Really, just about no one wants to think of their kid using drugs. But being the parent of a drug-free child may include learning how to be a good detective.
Among the young, there is a greater and greater acceptance of drug use, particularly of marijuana and pills. Even if parents instruct their children on the dangers of using these drugs, it is possible that many teens think they know more than their parents and that their parents’ advice is wrong or stupid. It may take being a good detective to find out if young people are starting to use drugs.
Young people still living at home are learning ways to hide drugs in their rooms so that parents won’t know they are there, even if they search. Parents need to have a different attitude about looking for drugs. Just going through drawers, pockets and backpacks is not enough. Here are some of the other places drugs are being hidden and some other things to look for to detect drug abuse.
Where Drugs May Be Hidden
- Soda cans with holes poked in them – these can be improvised pipes for smoking pot.
- Any kind of small glass pipe with residue is probably being used for something illicit.
- There are also small “lipstick cases” that are really pipes so you have to take a close look to tell if what you find is legitimate or being used for drug use.
- Rolling papers or cigars can both be used for smoking marijuana.
- Thick woven bracelets are now being manufactured for the concealment of drugs – open the clasp and look inside the hollow part.
- Behind posters – any drug that can be smashed flat may be taped to the back of a poster.
- Toys or books may be hollowed out and used for storage.
- In makeup packaging – pills, LSD or even cocaine could easily be stored in these items.
- Belt buckles can be purchased that are specifically made for hiding drugs.
So you can see why you need to be a detective in order to check all the places drugs could be hidden. Making things more difficult are the forums and discussion groups where people share ideas on where to hide drugs.
Here’s a good infographic on this subject: http://infographicjournal.com/13-most-common-places-where-kids-hide-drugs/
And a recent news article: http://www.njherald.com/story/25615323/2014/05/26/childs-drug-use-may-be-in-plain-sight
I hope this helps familiarize you with ways to fight drug abuse in your family.