DRUG USE LEAVES TELLTALE SIGNS

Our grandmother of several columns ago, who was concerned about her
grandson's possible drug use, had noticed frequently red, bloodshot eyes,
giggles without reason, a deterioration in his personal grooming and loss
of interest in school. She was concerned that he might be using speed.

Those signs suggest that, if he is using drugs, it will probably be marijuana.

A good number of teenagers will experiment with nicotine, alcohol and
marijuana while at school for reasons discussed earlier. If you have
concerns about possible frequent use of these or other drugs then further
signs to look for include:

Unsteadiness in walking.

Difficulty remembering things that have just happened.

School truancy.

Loss of interest in favourite activities and sports.

Lying about activities.

Borrowing or disappearance of money.

Disappearance or sale of prized possessions.

Tiredness.

constant sniffly nose

Major changes in eating and sleeping patterns.

Significant change of friends.

Odours on clothes.

Use of incense in bedroom.

Clothing, posters and jewellery promoting drug use.

Small bottles, scraps of foil, small snaplock plastic bags, cigarette
papers, bent spoons.

Tablets and capsules of unknown origin in bags or drawers.

Disappearance of prescription pills.

Withdrawal from family and aggressive hostility.

Some of these could signal lots of other things, but if you can say "yes"
to several and can begin to see a pattern, then it is likely that
experimental use has become abuse.

What to do?

Don't panic.

Inform yourself about drugs so that you can discuss from a point of knowledge.

Is there another family member of someone like a school counsellor who can
help you and who might have a better rapport with your youngster?

As non-confrontationally as possible, test the water by trying to find out
how the decision to reach drugs was arrived at. Threats, excessive
penalties and lectures may be counter-productive.

Listen carefully. You may pick up other problems. Don't ignore them.

Be honest and factual and be prepared for personal counterattack. There may
be truth in that attack so be prepared to accept that, but in most cases it
will be an attempt to deflect discussion away from the real issue.

Feel free to remove, or have removed, drug-related materials and slogans
from the house.

If you are convinced the use has been experimental or from curiosity, leave
teen with sense that further use is not worth the hassle.

Recognise that if there is a serious problem, promises not to use again are
not enough.

Parents of friends may be happy to join you on this if they have similar
suspicions. Be aware they may also be defensive and accusing.

If you are making no progress, you should seek professional help through
your GP or school.