More than half a million (638,484) drug-related emergencies were reported in 2001 - nearly a 75-percent increase over 1990 (371,208). Nearly 20,000 people in 2000 died of drug-related causes.

Illegal drugs have an enormous impact on society, taking 52,000 lives annually and draining the economy of $160 billion dollars a year. Everyone pays the toll in the form of higher health-care costs, dangerous neighborhoods, and an overcrowded criminal justice system.

Parents are the first line of defense in preventing illegal drug use.

What are the symptoms and signs of drug use?

• Parents and other caretakers of children should be able to recognize the signs of drug use. Possible signs include:
• Attitude changes- more irritable, secretive, withdrawn, overly sensitive, inappropriately angry, defiant, euphoric.
• Extreme mood swings (e.g., depression, and anger).
• Less responsible - late coming home, late for school or class, and dishonesty.
• Changing friends or changing lifestyles - new interests, unexplained cash.
• Physical deterioration - difficulty in concentration, loss of coordination, loss of weight, slurred speech, red or glassy eyes, sniffling or runny nose, appearing spaced out.
• Unexplained deterioration in school performance.
• Behavior problems. High-risk behavior, such as stealing or sexual promiscuity.
• Changes in relationships or eating habits. Changes in hygiene.

Presence of drugs or paraphernalia (cigarette papers, pipes, clips, spoons).