What Parents Should Know (part III)

 

Drug Paraphernalia

 

As well as strange powders, tablets, capsules and other substances, there are various items of drug paraphernalia to look out for. These will depend on what drug is being used, and how it is taken -

• Incense sticks or room deodorizers to conceal the smell of dagga
• Plastic bank packets or unidentified packages wrapped in brown paper
• Unusual pipes or broken off bottlenecks
• Scorched tinfoil, tinfoil tubes and matchbox covers
• Syringes and needles
• Scorched spoons, ligatures and citric acid
• Small mirror, razor and straws
• Tiny spoons (sometimes ornate) and small containers
• Cigarette papers and home-made cigarettes
• Bloodstained cotton wool or other material.

What Parents Should Know (Part II)

 

Some common symptoms of drug taking are:

• Loss of appetite
• Being either unusually sleepy or
• Unable to sleep at night
• Bouts of talkative, excitable and over reactive behaviour
• Being unusually irritable, aggressive and even violent
• Telling lies, or acting secretively
• Losing interest in schoolwork and bunking classes
• Losing interest in hobbies and favourite sports
• Money or valuables disappearing from home
• Unusual spot, sores and marks on and around the mouth and nose
• Stains and chemical smells on clothing and about the body
• Changing friendship patterns
• Coming to the notice of Police for unruly behaviour

What Parents Should Know (Part I)

Parents often ask, “How can I detect if my child is using or experimenting with drugs?” and “What signs should I be looking for?” There is no simple answer.

In the current climate of growing public awareness about drug abuse, many parents have recognized the value of being forewarned in order to be forearmed should they have to deal with the problem in their own homes.

The fact is that there is no such place as a drug free environment. Although the majority of young people do not take drugs, the temptation is all around them. It cannot be ignored, and it is the parents’ responsibility to be aware and informed about the availability and dangers of different drugs.

It is important to remember that the majority of teenagers who are exposed to drugs either do not use them or experiment briefly then give them up. Many of the attitudes and forms of behaviours associated with drug taking could be confused with the difficult process of growing up.

However, some teenagers continue to experiment and begin to use drugs regularly. They may deny to themselves and others that they have become drug addicts , and the as the time goes on, greater and greater problems develop. At this point they will need help.