Episode 52: Are Your Kids Abusing Drugs?

Do you think your kids may be abusing drugs? Do you know what signs to look for? This week's episode will help you to learn basic signs and symptoms of drug abuse. We have a great interview with the hottest law enforcement officer around. My hubs. Everyone's lives have been touched by drugs in some way, whether you have been a victim of a property crime, or maybe you have a relative who have become addicted to drugs. This is no different for kids in foster care, where it has been cited that 32% of kids are in foster care due to their parents' drug abuse issues. Some basic signs that your child may be abusing drugs: The medicine cabinet is suddenly emptier. The abuse of prescription drugs is very common. Make sure you are safely disposing of your unused prescription pills. Your child's mood and circle of friends changes suddenly, or strangely. Obviously children have mood swings, especially as they grow into adolescence. But truly knowing your kids, and knowing their friends, will greatly help in identifying whether they are possibly abusing substances There is a chance that your child's health, and appearance starts to decline for no apparent reason. Drug use will affect your immune system and cause you to get sick more often. Long term use of some drugs can also cause your teeth to rot, and for you to have open lesions on your skin. You find drug paraphernalia in your child's room, including little ziploc baggies, burnt foil, burnt apples (this was new info to me as well!), needles, etc. Or, if your kid is terrible at hiding things, you find actual drugs in their room, in their bag, or on their person. For additional resources: You can find some documentaries on Netflix, you can just GOOGLE it, or read books on drugs and how to know what to look for. Arm yourselves! Educate yourselves! And above all - talk talk talk to your kids, know your kids well, build up a trusting and open relationship with your children. If you do find out that your child is abusing drugs - there is always help and hope! Find a rehabilitation center, a hospital, a church, or center that can help you walk through this journey. Talk to your kids. Talk about how damaging drugs are on their body and lives. If they are old enough, take them to a Soup Kitchen (click here to find one near you) and serve food to the homeless. Much of the homeless population is affected by drug abuse. Set up 'safe words/phrases' that they can use to call you in an emergency. They don't want to look 'uncool' in front of their friends, but they also may not be comfortable staying in a situation where people are abusing drugs or alcohol. Make sure they know it is always safe to call you at any time, and that you will happily pick them up at any time to get them out of a dangerous situation. The (Good) Word of the Day Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8 Drugs are no joke! We have definitely seen its impact on friends and family, and in the lives of our foster kids'. None of us are immune from falling into addiction. Don't be ignorant to the fact that drugs are readily available to your kids! Even if you are doing your best to provide a safe and loving Christian home. I shared that my youth pastor, who was a pastor's kid, was a drug dealer at the tender age of 12! If you have any other questions regarding potential drug abuse, you can email us at [email protected]. (Yes, this is such a lame and unofficial email address, but we have had this for 13 years!) If you want to connect on Social Media: You can find us at: Jihae Watson on Facebook Chris Watson on Facebook Fostering Voices on Instagram Jihae Watson on Instagram AND we would LOVE it if you would leave us a review on iTunes! This helps others to find our podcast. We want to share these voices from the foster care and adoption community with more people!