Signs of Drug Abuse
Changing patterns of performance, appearance and behaviour may signal the use of drugs. The items in the first category listed below proved direct evidence of drug use, while items in the other categories offer signs that may indicate drug use. For this reason parents should look for extreme changes in children’s behaviour , changes that together form a pattern associated with drug use.
Signs of Drug Abuse and Drug Equipment
Possession of drug-related equipment such as pipes, rolling papers or small decongestant bottles
Possession of drugs, peculiar plants, butts, seeds or leaves in ashtrays or in clothing pockets
Odour of drugs, smell of incense or other “cover-up” scents
Identification with Drug Culture
Drug-related magazines, slogans on clothing and posters
Conversations and jokes that are preoccupied with drugs
Hostility in discussing drugs
Music which glorifies drugs
Signs of Physical Deterioration
Memory lapses, short attention span, difficulty in concentration
Poor physical co-ordination, slurred or incoherent speech
Unhealthy appearance, indifference to hygiene and grooming
Bloodshot eyes and dilated pupils – often find them using eye drops in their eyes
Changes in Behaviour
Chronic dishonesty (lying, stealing, cheating)
Changes in friends, evasiveness in talking about new friends
Possession of large amounts of money
Increasing and inappropriate anger, hostility, irritability and secretiveness
Reduced motivation, energy, self-discipline and self-esteem
Diminished interest in extracurricular activities and hobbies
XTC – Ecstasy
Ecstasy is synonymous with Raves.
The tablets are either brown or pink.
They can cause psychological and physical harm.
Reduced appetite
Causes sleep problems
Depression and anxiety
Dependency can be fatal
Dagga / Cannabis
This drug consists of the flowering tops, leaves, stems and seeds of the Cannabis Sativa plant. Users can experience depression, anxiety attacks and bizarre, terrifying hallucinations
LSD “Acid”
A powerful hallucinogen. A mind altering drug that was very popular in the 60’s. It leads to severe personality disturbances. Flashbacks occur, which is a sudden intense recurrence of hallucinations several days, months or years after use!
Inhalants
The drug of the street children of South Africa. Glue, petrol, nail polish removers, paint and thinners, lighter fuels etc. Sever psychological and physiological dependence. Can lead to severe physical damage.
Alcoholism
Alcoholics cannot control their drinking. Alcohol is a drug, a central nervous system depressant – not a stimulant. As such, it will depress certain brain functions.
Mandrax
Mandrax produces depression and slows down the nervous system. Overdosing is a real danger as tolerance to the drug develops rapidly
Crack
Derivative of cocaine but cheaper. Resembles small irregular whitish stones, ‘crack’ is the sound they make when smoking. The good feeling lasts for 5-20 minutes. Crack leads to breathing problems, stroke, heart failure, depression, paranoia and psychosis.
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