Teenagers and drugs

It is every parent’s nightmare that their teenage daughter will take drugs.

Drugs are out there and are readily available. As adults we have the benefit of our own experiences and hindsight to make informed choices about what we do, children do not have this. It is therefore vital that young people are educated about the effects and dangers of drugs.

Being authoritarian and judgemental and telling your daughter what she should and should not do tends not to work. What she needs are the real facts so that she can make informed and, hopefully, safe and sensible choices.

To help your daughter to make the right decisions she needs open communication, positive role modelling and the facts.

What do we mean by drugs?

Drugs are chemicals or substances that change the way our bodies work. You should be aware of the effects and risks for your daughter if she uses alcohol, anabolic steroids, cannabis, cocaine, crack, ecstasy, gases, glues, aerosols, GHB, Heroin, Ketamine, LSD, Magic Mushrooms, Poppers, Speed, Tobacco, Tranquillisers.

Why would she take drugs?

The reasons are many and varied:

Your daughter may be bored and be looking for some excitement or to experiment.

She may succumb to peer pressure “Take these and it will make you feel good” or “You will have a better time if you take them”

Your daughter might also be persuaded if she believes not to do so would lose her friends, especially a boyfriend. Some believe that drugs will make them think better or make them more popular.

Others are just curious and think one try won’t hurt them.

Many teenagers believe that drugs will solve their problems or at least allow them to escape from them. They might also want to escape emotional upset; to feel less anxious; to avoid thinking about things or making decisions.

There may also be more physical reasons such as blocking out physical pain and the pleasure of the “buzz”. Drugs can also be used to increase or reduce energy levels or to help people relax.

The motivations vary and have a great deal to do with the users’ relationship with others

What are the warning signs?

CHANGES IN PERSONALITY: unexpected mood swings, overly tired or hyper-active, withdrawn or rebellious behaviour, narrow attitude on problems and solutions.

CHANGES AT HOME; loss of interest in family activities, withdrawal from responsibility, sudden increase or decrease in appetite, money or valuable items disappearing, secretive or suspicious behaviour.

CHANGES AT SCHOOL; general bad attitude, drop in grades and interest, truancy.

CHANGES IN PHYSICAL APPEARANCE: lack of general hygiene, greasy hair, odd smell, spots, rashes, sores, pale and gaunt, yellow teeth, wearing sunglasses, long sleeves or coats at inappropriate times.

PHYSICAL EVIDENCE: cigarettes, rolling paper, foil, small empty plastic bags, burnt or bent spoons, strange short phone calls at odd hours, lies about activities, appearance of new and “unsuitable friends”.

What should I do ?

First of all be aware that some of the signs can also be indicative of other emotional problems and individually they could be attributed to simply being a teenager. So, first of all talk to your daughter. The best approach is to explain that you think she might have problems and that you want to help. Reassure her that she is not in trouble as this will inevitably lead to a denial and unwillingness to talk at all.

Who else can help ?

You cannot deal with this alone and too many parents are worried about what other people might think. You will need help, advice, information and support and this will involve “outsiders”. Approach your family doctor and contact your daughter’s school.

There are also the following useful contacts (all links below to link through to destinations):

www.talktofrank.com
www.childline.org.uk
www.re-solv.org
www.pada.org.uk
www.breakthru.co.uk
www.childprotectionuklts.co.uk