Drugs Information, what you really should know about, where to get help on drug related issues
A Guide for worried parents, teenagers who are using drugs or thinking about using drugs and anyone who wants to know more about the subject.
This website has been accredited by the Matthew Project in Norwich, Greater Manchester Police force and the Office of National Drug Control Policy (The White House)
It is often very difficult to tell, particularly when a
person only takes taked drugs occasionally. Signs can include: sudden changes
of mood from happy to alert to sullen and moody, unusual irritability or
aggression, loss of appetite, loss of interest in hobbies, sport, school work
or friends, bouts of drowsiness or sleepiness, increased evidence of telling
lies or furtive behaviour, unexplained loss of money or belongings from the
home, unusual smells, stains, or marks on the body or cloths, or around the
house.
However, many of these signs are easily confused with those of normal growing
up. Be sure of your facts before you do anything. it is important not to jump
to the wrong conclusions. Most important is to be alert to sudden changes in
the person. Things like being tired all morning, or suddenly happy and awake
after lunch or a break. This could be a strong sign that the person is using
drugs to get through the day
Educational | |||
Truancy | Class skipping | Constant tardiness to school | General loss of interest in school |
Poor school performance | Complaints about poor class conduct and attitude | Dropping out of organized activities | Dropping out of school |
Social | |||
Changes in personality and behavior | Changes in friends | Unknown friends | Changes in hangouts |
Always going nowhere special | Secretive phone conversation | Callers who refuse to identify themselves | Hang-up phone calls |
Overt hostility and outbursts | Constant lying | Stealing of small items | Disappearance of clothing and money |
Constant money manipulation | Unexplained appearance or disappearance of money | Wanting to buy/rent pager/mobile phone | |
Phychological | |||
Depression or overactive | Talkativeness | Loss of appetite or increased | Mood swings |
Confusion | Anxiety | Hallucinations | Unpredictable behavior |
Lack of motivation and drive | |||
Physical | |||
Loss of physical coordination | Dreamy-blank expression | Slurred speech | Changes in physical appearance |
Eye changes | Loss of memory | Trembling |
If you do find your child is using drugs or solvents, stay calm and don't panic. Your support for your child is vital whatever the circumstances. It is important that you can build your relationship with them and show that you love and care for them, your child may need more help than you can provide. Think about people you know who may be able to help. There are many agencies and groups who will also be willing and able to support you, ask for help from family and friends, and professionals if necessary.
Teen drug and alcohol use cuts across all socioeconomic-academic lines and is a national problem in urban, suburban and rural school districts. Whether or not to use and/or abuse these substances is a decision that all our young people have to make because it is a choice available to all teen-agers.
return to section home page.
For information on levels of drug Use.
For information on tell tale signs listed by drug.
For information about other drugs, return to Drug Information Page.