ADVICE FOR PARENTS OF DRUG ABUSERS

KUALA LUMPUR: Itching and trouble urinating are some of the uncommon signs
that parents should look out for if they suspect their teenagers are
abusing drugs, said substance abuse expert Chris Sekar.

Sekar, who is Gleneagles Intan Medical Centre Behavioural Counselling
Centre psychotherapist, said the usual warning signs include changes in
behaviour, sleeping and eating patterns.

"But parents should also be aware of physical changes because drugs like
amphetamines and heroin heighten sensation, so the person may experience
excessive itching.

"Most people high on drugs will also take some time to urinate, as drugs
constricts muscles causing difficulty in urinating," he said yesterday.

Other signs include their children becoming more "hyper" or energetic or
becoming tired and having red, glazed eyes.

He added that other changes include increased appetite or strong sugar
cravings. This was because marijuana acts as an appetiser, increasing the
appetite, while heroin creates the need for sugar, he said.

Earlier, Sekar delivered a talk, entitled "Intervention - Reaching Out,
Rescue and Recovery Seeking Help: Where, Whom and What" at a parents' forum
on the last day of the First National Conference on Addiction Medicine.

However, Sekar, who is a recovering addict himself, said these were only
general indicators for parents to observe if they think their children were
involved in drugs.

Sekar, who is also a member of the Substance Abuse Certified Counsellors
Organisation of Malaysia, said once the parents find out about their
child's addiction, they have to come to terms with it and seek help.

"They must realise that they can't do it alone," he added.