| When a child first takes drugs or only takes them occasionally it is often difficult to recognise, especially because, in young people, many of the indications can easily be confused with the normal signs of growing up. So, because it is important not to jump to wrong conclusions, be sure of your facts before doing or saying anything.Signs of drug use or experimentation can include: - unusual aggression or irritability and or loss of appetite
- loss of interest in sport, promotion, friends or hobbies
- sudden emotional changes from happy and alert to moody and sour
- absenteeism, lateness, regular and or long absences from the classroom
- bouts of drowsiness or sleepiness
- a tendency to often sniff, as with hay-fever or a continuous cold
- dilation and or jerky movements of the eye pupils when watching a moving object
- problems with balance and or inability to walk in a straight line
- tendency to more accidents, injuries or illness
- increasingly furtive behaviour or evidence of telling lies
- unexplained loss of family members or colleagues money or property
- neighbours reporting losses or thefts of belongings
- unusual smells on the body or around the house or bedroom
- unexplained damage to own and others' belongings
- unusual stains or marks on the body (including the mouth and nose) or on clothes
Never accept just one or two of these as evdence of drug use. It is when you get a few of them starting to crop up with increasing regularity that you keep your eyes open for other signs.If you believe your child is using drugs or solvents, it is important to stay calm and not panic. Show you care for them in every way. Chastising them or trying to frighten them off does not help. Calmness, good control and accurate and truthful information does, but don't expect them to inform on their friends. Your child is probably going through enough hell without you adding to it. Our job is to know what you are talking about, so that your guidance can be trusted and followed by your child. This information is supplied by Hetty's. Hetty's support network offers support and up to date information via a confidential telephone helpline, self help meetings, one to one listening support in the callers home or a mutual place of safety and awareness through education and presentations across North Nottinghamshire. If you are concerned about a family members drug use or just need to ask a question, we are here to help, just telephone: Freephone: 08000 850941. |
