What should I do if I think my child is involved in illegal drugs?

Initiating drug testing for our own children is a subject that few of us parents want to deal with. We all want to trust our children and we often just hope they will just "do the right thing." However the choice, potency and availability of illicit drugs continues to grow at an alarming rate, At the same time, the social pressures on young people to try drugs are unrelenting. Recent surveys indicate that few parents think their children actually use drugs. However, information compiled by the Shasta County School system indicates that in 1999, 11.3% of 11th graders had used methamphetamine within the past two months and 46.6% of the same survey group indicated they had used Marijuana. This is nearly 6 out of 10 Shasta County students using or at least experimenting with drugs. There appears to be a big gap in what parents think their children are doing and how the teenagers self-report what they are actually doing.

This is especially alarming when you consider the transition time from experimentation to addiction. Adults may take 2-5 years to become addicted while teens may take only 6 to18 months.

Marijuana can be far more harmful than many parents think. It's much more potent now than it was in the 60's and 70's. Occasional use can very easily slip into regular use. Some studies show the average age of first marijuana use is 14 and by high school nearly one in 20 high school seniors use it on a daily basis and national statistics show that nearly 40% of 12th graders report at least having tried marijuana.

These illegal substances cause learning abilities and concentration to be impaired. Grades fall, sports, hobbies and long-standing relationships are abandoned. School expulsion may occur. The legal system may become involved. The family is in conflict and torn apart. Obviously, it is far better if the situation never gets to this point. If parents suspect their child is using illegal drugs or alcohol, they can seek help from a private testing facility where all the information remains completely confidential and is shared only with the family. Law enforcement or other governmental social agencies are not informed. Some of these private facilities will provide referrals to professional family counselors and offer free educational materials.

Parents can take a strong stand against drug use by requiring their children to take a drug test if they have the least suspicion that their children are involved with drugs. Having a frank discussion with your children to inform them that you will have them tested if you suspect drug involvement may serve as an effective deterrent and help them say "no" to drugs or if a child is already involved, private testing may catch the problem early in the cycle when treatment may be more effective.

Drug testing your child is not to create conflict, but rather to build trust and encourage open communication between parents and teenagers on the subject of drugs. If you suspect your teen is using drugs, confirm your suspicion with a drug test, and then talk to your child if the test results are positive.

See also More Information for Parents

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What warning signs should a parent watch for?

1. Changes in mood and Behavior.
2. Loss of interest in sports and hobbies
3. Significant drop in grades
4. Withdrawal from the family
5. Changes in appearance and friends
6. Secretiveness and/or overreaction to criticism
7. Decreased energy and drive
8. Slurred speech, unclear thinking, poor memory
9. Drug paraphernalia-papers, pipes, spoons, baggies
10. Unexplained disappearances of money or possessions

While some of these signs may be considered common adolescent behaviors, follow your intuition about your teen, be aware of sudden changes and always communicate with kindness but be firm in your commitment to keep your children free from illegal drugs.

See also More Information for Parents

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What is meth?

Meth is a very powerful central nervous system stimulant that produces increased physical activity, alertness, elation, wakefulness, euphoria, and decreased appetite.

For more information press "Back" and see the Introduction to Meth, Pharmacology, and Links pages in the About Meth section.

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What are other names for methamphetamine?

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How is meth used?

Meth can be smoked, snorted, injected and taken orally. Smoking and injecting are the two most dangerous ways to take meth because it gets into the system rapidly, causes a rapid rise in blood pressure and can cause seizures and cardiac arrest.

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What are the signs and symptoms of meth use?

Euphoria, hyperactivity and increased alertness, anxiety, nervousness, irritability, unusual aggression or paranoia, decreased appetite and weight loss, insomnia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hot flashes, dryness of the mouth, sweating and elevated body temperature, dilated pupils, elevated heart rate, increased respirations, high blood pressure, involuntary body movements such as twitching, jaw thrusting, and teeth grinding.

See also the Introduction to Meth section.

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What are the long-term effects of meth use?

Damage to the brain and other organs, lowered resistance to disease, stroke, heart failure, death, welts and open sores on the skin, severe depression severe weight loss and malnutrition, poor dental health, insomnia, paranoia which can lead to suicide and homicide, auditory and visual hallucinations.

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How long does meth last?

The euphoric effects of meth last a few hours. The stimulating effects last six to eight hours and can produce effects for up to 24 hours.

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What chemicals are used to make meth?

Meth is made from commonly found chemicals that can be purchased legally. Some of the chemicals may include Toluene/paint thinner, methanol, benzene, ethyl ether, camp stove fuel (Coleman fuel), starting fluid (Heet), ammonia, iodine crystals, ephedrine or pseudoephedrine (cold medicine), drain cleaner (Drano, Red Devil Lye), red phosphorous, muriatic and hydrochloric acid and battery (sulphuric) acid.

See also the section on Raising Suspicions

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Why is the manufacturing of meth dangerous?

Many chemicals found in labs are poisonous by themselves or poisonous and explosive when mixed with other chemicals. One gas that is sometimes produced in meth labs is odorless, but fatal within seconds. Explosion and fire are dangers associated with "cooking." The chemicals are involved in causing short-term and permanent brain damage (neurotoxicity), developmental and growth problems in children and teens, reproductive system toxicity, internal and external chemical burns, cancer, heart problems, immune system problems, respiratory problems, and other health problems.

See also the section on Reporting Meth Activities.

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How do I know if someone is cooking meth?

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