Parents identify signs of teens' drug abuse

West Bloomfield-- Parents may not always feel welcome in their teenagers' bedrooms, but it was the teens who were kept away recently during a presentation at the West Bloomfield Public Library. Parents had the opportunity to roam through a replica of a teenager's room recently in the library's auditorium to learn how to tell if their children are using drugs or alcohol. There were 50 obvious and hidden signs of drug and alcohol use in the room, such as an apple, which can be cored and used as a pipe, Dust-Off, computer cleaner, a possible inhalant, plastic bags with ties, used to measure out marijuana or other drugs, and straws. "Straws are not just used to snort cocaine," said Det. Eric Gruenwald from the West Bloomfield Police Dept. "You can take Ritalin, crush it and snort it for a high." Sgt. Tara Kane and Det. Gruenwald guided parents during the tour of the room and taught parents how to identify warning signs of drug abuse. Gayle Sturt, a West Bloomfield High School staffer, and Robin Walsh from Maplegrove Center, a substance abuse treatment center, advised parents how to approach the subject of drug use.

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