There are a number of reasons a child may be initiated into the use of drugs, but one of these is the parents' lack of basic education about them. Many are unaware of the prevalence of illicit substance and the horrible risks their children face.
Sniffing dangers
Now is also when kids begin to encounter inhalants: pressurized aerosol products such as paint and cooking sprays or model glue. Kids inhale these volatile substances in order to experience a high. The fact that the momentary "buzz" can cause permanent brain damage, even death doesn't occur to these youngsters. Parents should try to explain to their children in very simple terms about the dangers of such inhalants and that they must not mess with the stuff even just out of curiosity. Kids in their teens are increasingly tuned in to TV, movies and music that bombard them with images of drug and alcohol use. You should therefore try to keep tabs on what your children watch and listen to.
Most experts agree that it's all right if your kids see you having an occasional drink. But if they see you using alcohol as a regular coping mechanism, it's not.
What to Look For
Here are some warning signs that a teen may be using drugs:
• Drop in academic performance.
• Lack of interest in grooming.
• Change in style of dress.
• Withdrawal, isolation, depression, fatigue.
• Aggressive, rebellious behavior.
• Excessive influence by peers.
• Hostility and lack of cooperativeness.
• Deteriorating relationships with family.
• Change in friends.
• Loss of interest in hobbies and sports.
• Sudden change in musical tastes.
• Stealing.
• Change in eating or sleeping habits.
• Evidence of drugs and paraphernalia: pipes, rolling papers, medicine bottles, eye drops, lighters.
• Physical changes: red eyes, runny nose not due to colds, coughing, wheezing, nausea, bags under eyes, frequent sore throats, bruises from falls.
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