In the Zone: Child on Drugs

    After divorce, it's essential that you watch your teen-agers for potential changes in behavior. Several months ago, a man brought his son into see me for counseling because he had noticed some disturbing changes in his son’s behavior, energy level and  attitude. After taking a clinical history from this 19-year -ld young man and a  family history from his parents, I suspected that this patient might be abusing  drugs and alcohol. At a subsequent session, the patient admitted to using marijuana and alcohol.           

In many instances, parents are in denial where drug or substance abuse within  their family unit is concerned. Clinicians, like myself, see this unwillingness to  face reality on the part of parents all the time.              

What was unusual about this case was the fact that this patient’s father was a well-trained and well-respected physician. If a physician can be unaware or in  denial where drug and alcohol problems are concerned, there are probably many parents who need some additional education about the signs of drug and or alcohol abuse. I think  it is useful to review some of  the common symptoms of drug or alcohol use. Parents should also realize that it is quite common for kids who are using alcohol to also being using other drugs in conjunction with their drinking.            

Also, it is important to understand that many young people who abuse drugs  are suffering from underlying anxiety or depression. Here is a list of the signs and symptoms parents need to be aware of: (The American Council For Drug Education has published this list.)  

1. Loss of appetite, increase in appetite, any changes in eating habits, unexplained weight loss or gain.
2. Slowed or staggering walk; poor physical coordination. Inability to sleep, awake at unusual times, unusual laziness.
3. Red, watery eyes; pupils larger or smaller than usual; blank stare.
4. Cold, sweaty palms; shaking hands.
5. Puffy face, blushing or paleness.
6. Smell of substance on breath, body or clothes.
7. Extreme hyperactivity; excessive talkativeness.
8. Runny nose; hacking cough.
9. Needle marks on lower arm, leg or bottom of feet.
10. Nausea, vomiting or excessive sweating.
11. Tremors or shakes of hands, feet or head. Irregular heartbeat.
12. Change in overall attitude/personality with no other identifiable cause.
13. Changes in friends; new hang-outs; sudden avoidance of old crowd; doesn't want to talk about new friends; friends are known drug users.
14. Change in activities or hobbies.
15. Drop in grades at school or performance at work; skips school or is late for school.
16. Change in habits at home; loss of interest in family and family activities. Difficulty in paying attention; forgetfulness.
17. General lack of motivation, energy, self-esteem, "I don't care" attitude.
18. Sudden oversensitivity, temper tantrums, or resentful behavior.
19. Moodiness, irritability, or nervousness.
20. Silliness or giddiness.
21. Paranoia Excessive need for privacy; unreachable.
22. Secretive or suspicious behavior.
23. Car accidents.
24. Chronic dishonesty.
25. Unexplained need for money, stealing money or items.
26. Change in personal grooming habits.
27. Possession of drug paraphernalia.     

If your youngster is exhibiting some of these kinds of shifts in his or her behavior, you need to take immediate action. Contact a mental health professional, a treatment facility or a health professional who has experience treating people with substance abuse issues. 

Jay P. Granat, Ph.D., is a psychotherapist, a licensed marriage and family therapist, hypnotherapist, author, lecturer, found of stayinthezone.com. He writes a regular column called, "In The Zone," for divorce360.