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    Common drugs being used by todays teens

Today all across America, teens are using drugs. In alot of cases parents have no idea. I want to focus on a few popular drugs, that teens are using today, and try to help parents know what signs to look for, what some of the drugs look like, and what some of the drug tools are.

One of the most popular illegal drugs that teens are using today, is marijuana ( see the picture above ) it is green in color, most of the time, and has a very strong odor. It is smoked, much like a cigarette. Some things to watch for are, rolled cigarette appearing things called roaches, bent pop cans with little holes on top, glass, metal, or wooden pipes. All these are ways in which the drug user smokes the marijuana. Some symptoms, and signs are, red, glossy eyes, laziness, a sudden urge to eat alot of junk food, and a peculiar odor on the clothing. Another thing you might want to watch out for, that could be a good cause for question that you teen is using and, that is very popular with marijuana using teens is, drawings of the marijuana plant. ( see picture below )

   The ever popular marijuana leaf drawing.

     Another popular drug is Narcotic pills

This is one of the most growing, popular ways in which teens are getting high. They are taking prescription pain narcotics, such as, Vicodin, Percaset, Oxycotin, Indocet, and Valium. These are only some of the pills that teens are using. In some cases they are using a mixture of pills to get a more intense effect, which is called a ” cocktail “.  It is actually quite easy for anyone to buy these pills on the streets. Some things to watch for are, empty of non-empty pill containers ( shown in picture above ) or pills in any other kind of container, or plastic baggie. Some sign that you may want to watch for are, moodiness, extreme highs or lows, hyperness, and un accounted for money. It is very dangerous to abuse prescription drugs, and it can cause sudden death, so this should be taken very seriously. You may have noticed in recent media the actor Heath Ledger, dying from an accidental overdose of pills such as these.

      Drug use can cause alot of family issues

It is our responsibility , as parents to watch out for our teens. We need to always be involved in what they are doing. It is our buisness, what they are doing. We need to ask questions, and if we don’t get answers we need to take it upon ourselves to be nosy. this could be the difference of life or death. If you think your teen may be using any drug at all you need to , act immediately. Talk to your teens school, and friends, sometimes they know more than we do. If needed contact a local drug counselor. Consider rehab, or doing a family intervention. If possible cut off resources your teen may be using to get drugs, such as, allowance. Check your teens belongings daily for any drugs or contraband. The best thing I can tell you is to, talk with other parents, research, get familiar with signs, and keep your eyes open.

I hope this blog helps any parents that may questioning if their teen is using drugs. Remember, we are parents, not friends!