POSSIBLE SIGNS OF SUBSTANCE USE
For parents, when it comes to forestalling their child's susbstance use, the price of prevention is eternal vigilance. They have to keep close watch on their child's behavior and be willing to consider substance involvement when a change or choice for the worse by their son or daughter is not fully explained by the data at hand. What kinds of changes should parents look for?
When smart kids make stupid decisions.
When good kids act bad.
When truthful kids lie.
When mindful kids can't remember.
When conscientious kids become indifferent.
When even-tempered kids develop mood swings.
When capable kids fail.
When dedicated kids lose interest.
When communicative kids shut up.
When open kids become secretive.
When nice kids act mean.
When responsible kids act irresponsibly.
When reliable kids default on their agreements.
When motivated kids start not to care.
When careful kids act careless.
When obedient kids break rules and laws.
When focussed kids have accidents.
When honest kids steal.
When healthy kids become run down.
None of these changes individually is a guarantee of substance use, but over time a pattern combining a number of these behaviors are cause for parental concern -- enough concern to factor the possibility of substance use.
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