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