B-MIX Parents

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Dont Panic
If a member of your family is acting oddly, it’s sometimes difficult to know what’s causing a change in behaviour. One way to find out is to ask – but not confront. Try using what’s called ‘I’ statements – for example, ‘I’ve noticed that you seem different lately’ rather than ‘you’re acting strangely, what’s up?’ which can sound accusatory. Being openly supportive is more likely to produce a response. If you’re worried about a teenager in the family, there are some things you can look for – but before we list them, here’s a word of caution.

Sometimes, people assume that drink or drugs are causing changes in a teenager’s behaviour when the teenager is attempting to assert themselves as a young adult. A closed bedroom door needn’t mean that drugs and alcohol have become a problem. With that in mind (and a reminder that most people who experiment with drugs and alcohol never develop problems) here are some signs to look out for:

  • Rapid and frequent changes in mood or behaviour
  • A new set of friends
  • Isolation (the closed door syndrome already discussed)
  • Things missing around the home – money, electronic items, jewellery
  • Unusual items – pieces of tin foil, burnt spoons, remains of cannabis cigarettes.
  • Decline in personal hygiene
  • Change in sleeping patterns