Monster Can
Teens are smart and they don’t want to get in trouble. If they are using substances, they are likely trying to hide their drugs and paraphernalia. Stow away products can be used to hide objects or substances. They typically appear as ordinary objects and are readily available in a variety of choices. Some items may even have liquid in them, to be more convincing. Other places that substances may be stored include book bags, gym bags, shoes, rolled socks, the bands of pants or hats, and in the holes or linings of jackets. Substances may also be hidden outside of the bedroom and in shared spaces, such as in gaming systems and cases, taped behind the toilet in the bathroom, or in the car.
Prescription Bottle
Prescription pills are being misused in unprecedented numbers and they are easy to get. Is that prescription bottle theirs? What was it from and do they still need it? Pill cutters, pieces of pills, devices to grate, razor blades, or credit cards can all be used to crush pills. Straws, rolled bills, or any hollow tube may indicate they are snorting them in an attempt to get a quicker high.
Lighter
Some items, like lighters, cigarettes, and rolling papers, are obvious indicators of smoking. But, smoking as a teen can also indicate the start of addiction and disease, including future substance use. Discarded tobacco or filters may also indicate the products are being used for other purposes. Other materials that are often associated with smoking, but can be used for other things, include vaping devices, such as E-cigs and vape pens. These items are unregulated by the FDA and can be used to inhale dry materials, wax, or liquid concentrates. With the right vaping device, cannabis concentrates, synthetics, or even heroin can be used discreetly.
Bobby pins
Some marijuana paraphernalia may be obvious, like roach clips or bongs. Others, such as bobby pins, tweezers, ID badge clips, small scissors, or decorative "art pieces" are less obvious. If you question whether these items have been used as marijuana paraphernalia, check for residue or signs of burning. "Smoking it" refers to inhaling the vapor through straws, glass/foil pipes, or toilet paper tubes. Solo users tend to use narrower tubes to hold it in their mouth to keep their hands free. Though marijuana is commonly portrayed as dried leaves, seeds, and plant buds, it can also be extracted into a number of other forms of concentrate, some with a THC level as high as 90%. Marijuana can also be dabbed or vaped. In this form, it is commonly referred to as wax, oil, budder, or shatter. Dabbing involves vaping the wax, also known as "honey" or “shatter”, using special equipment known as a rig and nail, a torch, and butane, or alternative electric options.
Cough/Cold Medication
DMX cough and cold medication can be used without mix as a substitute to alcohol or other substances. It can also be used in combination with soda, hard candy like jolly ranchers, and alcohol to create an addictive and dangerous drink known as “purple drank”, “sizzurp”, or “lean”. Keep an eye out for products like “Spike Your Juice” kits and other DIY wine kits. These are readily available online and you don’t need to be 21 to purchase them. Soaking tampons in alcohol gets it into your system quickly and you can’t smell it on breath.
Pill Crusher
Prescription pills are being misused in unprecedented numbers and they are easy to get. Is that prescription bottle theirs? What was it from and do they still need it? Pill cutters, pieces of pills, devices to grate, razor blades, or credit cards can all be used to crush pills. Straws, rolled bills, or any hollow tube may indicate they are snorting them in an attempt to get a quicker high.
Phone
There are several Apps that can be used to hide messages, conversations exchanges, and pictures on their phone. Some of the apps to look for include: App Lock, Vault, Hide It Pro, and Spy Calc. These apps are often available only for a short time and then are taken off the market or renamed. Some signs your child may be using these apps include turning off a device or hiding the screen when you enter a room or come close, refusing to hand over passwords or let you look through their phone, or having multiple apps of the same type, like two calculators.
Computer
If your child is using, they may deny it. It’s a tough call that only you can make, but “invading their privacy” may save their life. Checking their messages, social media accounts and computer history may indicate interest or use. Frequent deleting/clearing of these can be cause for concern as well. If you are concerned about any of their friends and don’t have a good feeling about them, Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and access to Dept. of Justice will show any legal history. You will need name and DOB (often on social media - even just the year will work.).
