This is a topic no parent wants to talk about or have to face, but the negative effects of teen drinking and alcohol abuse are undeniable. Here are a few 2003 statistics gathered from several sources (see TeenDrugAbuse.US). The statistics are associated with current trends in teen drug use and the effects alcohol use has on teenagers.
Percent of 8th grade users: 30.3
Percent of 10th grade users: 44.9
Percent of 12th grade users: 52.8
Underage drinking costs the United States more than $58 billion dollars annually.
In the last thirty days 50% of teenagers report drinking; 32% of them were drunk on at least one occasion.

Because teens’ moods, attitudes, sleeping habits, hobbies, friends, and interests commonly change, it’s difficult to detect drug and alcohol use. It’s difficult, but not impossible.

How Can You Know if Your Child is Using Drugs or Alcohol?
It’s an important question, since most families dealing with drug and alcohol problems would agree that the earlier something is done about the problem, the better.

Be on the Lookout For
Changes in friends
Negative changes in schoolwork, truancy, or declining grades
Increased secrecy about possessions or activities
Use of incense, room deodorant, or perfume to hide smoke or chemical odors
Subtle changes in conversations with friends, such as more secretive or “coded” language
Change in clothing choices—new fascination with clothes that highlight drug use
Increase in borrowing money
Evidence of drug paraphernalia such as pipes, rolling papers, etc.
Evidence of use of inhalant products (such as hairspray, nail polish, correction fluid, air in a can, common household products) and rags and paper bags which are sometimes used as accessories
Eye drops, which may mask bloodshot eyes or dilated pupils
New use of mouthwash or breath mints (to cover up the smell of alcohol)
Missing prescription drugs—especially narcotics and mood stabilizers

Also look for signs of depression, withdrawal, careless grooming, or hostility. Such changes frequently signal that something harmful is going on—and often the trouble involves alcohol or drugs. However, some of these signs may indicate a deeper problem, like depression, suicidal thoughts, or gang involvement. Be aware of these signs so you can spot trouble before it goes too far and intervene early enough to do something about it.

What Can Be Done?
The longer you wait, the harder it will be to deal with your child’s drug and alcohol use. If these signs are present, take your child to be tested for drugs and alcohol. This may involve your child completing a drug and alcohol urine screening or hair follicle screening. If the tests are positive, you may want to visit a local substance abuse professional to complete an assessment by asking your child some simple questions.

Local Resource
Specialized Outpatient Services:www.okcsos.com

National Resource
Parents the Antidrug: www.TheAntiDrug.com

James Patterson is certified substance abuse counselor and the founder and executive director of Specialized Outpatient Services. SOS offers a wide range of assessment, referral, drug testing, outpatient, and intensive outpatient substance abuse services for teens and families in the OKC metro area.