Healthy Communities That Care

YOU Matter in Drug and Alcohol Prevention

It’s not always easy to tell when teens are using drugs because many signs or symptoms are common for youth this age. While there is no single warning sign for drug or alcohol use, some signs to look for include:

Skipping classes or not doing well in school
Unusual odors on their clothes or in their room
Hostility or lack of cooperation
Physical changes (red eyes, runny nose)
Borrowing money often, or suddenly having extra cash
Lack of interest in activities
Significant mood changes
Loss of interest in personal appearance
Change in friends
Heightened secrecy about actions or possessions

The #1 reason kids choose not to use drugs or alcohol is because they don’t want to disappoint their parents.

There are ways to prevent your children from using alcohol and drugs, and they all start with you:

Provide clear and consistent rules and consequences

Know your child’s whereabouts at all times– make sure their social environment is alcohol and drug free

Get to know your child’s friends and their parents
Don’t be afraid to ask questions and search your child’s room and belongings if you suspect that s/he is using drugs or alcohol or is involved in other risky behaviors

Be proud of them and praise them when they do something good

Let them know that you disapprove of, and will not tolerate, underage use of alcohol and tobacco and all use of illegal drugs

Related Documents:

ATOD Tips Brochure (620 kb).
ATOD Tips Card (212 kb).