DRUG USE USUALLY MASKS DEEPER EMOTIONAL ISSUES

Drugs and teens - almost synonymous.

That is not to say all teenagers indulge in some form of drug use, but
the majority do.

Most often, teens begin their exploration of the world of drugs by
smoking marijuana. This, for many, is the most they are comfortable
with, though some teens springboard from smoking the odd joint into
the world of chemical and substance abuse.

This can take the form of prescription medications, crystal meth,
crack cocaine, mushrooms and cough syrup, to name but a few.

How do you know if your teen is abusing drugs? Some signs can
include:

. slipping grades and poor school attendance;

. secrecy;

. red eyes;

. long sleeves worn year round;

. theft in the home;

. lethargy;

. unusual outbursts of anger;

. night sweats and sleeplessness;

. appetite swings.

Sometimes, parents get so caught up in their duties and obligations
that they barely have a moment to really connect with their children.

We can be in the same room and not even notice them. We can talk to
them through the walls of our own homes, all the while not taking a
real look at their faces, eyes, language and bodies.

Perhaps it may be time to check in with your teen. If you feel
overwhelmed with what you find, there is much help available to soothe
and heal any drug issues that may be present.

Substance abuse can be the direct result of unresolved emotional
issues that are crippling your teen's ability to function clearly and
consciously.

The kindest thing we can bring to the table as parents is compassion
and kindness. Your teen did not simply wake up one day and say, "Gee,
I think I'll become a drug abuser today - that sounds like fun!"

This pattern of behaviour is just a manifestation - a call for
attention to a deeper matter that can be resolved.

Choose to get real and educate yourself about the availability and
kind of drugs out there. Our area has many community access points
that will assist you in understanding your teen's world from a more
intimate place.

Remember - closed eyes remain blind. Choose to see through the eyes of
love, however, and all will be well.

Jasmine Iwaszkiewicz specializes in youth counselling.