What are some of the signs and symptoms of drug use?
Many parents are worried that their child may begin using drugs. There are stories in the media which swing from shock, horror, addiction and death to so-called debates about the legalization of cannabis - which is said by some to be harmless.
What are parents to believe?
They are right to be concerned - drug use should be taken very seriously. This article sets out to give some factual information for parents - about the signs of drug use and the symptoms of drug use and also about prevention of drug use.
Sometimes parents will notice things which on their own mean nothing - but the following things have all been recognized by parents whose child has subsequently been found to be using drugs. These signs and symptoms of drug use are the real deal.
Phone Calls. Teenagers and the telephone usually mean long phone calls - does your child hang around’ the phone sometimes and pick it up as soon as it rings… replies very briefly and then leaves the house - returning after a short time. This can often be a dealer friend phoning to say that they are nearby with some drugs. This is one of the first signs of drug use.
Bedrooms. Do you often find the windows open even on cold days ? Lots of air-freshener being used? This can be to disguise the smell of cannabis being smoked in the room. This is another one of the signs of drug use.
Money. Does your child never seem to have money nowadays? Do you notice that valuable things seem to be missing - cameras, jewellery etc. Drug users often sell items to buy drugs - at first their own but later they may steal from the family. Disappearing money or valuable items is another warning sign of drug use. It can also be a symptom of drug use.
Language. Users do not speak of “using drugs” - they will say someone “does drugs” - watch for words like gear, deals, straight, clean, munchies, clucking, - and slang terms for drugs. Get to know the language… certain words and phrases are clear signs of drug use or drug involvement.
If you are worried that your child may be involved with drugs it is important not to ignore matters. Of course it is better to try to prevent use at the first sign and symptom of drug use - and research has shown the following:
Parents who are too strict or too easy-going are more likely to have children who use drugs. Firm, fair and age-appropriate discipline is best.
Families should eat together and have regular family meetings’ where things like holidays, pocket-money, chores, curfew times are discussed. Each family member should be allowed to contribute and should be listened to. This is a critical step in drug prevention and is a critical response to any first sign of drug use.
Any infringement of agreed rules (such as home by
Celebrate and praise! Parents should have a simple rule of thumb - for each time you need to criticize you should subsequently praise at least twice for behavior which you want repeated. Celebrate any small improvements and see the child blossom. These are good drug prevention strategies.
Is your teen less responsible ... comes home from school late, forgets family occasions, ignores requests to help with chores, uses bad language, becomes argumentative and tells parents “don’t hassle me”? Again, when these are added to other factors, they may present a warning sign of drug use… or maybe a symptom of the effects of drug use.
Clothes, music, hair styles ... do they now wear totally different clothes and hair styles ...listen to different music, become less interested in academic work and demand permission to stay out later and to have more ‘privacy’?
Is communication more difficult... does your child refuse to talk about new friends, go ‘out’ without saying where they are going; tend to defend the ‘recreational’ use or legalization of drugs when the topic is discussed on TV or radio; declares teachers are unfair; defends the ‘rights’ of children and talk about the ‘bad habits’ of adults who use alcohol or smoke cigarettes?
Physical changes ... has your child lost weight, changed sleep patterns - cannot sleep till early hours of morning, cannot wake up in the morning, increased appetite for sweet snacks, very thirsty, becomes very forgetful and seems to have lost all motivation for exams, or future careers?
Parents must be very aware of what’s happening with teens… particularly when looking for signs and symptoms of drug use.
Get Stack The Deck: How to Drug & Alcohol Proof Your Child
www.Prevent-Drug-Abuse.com
