I suspect that my daughter is using drugs. Can anyone help me id the type by signs?

Question

My daughter headed off to college last year but when she came back, she had started drinking and smoking. In the past 7 weeks since school has been out, she moved in with her aunt, skipped out on her without paying her bills and leaving all of her stuff there. She since went back, ripped off her aunt's stereo and dvd collection. Her appearance has changed to where her face is really bloated and reddish albeit her weight has decreased somewhat. Her attitude went from being friendly and social to being very anti social and dark. She is all about the concept of "doom" now and has a myspace page where she proclaims it. Any suggestions on how I can help her or if it sounds like she is on drugs? On a side note, I live 1500 miles away from her. Thanks.

Answer 1

I suggest having someone else approach her, she is going to feel shame and guilt with anyone but, it will escalate into anger with you. An old teacher or coach that she was really connected to, someone who can talk to her about what is going on, she is definately having troubles of some kind and you want to help.

Please don't ever say you are going to disown her as someone said in another post. A child who feels their parent does not love them unconditionally, is destined for more serious trouble and will never forget that being siad to them.
Better to say , "I love you so much that I am going to do everything possible to make sure that you are safe and healthy. WE will get you the help you need.

Answer 2

This is such a tough time for you and her and before I give you any advice I want to tell you good luck. You need to do the tough thing and talk to her its going to be tough but you are her mother and you all still have the bond that connects you two. I would like to tell you that she is not on anything but i do think you should give her the benifit of the doubt you will never get anywhere if you start to accuse her lether come toyou with the informaion. I would however as her if she wants to talk about the friends she has made or if there is a special man that may be why she is acting so dark it could be a broken heart. good luck and know that nothing is stronger than a bond between mother and daughter

Answer 3

It's more than drugs. She's with the wrong crowd. The sad thing is, some of this was probably under your nose while living at home. She's basically an adult now, so cutting her off will not work (at least not in the way you may expect it to). You do need to intervene though. Step up and say what's wrong and perhaps drag her out of there. She needs to see what she's doing to herself and others. Right now you need to be her mother and not her friend or an enabler.

Also there's no way you can do this alone. Seek counseling, her friends, and family and get her to realize the path she's taking right now is death.

Answer 4

It does sound like she is defiantly using drugs. You need to confront her about what is going on. Don't let distance keep you away. Go to her college if necessary. College can be very stressful and maybe she turned to drugs to help her cope. Now all that she thinks about is getting cash to get more drugs. She needs an intervention of some sort before she suffers some serious consequences. Check with the school and see if they have any counselors there or any drug rehabs. She probably isn't a bad kid, she is just crying out for help. Take her yourself to a drug rehab center and someone there can talk to her and evaluate her.

Answer 5

It does sound like it , Im sorry... and thats the hardest thing to go through, because even if you accuse her, she is not going to wanna listen to you. I would take her straight to a clinic for a few weeks before she goes back to school, and then make her take some classes of what drugs do to you. The only way she will quit is if she realizes that they will ruin her life, ruin her college career, her looks, and maybe even her life. Good luck!

Answer 6

I hate to say it but she is on a substance and she is abusing it, as it is affecting her emotional and physical states. Not sure which drug but it can be anywhere to crack, meth, or "speed" all are easy to get at school adn are not too expensive. However, they do cost $$ she doesn't have which is why she is stealing.

Reason she may be using? Depression, low self esteem or self concept, or peer pressure which got her hooked in.

I would get her in detox and to have her start counseling before it gets worse (and it can). Most females have sex with anyone for drugs or money to buy. (its no myth) I have several clients who have had sex with strangers just for 1 hit!

I don't mean to scare u but u must know how important it is to fine help for your daughter!

good luck!

Answer 7

With the weight loss and stealing, I doubt very much it is marijuana. It's more than likely crack, meth, or something like that. Try and make her get tested. Also make sure she's using some sort of birth control before she gets pregnant and brings a drug addicted baby into the world.

Answer 8

It doesnt matter WHAT drug it is, she needs help and she needs it FAST, not tomorrow or next week. The signs of usage from one drug to the next can be pretty much the same with some small differences. Get her to a professional, now, period, end of story.

Answer 9

she needs counseling..encourage her to get counseling and try to follow up on this. Sounds like a bit of depression and trying to figure out who she really is, but it also sounds like drugs/alcohol related issues too. I say talk to her like an adult..tell her your observations without sounding accusatory or judgemental and listen..really listen...seek the help of her friends and any other family members that live near her since you don't..but ultimately realize that it's her decision because she is an adult.

Answer 10

The signs you are describing would indicate drug use although it could be possible this is a reaction to something else happening in her life. You can buy home drug tests at local drug stores or online to confirm or deny your suspicions.