Bradley Hospital Parenting Guide:
Alcohol and Drug Abuse
Know How to Tell When Use
Becomes Misuse or Abuse
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If you are concerned or worried, call a mental health
professional for an assessment. Bradley Hospital is especially
well qualified, with experts in children's mental and emotional
health.
Call anytime
401-434-3400
ext. 364
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Do yourself and your children a favor by knowing the warning signs
of drug and alcohol use and abuse. The best indicator is your own
instinct. If things don't seem to add up, they probably don't.
If there is a recent change in any aspect of your child's life,
such as school, relationships with friends or relatives, physical
performance, overall health, or sleeping or eating patterns, you
should probe further.
Teens sometimes need help but just feel like they can't talk to
you. They may leave physical evidence, such as empty bottles under
the bed or matches or drug paraphernalia in the open, because they
subconsciously want a reaction from you.
Other warning signs include:
- Sudden drop in school grades
- Unusual neglect of personal hygiene
- Frequent mood swings
- A sudden change of friends
- Lots of talk about partying
- Your over-the-counter medications, alcohol or prescription drugs
are missing
- Truancy from school or frequent late nights out
- Lack of interest in previously important activities
Stages of Alcohol and Drug Use and Abuse
- Experimentation - can sometimes be detected but usually
won't cause any observable changes in function.
- Misuse - occurs when alcohol and drugs are sought to
deal with problems, to get along with others or to have a good
time. You will begin to notice changes at home or school.
- Abuse - means alcohol and drugs are being used frequently
and compulsively, despite harmful consequences.
- Addiction - means alcohol and drugs have become the central
focus of life. Addicted people may get involved in inappropriate
activity, such as crime, promiscuity and truancy. They experience
physical and emotional withdrawal symptoms when they are not using
alcohol or drugs.
Prevention and early intervention
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