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Information For Parents

If your children decide to experiment with illicit drugs, they will eventually find someone to supply them - regardless of where you live. That is a hard but all too often true fact that raises questions like:

• How can I keep my child safe from drugs?

At what age are children exposed to drugs?

• How can I tell if my child is taking drugs?
• Why would my child experiment with drugs?
• What's the latest on today's drug scene?

The Parent's Information Center provides information that will help you as a parent develop your own answers to these and other questions you may have regarding the use of illicit drugs, alcohol and tobacco by teens and preteens.

Spend some time and read the many key articles we have compiled below. And don't overlook our "Resources and Links" - where you will find a wealth of information at other web sites.

 Preventing the Problem

Start talking to your children at an early age about specific drug related issues. Give them a chance to participate in the discussions and find out what they already know about drugs (you may be surprised). Establishing communications early makes it much easier to deal with drug problems that may arise later.

One option followed by many parents is to establish a family drug and alcohol policy with their children. The policy should include drug education, a statement of expectations, a listing of specific restrictions if the policy is not followed and the potential for drug testing. The threat of drug testing is a risk that most children understand. It gives your child an acceptable "excuse" to say no and may take some peer pressure off of them to experiment.  

Addressing the Problem

If teens and preteens do use drugs, they will probably deny it to their parents. Most drug counselors agree that by the time parents suspect drug use by their children, it’s already well under way.

Most parents want to keep their children away from drugs, alcohol and tobacco - but they don't know how. Open family discussion as mentioned above has been cited as the number 1 deterrent to drug experimentation by children.

Many parents, however, feel that their situation requires some sort of proof or report card to let them know how well their child is doing staying away from drugs, alcohol and tobacco. RapidCup.com has the tools available to do exactly that. We carry a complete line of drug, alcohol and tobacco tests for use in the privacy of your home. Click on any of the links above for more information.

The articles listed below are a sample of the thousands that have been published on the Internet. They provide a well rounded base of information relating to parents, teenagers and the drug problem. Click on the subjects that you feel may be of value to you.

Signs of Drug Abuse

Does Your Teen Display Any of The Following Signs?
If you are suspicious your child may be using drugs, don't ignore the warning signs. Children seldom grasp the concepts of addiction. Most view themselves as imperious to peril. For some teens, the stress of adolescence and peer pressure is overwhelming. Drugs often become an enticing escape from their real world.

Behavior characteristics associated with substance abuse:

• Abrupt changes in work or school attendance, quality of work, work output, grades, discipline.
• Unusual flare-ups or outbreaks of temper.
• Withdrawal from responsibility.
• General changes in overall attitude.
• Deterioration of physical appearance and grooming.
• Wearing of sunglasses at inappropriate times.
• Continual wearing of long-sleeved garments particularly in hot weather or reluctance to wear short sleeved attire when appropriate.
• Association with known substance abusers.
• Unusual borrowing of money from friends, co-workers or parents.
• Stealing small items from employer, home or school.
• Secretive behavior regarding actions and possessions; poorly concealed attempts to avoid attention and suspicion such as frequent trips to storage rooms, restroom, basement, etc.  

Physical Signs associated with drug abuse:

• Loss of appetite, increase in appetite, any changes in eating habits, unexplained weight loss or gain.
• Slowed or staggering walk; poor physical coordination.
• Inability to sleep, awake at unusual times, unusual laziness.
• Red, watery eyes; pupils larger or smaller than usual; blank stare.
• Cold, sweaty palms; shaking hands.
• Puffy face, blushing or paleness.
• Smell of substance on breath, body or clothes.
• Extreme hyperactivity; excessive talkativeness.
• Runny nose; hacking cough.
• Needle marks on lower arm, leg or bottom of feet.
• Nausea, vomiting or excessive sweating.
• Tremors or shakes of hands, feet or head.
• Irregular heartbeat.

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