Studies have shown that 40 percent of 12th graders, 30 percent of 10th graders and 13 percent of 8th graders have used a drug in the past year. According to the CDC, by the end of high school 72% of teens will have consumed alcohol and those who started drinking before the age of 15 are five times more likely to develop alcohol abuse or addiction.
For most parents, this is shocking information. We want to believe that our children are good and would always say no to drugs. The hard truth is the part of their brains that help them make good decisions isn’t fully developed until they are in their mid-20s. For this reason, children find ways to rationalize doing the drugs or drinking the alcohol. They may want to be cool, they may think they won’t become addicted, or they may be trying to cope with a traumatic event that happened in their life.
The fact is kids do drugs and drink, and often times this can be a contributing factor to domestic violence. Most of the drugs kids take can make them angry, make them feel numb to what is going on around them (and how bad the situation can be), or make them lose all inhibitions. Because of this, children who drink or take drugs are more likely to get in fights at school, at home, or even get in a physical altercation with their significant other.
Most domestic violence cases are in some way linked to drugs and alcohol, so we want to share with you a few signs to look for if you feel your child is doing drugs or drinking alcohol. According to the American Addiction Centers, some of the signs to look for in children you think may be using drugs or alcohol are:
- Unusual smells (such as marijuana)
- Failing grades (rapidly and unusual for student)
- Glazed eyes or expressions
- Abandoning or changing of friends
- Not wanting to answer your questions or talk to you
- Behavioral problems such as extreme anger
- Memory problems
- Unexplained injuries
- Items or money missing
These, as well as other signs are all possible signs that your teen may be using drugs or alcohol. If you suspect your child may be using, it is best to get them help right away. Not only do you want the addiction to end, but you do not want them to get worse and lead to something such as domestic violence or even going to jail.
For help with this issue or any other issue related to domestic violence, call The Safe Place at 1.888.554.2501. Victim advocates are standing by to answer your questions and connect you with the help you need.
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