TIPS FOR PARENTS:

"UNMASKING" TEEN MARIJUANA USE THIS HALLOWEEN SEASON

Halloween doesn't have to be a scary time for parents of teens. Parental monitoring can go a long way toward ensuring that harmless mischief doesn't turn into risky behavior such as marijuana use. Two-thirds of kids say that upsetting their parents or losing the respect of family and friends is one of the main reasons they don't smoke marijuana or use other drugs. Parents can also help keep their kids drug-free by monitoring where they are, who they are with and setting rules with clear consequences for breaking them.

There are many clues that your child may be using marijuana. Here's a list of potential warning signs to help you "unmask" your teen's marijuana use:

* Unusual Behavior: If your child comes home while high on marijuana he or she might be unsteady on their feet, act silly for no reasons, or have a hard time remembering things. Marijuana use is also associated with depression, increased hostility and aggressive behavior.

* Change in Behavior or Friends: Your teen might be using marijuana if you notice a major change in behavior, if he or she has been acting distant from family or existing friends or is hanging out with a different crowd that you suspect may be using drugs. But both behavior change and new friends can happen for reasons other than drug use.

* Poor Grades or Withdrawal from Activities: A drop in grades or withdrawal from extracurricular activities is a red flag for parents that something may be wrong. Teen marijuana users often lose interest in school, sports or other activities they used to enjoy.

* Change in Appearance/Habits: Many marijuana users become carelessness with grooming and personal appearance. Teens high on marijuana may have red, bloodshot eyes or smell like smoke. Other signs of marijuana use include dramatic changes in eating or sleeping habits.

* Drug Paraphernalia: Your child is probably using marijuana if you see signs of drug paraphernalia (pipes, rolling papers) in her room, if she uses a lot of room deodorizers, or her room has posters promoting drug use.

Visit TheAntiDrug.com for more information and advice on raising drug-free teens.

TheAntiDrug.com offers a free brochure called, "Keeping your Kids Drug-Free: A How-To Guide for Parents and Caregivers."

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