It's a question just about every parent will ask: "How can I tell if my child is using drugs or alcohol?"

Changes in mood or attitudes, including unusual temper outbursts, changes in sleeping habits and changes in hobbies or other interests are common in teens. So, what should you look for?

Look for signs of depression, withdrawal, carelessness with grooming or hostility.

Also ask yourself: "Is my child doing well in school, getting along with friends, taking part in sports or other activities?"

A WATCH LIST FOR PARENTS

Changes in friends

Negative changes in schoolwork, missing school, 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, e.g. more secretive, using "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, common household products); rags and paper bags are sometimes used as accessories

Bottles of eye drops, which may be used to 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

These changes often signal that something harmful is going on — and often that involves alcohol or drugs.

You may want to take your child to the doctor and ask him or her about screening your child for drugs and alcohol. This may involve the health professional asking your child a simple question, or it may involve a urine or blood drug screen. However, some of these signs also indicate there may be a deeper problem with depression, gang involvement, or suicide.

Be on the watch for these signs so that you can spot trouble before it goes too far.

MORE SPECIFIC SIGNS

CLICK HERE for signs and symptoms associated with these drugs:

Alcohol

Cocaine, Crack, Methamphetamines and Stimulants

Depressants

Ecstasy

Hallucinogens, LSD and Acid

Inhalants

Marijuana/Pot

 Narcotics, Prescription Drugs, Heroin, Opium, Codeine and Oxycontin

PCP

Solvents, Aerosols. Glue and Petrol