Home Request Your Free Newsletter Ways to Help Doctor or ER? What Every Parent Should Know About Vaccinations Health Bits Beware of Supplements for Kids Food for Thought Could Your Child Have a Drug Problem? Project S.P.E.A.K. Helps to Protect Teens Research – Key to Improving Pediatric Care Free Lectures For Parents Children’s Hospital Research Saves and Improves Children’s Lives

Could Your Child Have a Drug Problem? Many parents blame themselves when faced with the possibility that their child may be using drugs. But most experts recommend that parents worry more about helping the child, rather than trying to deduce the reason for the behavior. Kapi‘olani adolescent specialist Robert Bidwell, M.D., advises parents that children who use drugs often exhibit the following behaviors: Isolation. They want to hide the effects, the smell and the incriminating paraphernalia. They also want to avoid direct questions about where they’ve been and what they’ve done. The easiest way to do this is to stay out of sight. Personality or attitude changes. Changes in personality or attitude may be gradual, such as a decreasing interest in school. You may also witness sudden mood swings, irritability, anger and euphoria. Physical changes. Difficulty with concentration, loss of coordination, weight loss and an unhealthy appearance are signs of drug use. New friends. A sudden exchange of one set of friends for another indicates something drastic has changed in the child’s life, and it may be drug use. “Before assuming your child is taking drugs, find out if something else may be causing him or her to behave unusually,” adds Dr. Bidwell. Are classes getting harder? Did a friendship fall apart? If you suspect your child is using drugs, take action. Some steps to take include: Voice your suspicions. Talk to your child when he is sober and you’re calm. Ask questions. Ask what has been going on in the child’s life. Start by asking how things are in general. Then make it clear what’s bothering you. Maybe you’ve smelled something, or you’ve seen grades drop, or behavior has changed. Look up the teacher. If you encounter reluctance to talk, it may be time to talk to your child’s teacher. If your child won’t talk, and you’re concerned about falling grades or other negative signs, say so. Mention the behavior you’ve witnessed and that you’ll be talking to other people, such as teachers and the school’s guidance counselor. These conversations don’t have to focus on your drug suspicions. Just ask these people if they’ve noticed anything unusual about your child’s behavior. If you hear anything that deepens your suspicions, bring that information back to the child. Seek help if you don’t get a response from your child. Ask your family doctor for referrals to professionals and organizations in your area. Robert Bidwell, M.D. >> HEAR FROM THE EXPERT: Is Your Teen Rebelling? Wednesday, Nov. 17, 6:30–7:30 p.m. Click here for more information.