A child using meth is a nightmare parents hope they will never have to face. Unfortunately, this nightmare has become a reality for many parents across the United States, including in Indiana. By paying careful attention, parents can often notice the warning signs of methamphetamine use in their children and get help before it is too late.
Methamphetamine use in Indiana
The latest available data from the CDC shows 6.2% of Indiana high school teens have at least tried meth, which is higher than the 4.4% national average. The Indiana percentages peak by 11th grade, with 7.1% of girls and 7.3% of boys saying they have at used meth at least once during their lives. Due to the strength of the drug, once is often enough for a person to become hooked.
Warning signs and symptoms your child might be using methamphetamine
Meth is a stimulant drug that affects the brain and body, leading to moodiness, behavioral changes, and physical symptoms.
The word moody is a common adjective for the word teenager. The unpredictable behavior of a teen can sometimes pose a problem in identifying methamphetamine use, but parents who pay close attention can pick up on the warning signs and symptoms.
The attached slideshow explains what parents should look for if they are concerned their child is using meth.
For more info: Parents who are concerned their teen may be using meth or other drugs can find important information on how to talk to their child and get them help on Partnership for a Drug-free America’s Parents Resource Center and A Time to Act intervention guide.
For more information on the meth use in Indiana and the Governor's Commission for a Drug-Free Indiana (DFI), please visit the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute website.
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Comments
Excellent and information every parent of a teen needs to know.
Thanks for this information.... I have 8 kids and so far, nothing like any of this, but it's always good to know what to look for.
Great info..I tweeted this!
Kaufman County Crime Examiner
Dallas Generation X Examiner
Vital signs. I didn't know many of these. Thanks!
Great info! I dread the day our small daughter will become a teen... I hope we won't have to be looking for these signs, what an awful thing to have to go through.
Ft Lauderdale Science News Examiner
Space News Examiner
Your slide at the end was awesome, great for parents to be aware. Having adopted children whose parents were meth users, I know firsthand it is a really scary, dangerous, and unfortunately easily accessible drug here in Indiana. Education for parents is key and keeping up with what your older kids are doing is vital. Thanks for the info!
Great article. This is such terrible, terrible drug.
Great info!
Wow! That first picture looks good enough to eat.
That's so scary, I never even heard of Meth until recently.
Great info- I'm forwarding the link to friends who are parents of teens. ;)
must be seen by more mothers possible. Thanks. GOING TO RT WHEREVER SEE IT.
Thanks for the info. I have a son who may be on Meth. If he can find it he will use any drug.
Great article. Its a parents nightmare....been there. But even when signs are there parents often are in denial. Luckly my daughter turned her life around. But it is a hard battle to fight. Worse addiction there is whether it is meth, crank, or crack.
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