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Information for Parents
Parents have difficulty in recognising signs of drug misuse in young
people because much of the behaviour displayed mirrors that of the
normal adolescent. Some of the behavior patterns listed below may
be useful indicators of possible drug misuse -
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Sudden
changes in mood from happy and alert to sullen and moody. |
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Agressive
or irritable behaviour which is out of character. |
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A
loss of interest in school, sport or other activities. |
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A
change of friends. |
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Unusual sleep patterns, either sleeping more or having difficulty
in sleeping at night. |
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Unusually
secretive behaviour possibly combined with reluctance to discuss
issues. |
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Money
going missing from the house or belongings being sold. |
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Unusual objects found such as powders, tablets, capsules, empty
plastic bags smelling of glue |
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Loss
of appetite. |
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Frequent and persistent headaches. |
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Unusual
conflict with authority figures. |
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Deterioration
in personal hygiene and appearance. |
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Truancy
or lateness. |
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If you notice any of these signs try not to jump to conclusions,
it may have nothing to do with drugs. But some can also be signs of
unhappiness for other reasons. Just because your child isn't taking
drugs doesn't mean they are OK.
Communication and talking with your children is very important when supporting them through adolescence. Take time to talk and listen to issues concerning them.
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