What Can We Do?

Recognize unhealthy drug use in family members

Sometimes it's difficult to distinguish normal teenage moodiness or anxiety from signs of drug use. Possible signs that your teenager or other family member is using drugs include:

• Problems at school or work — frequently missing school or work, a sudden disinterest in school activities or work, or a drop in grades or work performance
• Physical health issues — lack of energy and motivation, weight loss or gain, or red eyes
• Neglected appearance — lack of interest in clothing, grooming or looks
• Changes in behavior — major efforts to bar family members from entering the teenager's room or being secretive about going out with friends; or drastic changes in behavior and in relationships with family and friends
• Money issues — sudden requests for money without a reasonable explanation; or your discovery that money is missing or has been stolen or that items have disappeared from your home, indicating maybe they're being sold to support drug use

Preparing for change: 5 keys to addiction recovery

1. Remind yourself of the reasons you want to change.
2. Think about your past attempts at recovery, if any. What worked? What didn't?
3. Set specific, measurable goals, such as a start date or limits on your drug use.
4. Remove reminders of your addiction from your home, workplace, and other places you frequent.
5. Tell friends and family that you're committing to recovery, and ask for their support.