Practical advice
- How do I know if my child has a problem?
- Why are they taking drugs?
- How can I talk to my child?
- What is withdrawal and how do I cope/help?
- What if my child relapses?
- What if my child won't accept my help?
- If my child can't kick drugs, is there any other way?
- How can I help the rest of the family?
- Who can I go to for help?
- What do I do in an emergency?
- What can I do about money?
- What if I can't cope?
- Criminal Justice Issues
How do I know if my child has a problem?
It is very easy to become paranoid. Normal parental concern can become suspicion which can lead to accusations or mistrust. You may see obvious warning signs:
- Money going missing or being spent with no clear evidence of what has been bought
- Suspicious substances or equipment
- Lying or secretive behaviour
- Aggression.
But knowing your child well, you may spot other more subtle signs that their drug use is getting out of control:
- Sudden or regular mood changes
- Drowsiness
- Loss of appetite or interest in school, work or friends.
Of course these changes in your child's personality may not be connected to drugs. After all she or he is growing up and adolescence is as powerful a force as many drugs! Ask yourself: What makes me think drugs are involved?
Children often talk about drugs. The issue of drugs issue is raised in schools and youth clubs. It is in the media. You may be tempted to resort to a drug testing kit. Think this through carefully. Many drugs pass out of the system very quickly and so will not be detected. Even if you find out the truth, it is unlikely to change your child's behaviour and may cause so much resentment that any help you offer will be rejected.The best way to find out and the best way to help is to talk to them - of course this is easier said than done, particularly when it comes to teenagers!