How to help your child overcome drugs

SAPS communications officer, Captain Charlene van der Spuy, has urged parents and guardians to always be on the lookout for signs that may indicate that their child is using drugs.

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She said addiction can happen at any age, but it usually starts when a person is young, particularly in their teens when they begin exploring and experimenting.

“Having an adolescent or young adult child who abuses drugs or alcohol can be a nightmare. Not only do parents fear for their health, well-being and future, but their fear may be compounded by feeling completely in the dark about their children’s problems,” she said.

Van der Spuy said if the child starts behaving differently for no apparent reason, such as becoming withdrawn, frequently being tired or depressed, or hostile, it could be a sign they are developing a drug-related problem.

“Parents may overlook such signs, believing them to be a normal part of adolescence. Other signs include change of friends, an untidy appearance, a decline in school performance, no longer showing interest in favourite activities, missing classes or school, trouble with the law or at school, and changes in eating or sleeping habits,” said Van der Spuy.

Asking for help from professionals is the first important step and Van der Spuy said parents can start by taking their child to a doctor who can screen for signs of drug use and other related health conditions. Alternatively, parents can take the child to a social worker for assessment and possible referral to a rehabilitation facility for further specialist interventions.

“Parents should try by all means to encourage the child to seek treatment as acceptance is the first step to recovery. This can be done with the help of a professional, trusted family member or a close friend. In cases where the child becomes violent and is a danger to themselves or others, a court order must be sought. The court order will instruct that the child must be taken to the nearest provincial hospital for containment and necessary intervention that may result in him or her being admitted to a rehabilitation centre,” she concluded.

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