Our children have became liabilities and poses a serious threat to family members and the community at large due to the abuse of these drugs.
Drugs that are easy to obtain and used are: Marijuana/dagga, crystal meths, heroin, nyaope, and cat.
Here are the signs you should look for if your child has started using drugs:
• Mood swings and change in personality.
• Sullen, withdrawn or depressed.
• Lack motivation.
• Silent, uncommunicative, hostile, angry, uncooperative.
• Deceitful or secretive.
• Unable to focus.
• A sudden loss of inhibitions.
• Hyperactive or unusually elated.
Also read: Signs your teenager could be using drugs
• Changed relationships with family members or friends.
• Absenteeism or a loss of interest in school, work or other activities.
• Avoids eye contact. • lock doors
• Disappears for long periods of time.
• Goes out often, frequently breaking curfew.
• Secretive with the use of their phone.
• Makes endless excuses.
• Uses chewing gum or mints to cover up breath.
• Often uses over-the-counter preparations to reduce eye reddening or nasal irritation.
• Has cash flow problems.
• Has become unusually clumsy: stumbling, lacking coordination, poor balance.
• Has periods of sleeplessness or high energy, followed by long periods of “catch up” sleep.
After you noticed one of the above-mentioned signs, prepare for the direct confrontation communication with your child to clear the facts and approach relevant institutions for help.
Compiled by Lt Col Mamphaswa Seabi