grades dropping (not necessarily from A’s to D’s, but from B’s to C’s)?
Do you detect any of these physical symptoms: excessive fatigue, disturbed sleep patterns, chronic cough, chest pains, “allergy” symptoms, vomiting, loss of appetite, unusual cravings for sweets, red eyes, dilation of pupils?
Have your child’s relationships with other family members deteriorated?
Are there signs of apparent emotional or psychological problems such as depression, loneliness, paranoia, or withdrawal?

As published in Love First, by Jeff & Debra Jay. Reprinted with permission of Substance Abuse Community Council of Gross Pointe from the pamphlet “How Do I Know? Where Do I Go?”