What Parents Should Know: Spotting the Signs of Teen Drug Use

Dear Parents,

Happy Summer!!  With school being out, it’s a busy time for kids and parents. As we know, teenagers get bored and sit around the house or just want to be with their friends. We think it’s important for you to be aware of some things to look for so that you can keep the kids on the right path.

There are many signs of drug use with teenagers, and this includes the paraphernalia that they may use. They include plastic baggies or small paper bags, cigarette packages, vapes, small glass vials, pill bottles, gum wrappers, belt buckles, markers and lipstick dispensers, and makeup bags.

I remember many years ago, when I was a school social worker, a parent came to see me with a backpack. She had found plastic baggies and a small scale in her child’s closet. She had no idea that he had been not just using marijuana but also selling it. Being aware means that you can watch for early signs of substance abuse and help save your child’s future and maybe his/her life.

For more information, click on this link:

https://www.getsmartaboutdrugs.gov/content/how-identify-drug-paraphernalia

Have a safe and happy summer!!

Phyllis Babrove, LCSW