Do you know the Drug use Identification, Drug use Test, Drug Side Effects?

As a parent you should know the drug use identification and drug side effects. There are certain home tests that reveal the drug abuse by your child.

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Signs of Drug Use

The first time a child starts to go away from the family and get closer to his friends is the time to assess the situation. Majority of kids are getting involved in drugs as early as fifth or sixth grade. It require keen eye to remain alert to the signs of tobacco, alcohol, and drug use. It is sometimes difficult to know the difference between normal teenage behavior and behavior caused by drugs. The changes that last for more than a few days may be the signs of drug use.

The following may be the signs of drug use. These are actually the side effects of drug use. It is important to keep in mind that if a child shows any of the signs listed below, it does not necessarily mean that he or she is using drugs.

• Significant changes in eating habits, loss of appetite, increase in appetite.

• Changes in sleeping habits, inability to sleep, awake at sleeping time.

• Significant changes in personality and appearance (hairstyle, clothes, make-up, etc.)

• Red eyes, watery, unusual pupils-larger or smaller.

• Loss of interest in usual activities.

• Social withdrawal.

• School absenteeism, late coming home, grades dropping, bad conduct at school.

• Lost interest in hobbies, sports and other activities.

• General lack of energy, self-esteem and motivation.

• Running away from house or threatened to do so.

• Hostile, rebellion and abusive behavior.

• Extreme hyperactivity.

• Moody, depressed, tired, careless, run-down, withdrawn and excessive talkativeness.

• New friends whom he wouldn't bring home and doesn't want to talk about, sudden avoidance of old friends.

• Dry cough, colds, soar throat, and fatigue.

• Stealing, dishonesty, and lying.

• Cold, sweaty palms.

• Tremors, shaky hands, feet or head.

• Excessive need of privacy.

• Presence of items such as pipes, rolling papers, medicine bottles, eye drops, or butane lighters in kid's room, clothes, and school bag.

Many of these signs may also apply to a child who is not using drugs but who may be having other problems at school or in the family. When in doubt, consult your family doctor for the correct picture.