One of the common problems in the world, regardless of their wonderful upbringing, is that a child may fall through the cracks and end up on the wrong life trajectory. Drugs are a rising problem in our country and often it has little to do with how careful or protective one has been as a parent.
Whether a parent has to deal with or prevent such a problem, they need to be aware of their child’s whereabouts, who they are mixing with and make sure to be there for them at all times.
In order to prevent or even understand the first stages of a child starting to do drugs, a parent needs to look for a number of signs.
1. Appearance: Drastic changes in appearance is often a giveaway of adolescent drug use; changes may be facial or in terms of clothing. If your child suddenly changes his or her entire wardrobe without your consent and starts wearing makeup and gets piercings, it may be the right time to keep a closer eye, especially if your child has not been into such things in the past. This is not to say that any change has to raise eyebrows, since adolescence is a time of change, but certain choices are associated with drug use, and a parent is the best judge at the end of the day.
2. Grades: Academic values mean less when drugs enter the picture. Look out for the sudden changes in grades or even concerns from teachers. Grades may change for any reason, but try to understand the reason behind it and whether your child is repenting the bad grades or not. Lack of concern about their grades and general apathy should give you reason for concern.
3. Eating and sleeping habits: A parent is usually quite conscious about how their children eat or sleep. Changes in that pattern may be a hint of drug use. Excessive need for sweets and junk food and no appetite for other healthy food may signify the same. Weight loss and insomniac attitudes are of concern as well. Drug usage tends to push the user towards dysfunctional body habits.
4. Rejecting personal interests: If kids are suddenly rejecting their own hobbies and having a complete change in interests, that is also of concern. This is especially true if a previously active child is no longer interested in sports or other physical activities.
5. Mood swings: Harsh manners and rude responses that were not there before are indications of drug use. Rebellious acts and not obeying parents for the slightest reasons is a point to be concerned about; however, one needs to keep in mind that sometimes this may simply be because of adolescence.
6. Companionship: Keep an eye out for any changes in friend circles and whether your child is spending more time with newer friends and ignoring older ones.
7. Physical changes: Certain physical changes are a dead giveaway for drug abuse, but they usually manifest prominently later on. Wearing long sleeves to hide injection marks or wearing sunglasses to hide red, blotchy eyes are common. Another giveaway is if they start carrying eye drops with them.
