Finding out that your child is on drugs, dealing them, or both is one of the worst nightmares a parent can face. If you have suspicions that your child is an addicted drug dealer, you want to act as quickly as possible. Some signs of unusual behavior in a child could be as a result of something like bullying or depression, so it’s best to gather all of the information that you can. You don’t want to make a child struggling with something difficult feel accused if they aren’t actually misbehaving.
If you notice some of these worrying signs in your child, it’s time to open up a dialogue about drugs in your household.
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Changes in Physical Appearance
Different drugs will have different effects on the body. Most noticeably, a lot of drugs lead to sudden weight loss. Severe changes in skin texture that extend beyond the realm of normal teenage acne may also be a sign that the teen is ingesting something that’s damaging their body. Some drugs, especially those that can be inhaled, may damage or burn the teeth. These changes in appearance should be worrisome whether or not they’re a result of drug use.
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Loss of Passion or Commitment
Drugs become consuming. This means your child will likely have less time for the things he or she used to care about a great deal. Even if your child’s hobby was playing video games for hours on the weekends and you’re happy they’re taking a break, they could be distracted by something much worse. Giving up hobbies and passions is always a red flag that something unfortunate is at play.
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Increased Sense of Secrecy Around Electronics
Teenagers demanding privacy is normal. They’re growing up, and they feel oppressed by constant supervision. A sense of panic around phones, tablets, computers, or any other communication tool is out of the realm of normalcy. If your child panics that you might see what they’re typing or hear what they’re saying, or perhaps going so far as to hide their communication devices, this should raise some red flags.
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Coming and Going at Odd Hours
Every teen has attempted to sneak out of the house at least once or twice. Though it’s neither safe nor wise, this act of rebellion is usually indicative of normal adolescent shenanigans. It’s when trips out of the house or coming home late begin to become a regular occurrence that you should suspect your child may be doing something out of the ordinary. If they don’t even want you to know that they’re leaving, it’s likely that they’re attempting to conceal what they’re doing when they’re gone.
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Unexplained Money
Selling drugs can be lucrative. If your teen is purchasing top dollar items on a meager allowance or part time job salary, this is a cause for concern. This is likely income from some unregulated business dealings, which may include selling drugs. If your child is coming into mysterious cash, you might want to speak with a lawyer. Don’t trust the internet for advice, since drug selling laws vary from region to region. The UK, the US, Australia, and Canada all have different standards for juveniles, so it’s important to seek specific advice.
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Absences From School or After School Work
Kids skip school all the time. Some teenagers don’t have the best work ethic, which leads to them calling in sick for their after school or summer job. If your teen is leaving the house but not arriving at school or work, this raises a larger question. Where are they actually going? If they’re opting to spend their time buying or selling drugs, this is something you’ll want to discover sooner rather than later. Be very vigilant about habitual attendance problems at school or work.
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Severe Shifts in Sleeping Patterns
Some drugs are uppers and some drugs are downers. Uppers make it difficult to sleep by artificially inflating energy levels and speeding up brain activity and sensory perception. Downers dull the senses, making the user feel sleepy and lethargic. Sleeping a lot or not sleeping enough are both bad for teens, but they’re even worse when these patterns stem from drug use.
Insomnia and depression can also occur in younger teens, sometimes as a consequence of puberty. If these changes in sleep pattern are prolonged, erratic, or associated with other suspicious behaviors, they should be a cause for concern.
If you suspect your child may be using or selling drugs, you need to address the matter immediately. Start by inviting the child to open up about anything that may be bothering them, creating a nonjudgmental environment. If your child isn’t forthcoming with valuable information, you may want to press the matter further or require your child to take an at-home drug test.
Author
Lucy Taylor is an avid blogger who enjoys sharing her tips and suggestions with her online readers. Working as a legal expert at LY Lawyers, Lucy often helps people dealing with legal problems, addictions and crime.