Pubdate: Mon, 26 May 2003 Source: Otago Daily Times (New Zealand) Copyright: Allied Press Limited, 2003 Contact: http://www2.odt.co.nz Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/925 Author: Ian Munro Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?135 (Drug Education) 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. - --- MAP posted-by: Jackl