It's a school district proud of its quiet neighborhoods, good families, high academic standards, and bright students. A $40,000 student survey opened their eyes to the fact that in 1995, district teenagers were using alcohol, cigarettes, marijuana, and a variety of other drugs at rates equal to and above the national average. But even though they now know that substance abuse is a problem "that's happening here . . . ", some parents continue to turn their heads in ignorance as they mutter, ". . . but not to my kid!"
Watch for these signs and symptoms that may indicate teen alcohol and drug abuse. A combination of several signs warrants your immediate attention.
Behavioral Signs
All Ray wanted to do was use the phone. He picked up the receiver and got ready to dial but his 16-year-old son Jeff was on the phone with a friend. Before Ray could put the receiver down, something about Jeff’s hushed tone made him listen. I’ve got $20. That should be enough to set us up for the weekend, he heard Jeff say. Curious, Ray listened a little longer as Jeff and his friend peppered their conversation with strange words like blunts, pocket rockets, and hot sticks.
