Posted on May 22, 2009

Growing up is an exciting and challenging time for our children, especially for teens. In today’s society, with peer pressure, incessant ads and images of cool people having fun, it’s even more difficult to help your child grow in a safe and responsible manner. After all, growing up is all about experimenting, learning, expanding our horizons – and having fun in the process, if at all possible.

The childhood and teenage years are also prime opportunities for your child to get into trouble with alcohol and/or prescription drugs. Along with trying to fit in, be cool, to go along with the crowd, teenagers’ brains are continuing to develop well into their twenties. This may be one reason they seek out thrills, such as drinking. Experimentation with alcohol, especially when combined with driving, can have serious, even fatal consequences.

Parents, even those who have great relationships with their children, should be on the lookout for these warning signs. Remember that the signs may indicate a problem with either drugs (prescription or otherwise) or alcohol, but some may also be simply “growing pains.” According to experts in the field of alcohol and substance abuse, if you notice several of these signs in your child, especially if they occur at the same time, occur suddenly, or increase in severity, it’s time to get help for your child.

• You find alcohol (or drugs) in their room, backpack or purse.
• You notice that quantities of your prescription drugs are missing.
• Your child is obsessed with money, needing money constantly, or you see evidence that they have suddenly accumulated a quantity of money (that didn’t come from you or any after-school job they may have)
• You detect the smell of alcohol on their breath.
• Your child exhibits physical symptoms such as slurred speech, lack of coordination, bloodshot eyes, or signs of mental problems like poor concentration or memory loss.
• Your child becomes extremely rebellious, especially against family rules.
• Problems in school crop up, such as disciplinary action, poor grades, poor attendance (skipping class, tardiness)
• Changes in mood occur: defensiveness, loss of temper, being irritable.
• Your child suddenly switches friends, and/or doesn’t want you to know their friends.
• Sloppy attire, low energy, loss of interest in former interests, friends or activities, and an attitude that “nothing matters anymore” are also danger signs.

What to do if your child is in trouble

The first thing is: don’t panic! Right after you calm yourself, the next step is to act promptly to get the appropriate help for your child.

You will need to set rules and establish consequences about drinking, for example, as well as prohibitions against use of prescription drugs for anything other than as prescribed by a medical doctor for a specific condition.

Set a good example by not drinking in front of children, remove alcohol from the house, and keep all prescription medications in a locked cabinet. If there’s a family history of alcoholism and/or drug abuse, these steps are even more critical.

Monitor your child/teen’s activities, talk with them about reasons why they should not drink or do drugs (it’s illegal) and encourage family discussions about how to avoid such use in situations they may find difficult – such as peer pressure to join in.

Most of all, work at establishing a firm, but loving and trusting relationship with your child or teen. In the end, family bonds are the strongest and some of the most important curbs to alcohol and/or prescription (or other drug) use.

Stay committed, stay focused, and stay on top of the situation. You will be helping your child/teen to develop into a responsible, self-sufficient adult capable of avoiding alcohol and/or drug use.