If You Suspect Your Child is Struggling with Drug Addiction: What Should You Do?
By:Derek Kreymer
Back in 2017, I worked as a private investigator, hired by parents to investigate suspected drug use in their child. Cases like this aren’t typically covered in detective school; we had to devise creative ways to find the answers my clients sought. If you suspect a loved one is using drugs, please feel free to reach out. We can discuss and develop a surveillance plan that works for your specific situation.
Below is a list of warning signs you should be aware of:
Behavioral Changes often appear first. These might include declining grades, skipping school, abandoning longtime friends for new groups, becoming secretive about activities, or lying about whereabouts.
Financial Issues may emerge, such as constantly needing money or valuable items going missing from the home.
Physical Signs can be more obvious indicators. Red or bloodshot eyes, unusual pupil size, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, and deteriorating personal hygiene are common. Parents might also notice unusual odors on clothing or breath, unexplained weight changes, or coordination problems.
Emotional and Mental Changes frequently accompany substance use. Dramatic mood swings, increased irritability, periods of hyperactivity followed by lethargy, or signs of depression and anxiety can all signal problems. Many teens become withdrawn from family activities they once enjoyed.
Academic and Social Impact often becomes apparent as substance use progresses. Grades typically decline, participation in sports or clubs may decrease, and relationships with family members often become strained. Some teens may lose longtime friends or face disciplinary actions at school.
Drug-Specific Indicators
Different substances produce distinct effects that parents should recognize:
- Marijuana use often results in red eyes, increased appetite, coordination problems, and a distinctive odor on clothing. Users may seem relaxed but can also experience anxiety or paranoid thoughts.
- Stimulants like cocaine, methamphetamine, or misused prescription medications cause increased energy, rapid speech, dilated pupils, and hyperactivity. Users may go long periods without sleeping and experience dramatic mood crashes.
- Opioids, including prescription painkillers and heroin, cause drowsiness, slurred speech, constricted pupils, and coordination problems. These substances carry extremely high risks of overdose and addiction.
- Alcohol remains the most commonly used substance among teenagers. Signs include the smell of alcohol, slurred speech, poor coordination, and mood changes.
Physical Evidence
Parents should also be aware of drug paraphernalia that might indicate use. Rolling papers, small pipes, or items that smell unusual could suggest marijuana use. Needles, small spoons with burn marks, or rubber tubing might indicate more serious drug use. Even common household items like empty pen casings, small mirrors, or cut straws could be repurposed for drug use.
It’s a complex and deeply personal decision whether to hire a private investigator (PI) when a loved one is struggling with addiction. There are potential benefits and significant drawbacks to consider.
Potential Benefits of Hiring a Private Investigator:
- Gathering Evidence: A PI can gather concrete evidence of drug use, such as photos, videos, or documentation of activities related to addiction. This can be crucial if your loved one is in denial, or if you need evidence for legal purposes (e.g., child custody disputes, intervention planning).
- Confirming Suspicions: If you have strong suspicions but lack concrete proof, a PI can help confirm or deny your concerns, providing clarity in a difficult situation.
- Understanding Patterns: A PI might uncover patterns of behavior, associates, or locations where drug use is occurring, which can be helpful for intervention strategies or understanding the extent of the problem.
- Ensuring Safety (in some cases): If you are concerned about your loved one’s safety or the safety of others (especially children) due to their addiction, a PI might be able to monitor situations and provide information that helps you take protective measures.
- Professional and Discreet: PIs are trained to operate discreetly and legally to gather information. This can be less emotionally taxing and potentially safer than trying to investigate on your own.
- Connecting with Resources: Some PI firms that specialize in addiction investigations may also have connections to rehabilitation centers or legal services, offering a more holistic approach.
