General symptoms of drug abuse
Parents are often facing a problem how to recognize the symptoms of drug abuse.
Symptoms that may point to drug abuse:
• Absence from school and poor grades
• Negligence of personal appearance
• Isolation from family and friends
• Isolation, deppresive appearance
• New friendships, new gang
• Lack of communication and hostile behavior
• Stealing and borrowing large amounts of money
• Lack of interests for hobbies and sports
• Mysterious behaviour, hiding personal things
• Alcohol breath and frequent use of breath freshener
• Changes in appetite and sleeping problems
• Owning pieces of paper for rolling tobacco, zip lighters, cigarette filters, etc.
• Physical changes (such as sneezing, coughing, red eyes, bruises, needle marks etc.)
More about drugs and symptoms on:
http://www.droge.hr/2ci.html
However, any change in adolescent behavior can be attributed to the transient rebellious period.
If you suspect that your child is using drugs, of course you need to do something, but don't exaggerate because you can push them away from you. First try to talk to your child calmly and with understanding, if your relashionship allows that ask him/her directly about taking drugs.
Try to explain to your child consequences of their actions and we also advice you to contact experts from this organizations:
Parents that consumed drugs
Maybe you used to consume drugs in the past. If your child ask you question „Did you ever consume drugs?“ the most important thing is to be honest, othervise you will lose credibility if the child finds out that you lied.
When you answer the questions don't talk about details, keep you answers simple and short.
Here are few examples:
„I was using drugs with few of my friends. Back then I tought that it will help me to fit in.“
„Everybody can make a mistake. When I was using drugs I didn't think about time that I spend on using drugs and also time that I will need to get back on the right way." |
