ADVICE TO PARENTS
Here are some tips for parents to reduce the risk of their children using drugs.
- Take a firm anti-drug stance yourself
- Examine your drinking habits as well as your smoking and pill-taking habits
- Learn the facts about drugs and their effects
- Improve family unity and communication
- Teach your children how to handle peer pressure
Unfortunately, there are times when, despite parents doing everything right, their children may still become involved with drugs. The earlier the problem is picked up, the easier it is to handle.
These are some of the signs and symptoms of drug use:
- A drop in school marks
- Losing interest in matters previously important like school, sports and hobbies
- Neglect of personal appearance and hygiene
- Sudden change in appetite or an unexplained change in weight
- Unpredictable behaviour
- Secretive behavior and lying
- Losing old friends and hanging out with a new crowd
- A deterioration in health
- Reddening of the eyes, using eyedrops often and wearing dark glasses indoors or at night; and,
- Selling belongings and stealing.
It is important to look for an overall pattern that includes more than just one or two signs before you can be reasonably sure your child is on drugs. Remember that some of the changes listed above may simply be signs of normal teenage rebellion.
What can you as a parent do if you suspect your child is using drugs?
It is important to remember that you must be reasonably sure that your fears of drug use are based on fact.
Do not make false accusations. If your concern is justified, get as much information as possible regarding the drug(s). The information is freely available in public libraries or on the SANCA NATIONAL website. Discuss this abuse calmly with your child while expressing your concern and worry. Negotiate some house rules which must specifically include the immediate stopping of all drug use.
Some points to remember:
- Do not ignore the problem hoping that it will go away.
- Confront your child with a list of evidence you have gathered that indicates that he/she is using drugs.
- Do not make threats, get hysterical, or lose your temper. Rather, discuss the situation calmly from a position of love and concern.
- If your child admits to using, insist that he stop immediately. If he finds it difficult to stop, seek professional help eg. SANCA.
- If he denies that he is using drugs, tell him that you expect a change in his behavior.
- Both parents, even if divorced, need to adopt a united approach in dealing with the issue.
- Find support – talk to a doctor, religious leader, or social worker who is knowledgeable about drug abuse.
- Remember that drug abuse is not a symptom of a poor upbringing. It can happen in any family.
OVERDOSE INFORMATION
What is drug overdose?
The term drug overdose describes the ingestion or application of a drug or other substance in quantities greater than recommended or generally practiced. An overdose may result in a toxic state or death.
Signs and symptoms of drug overdose
The physical and psychological signs of a drug overdose taken, and whether the drug was taken in combination with other substances.
Common signs and symptoms of a drug overdose:
- Dilated pupils
- Unsteady walking
- Chest pain
- Severe difficulty breathing, shallow breathing, or complete cessation of breath
- Gurgling sounds that indicate the person’s airway is blocked
- Blue lips or fingers
- Nausea or vomiting
- Abnormally high body temperature
- Violent or aggressive behavior
- Disorientation or confusion, paranoia, agitation
- Convulsions or tremors, seizures
- Unresponsiveness, unconsciousness
How to assist an individual who has overdosed?
- If they are conscious, ask them what they’ve taken and how much
- Call for emergency or poison Centre (ambulance- 10177, ER24- 084 -124, Netcare – 082 911, Poison Centre – 0800 333 444)
- Stay close to them and keep an eye on them
- Keep them calm and still
- Encourage them to sit up, keep them talking and responsive if possible
- If unconscious, keep them on their side to prevent them from choking on their vomit
- Do not offer them anything to eat or drink
- Stay with the individual until the emergency services arrive at your location