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“YOUTH AND DRUGS”
How do I know if my child is abusing drugs or alcohol?
If you find drugs or items such as smoking pipes, it is a strong indication that your child is using or experimenting with drugs. If you do not know what drug paraphernalia looks like please either go to the library or come to our office and pick up some free pamphlets. Behaviour is another indicator.
- Abrupt mood swings or attitude changes
- Sudden decline in attendance or performance at work or school
- Sudden resistance to discipline at home or school
- Poor relationship with family and friends
- Ignoring curfews
- Borrowing money from friends and relatives
- Stealing from home, school or work
- Increased secrecy about actions or possessions
- Hanging out with new group of friends (especially ones who use drugs)
These behaviours may indicate drug use but they may also indicate normal growing pains. The best way to know for sure is to observe your child, get to know his or her friends, but most importantly, TALK. Communication is essential for your child’s growth and safety.
If you know that your child is taking drugs, take action and do not ignore the problem. Calmly explainthe harmful effects of drugs, including the long-term effects to one’s physical, social and mental well-being.
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1. Settle arguments with words, not fists or weapons. Don’t stand around and form an audience when others are arguing. A group makes a good target for violence.
2. Learn safe routes for walking in the neighbourhood, and know good places to seek help if needed. Trust feelings, and if there’s a sense of danger, get away fast.
3. Report any crimes or suspicious actions to the police, school authorities and parents. Be willing to testify if needed.
4. Don’t open the door to anyone you don’t know and trust.
5. Never go anywhere with someone you don’t know and trust.
6. If someone tries to abuse you, say not, get away, and tell a trusted adult. Remember, it’s not the victim’s fault.
7. Don’t use alcohol or other drugs, and stay away from places and people associated with them.
8. Stick with friends who are also against violence and drugs, and stay away from known trouble spots.
9. Get involved to make school safer and better – having poster contests against violence, holding anti-drug rallies, counselling peers, settling disputes peacefully. If there’s no program, help start one!
10. Help younger children learn to avoid being crime victims. Set a good example, and volunteer to help with community efforts to stop crime.
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