Quite frequently we have contact from persons concerned about drugs
and alcohol abuse within their home environment. More often than not,
it is parents and guardians who are concerned about children in their
care using drugs. We always suggest that if you have concerns about
drugs or alcohol abuse within the home environment, you should first
speak directly with help & advice groups set up especially to combat
this growing problem. We would recommend FRANK (for
drugs) and Alcohol
Concern (for alcohol) – details of these websites can be found
in the "Links & References" section of our website. These
organisations can help put in place or put you in contact with the
necessary support you will need when tackling such an issue.
We are also asked "what are some of the less obvious signs of
drug use". You may find the following things useful to look out
for when suspecting if someone is using drugs. (NOTE: someone displaying
one or more of these attributes or symptoms is not necessarily using
drugs):
If you are suspicious your child may be using drugs, don't ignore
the warning signs. Children seldom grasp the concepts of addiction.
Most view themselves as impervious to peril. For some teens, the stress
of adolescence and peer pressure is overwhelming. Drugs often become
an enticing escape from their real world. Early detection of a problem
is CRITICAL...Don't let curiosity turn into a destructive addiction.
Signs of Drug Use
• Neglected
appearance/hygiene
• Poor
self image
• Grades
dropping
• Violent
outbursts at home
• Frequent
use of Eye Drops
• Unexplained
Weight Loss
• Drug
Paraphernalia
• Slurred
speech
• Curfew
Violations
• Running
away
• Skin
abrasions or Sores
• Hostility
towards family members
• Chemical
breath
• Glassy
eyes / Dilated (Bigger) or very Constricted (Smaller) Pupils
• Red
eyes
• Valuables
Missing
• Possessing
unexplained valuables
• Stealing/borrowing
money
• Change
in friends
• Depression
• Withdrawal
• Apathy
• Reckless
Behaviour
• No
Concern about future
• Defiles
Family Values
• Disrespectful
to parents
• Lying/Deception
• Sneaky
behaviour
• Disregards
Consequences
• Loss
of Interest in healthy activities
• Verbally
abusive
• Manipulative/Self-Centred
• Lack
of Motivation
• Truancy
If many of these signs seem applicable
to your child, and their behaviour, do not wait to act.
The best way to verify your concerns is to communicate with the person(s)
involved. Do this calmly and do not panic. If you can, ask them if they
are taking drugs. Try not to be confrontational. This may be all that
is required. Remember, for most young people taking illegal drugs is
not a normal part of life. Our free leaflets available to download from
our links and references page may help to
educate you about the different drugs most commonly used in the UK.
However, the only way to be certain if someone is using drugs is via "sample
screening". ScreenSafe UK can advise you of the best methods of
detection for each drug type and how best to conduct a screening process
in the home. We can also provide you with the necessary bespoke equipment
in an easy to use kit form, with step by step instructions, which is
both reliable and accurate. We can also assist you in further analysing
the results if required. Please contact us via telephone 08450 505590,
or e-mail enquiries@screensafeuk.co.uk where
we will be happy to discuss your exact requirements in the strictest
of confidence.
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