Although there are certain emotional and physical symptoms of substance abuse, do not immediately assume that your child is on drugs—there could be other reasons why your child behaves unusually.
Physical signs:• Drowsiness
• Trembling
• Red eyes, dilated pupils
• Lack of interest in personal hygiene and appearance
• Slurred speech
• Loss of, or increase in appetite
• Uncoordinated movements
• Circles under the eyes
• Irregular sleeping habits
• Frequent colds and coughs
• Weight loss
• Moodiness, excitement, anger, hostility, depression
• Constant lying and stealing
• Refusing to admit to the harmful effects of drugs
• Avoiding old friends or people who could confront them about behaviour changes
• Being secretive about phone calls
• Having friends they do not want you to meet or talk about
• Being evasive about their whereabouts
• Loss of motivation
• No interest in everyday life
• Playing truant from school
*Based on “Living without Drugs”, a series of pamphlets developed by UNODC Barbados and UNESCO CARNEID.
Comments
Post a Comment