With Summer Approaching Parents Should Make Sure Kids Don't Use Downtime to Abuse Drugs

MALIBU, Calif., June 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- With summer approaching parents should be vigilant about ensuring children don't use downtime from their studies to engage in drug abuse, warns one of America's leading drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers, Cliffside Malibu.  Just as adults often suffer addiction relapses when not working regular hours, parents should be careful that kids don't get into drug-related trouble when the daily structure of school is not in place.

"Cliffside Malibu typically sees an increase in admissions, especially in college-age or younger students, during and immediately following the summer months," said Cliffside Program Director Dr. Georgina Smith.  "Parents should be sensitive to physical, behavioral and psychological changes in children that could signal the onset of drug or alcohol abuse, or even prescription medication addiction, and act immediately if they suspect trouble."  

Among the physical symptoms that could signal drug abuse: bleary eyes, reduced coordination, shaking, slurred speech and changes in grooming habits or appearance including rapid weight gain or loss. Parents should also look out for kids becoming more combative or paranoid, acting lethargic, manic, increasingly withdrawn or being increasingly secretive about where they are going or what they are doing.

Other signs of drug-related troubles could include increased requests for money, disappearance of valuables from around the house and increased use of eye drops, incense or other air fresheners.

Dr. Smith suggests that parents who suspect their children may be abusing drugs immediately address the issue directly with them in a non-confrontational way.  Parents should seek expert advice from professionals at Cliffside or other facilities specializing in drug abuse treatment.  Parents should also make extra efforts to invest time and resources in constructive activities such as sports and volunteering, which redirect children's energies in a positive manner.

About Cliffside Malibu

Cliffside Malibu is a full-service residential drug abuse and alcohol addiction treatment center in the Los Angeles area, and has one of the highest drug rehab success rates in the world. At Cliffside, teams of highly-trained experts administer individually tailored rehabilitation programs for every type of addiction to patients who place a premium on privacy, safety, and, most importantly, effectiveness.  Richard Taite, founder and CEO of Cliffside, gave the facility its name from its striking location on a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean. For more information, visit www.cliffsidemalibu.com or call 800-501-1988.  

SOURCE Cliffside Malibu