Drugs have a devastating effect on individuals, families and communities.
Drug abuse amongst youth is a growing problem that needs to be addressed in order to preserve the country most citizens love.
Amongst the youth drugs are used for a variety of reasons. Some of these include wanting to fit in, wanting to escape from feelings or a scenario, feeling stressed or simply rebellion against parents.
The youth are the future of our country. Letting them slip through the hands of society and through the cracks is not right. The community needs to come together.
Yes, sometimes parents feel that there is only so much that they can do and that being force-fed information about the dangers of drugs can honestly sound like a repetitive droning chant, but it is a chant that could ultimately save your child’s life.
Don’t think of drug awareness as another force-fed chant; think of it as a quick recap to see if you can still spot the signs, if not for yourself, then for the children.
Parents have to educate themselves and their children about the dangers and effects of drug abuse. Parents themselves need to know what symptoms to look out for. They need to have increased awareness and pay more attention to their children’s lives.
Being more aware of what your children do not only ensures their safety, but also creates a better bond between parent and child.
Recently I went on a drug raid with Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department’s K9 Unit and the Edenvale Community Police Forum in Edenvale and again saw the amount of drugs available to the youth just off main roads in town.
Various types of drugs were found and confiscated during the Edenvale search. The drugs found included dagga, crystal meth and cat. An EMPD officer said that a bankie of dagga is priced at R25 in the townships so it would probably be more expensive in an urban town like Edenvale.
As a parent, increase your awareness and keep an eye out if you have your suspicions. There are a multitude of drugs available to the youth, each with different effects and symptoms. It should also be noted that drugs taken by one person may have varying effects on another.
Although different drugs have different physical effects, the symptoms of addiction are similar.
By looking out for the symptoms, parents will be able to be more aware whether their children are using drugs, and protect them.
Now I’m not suggesting wrapping your teenage children in bubble wrap, plopping a helmet on their head and planting tracking devices on their body. No, that is pure insanity.
Each age needs a different approach. Parents should probably be less overbearing and show less characteristics of a prison warden when dealing with a teenager, just as they should probably be stricter on young children to instil the correct discipline and moral values.
Be there for your child, be a shoulder to lean on and an open ear for a conversation. It is my opinion that a family that works together lasts forever. Drugs are just one issue that is aiding the rot of society. As a parent and as a citizen of this country, be more aware and help combat drugs.
General signs of drug abuse include:
- Withdrawal from family and friends.
- Change in appearance and cleanliness.
- Not having money for bills and expenses despite working.
- Being fired from a job and not telling why.
- Being secretive and suspicious.
- Not participating in their favorite hobbies and activities.
- Life revolves around drug use.
Physical signs of drug use:
- Bloodshot eyes, pupils larger or smaller than usual.
- Changes in appetite or sleep patterns.
- Sudden weight loss or weight gain.
- Deterioration of physical appearance, personal grooming habits.
- Unusual smells on breath, body, or clothing.
- Tremors, slurred speech, or impaired coordination.
Behavioral signs of drug use:
- Drop in attendance and performance at work or school.
- Unexplained need for money or financial problems; may borrow or steal to get it.
- Engaging in secretive or suspicious behaviours.
- Sudden change in friends, favourite hangouts and hobbies.
- Frequently getting into trouble (fights, accidents, illegal activities).
- Psychological.
Unexplained change in personality or attitude.
- Sudden mood swings, irritability, or angry outbursts.
- Periods of unusual hyperactivity, agitation or giddiness.
- Lack of motivation; appears lethargic or “spaced out”.
- Appears fearful, anxious, or paranoid, with no reason.
