Drugs and the understandable fight against them have become part of our normal lives. They are present in our lives, whether we accept the existence and the severity of the problem and pay the necessary attention to it. They penetrate everywhere and no one, regardless of social status, education, material satisfaction or poverty, is protected from encountering them.
We all know that puberty is a time of affirmation of personality, of heightened sensitivity, of emotional crises, of existential issues. We all know that the moments of complete negation are also natural - of norms, of rules, of authorities. Then the friendly environment becomes more important than parents and teachers. And we, the older ones, often "surrender" and refuse to look for the way to our grown children and students. During this period there are long silences and alienation, unanswered questions, truancy.
Sometimes drugs
In some cases, the young person reaches for the drug, but the experience remains just an unusual episode and never happens again. The passion passes, as does the fashion of clothes. Then drugs are a temporary escape, a way out, an experiment. They become a problem when our children need them to continue living.
It is up to us whether children will perceive the world as a bad place to live or will build themselves up as individuals capable of defending themselves.
Risk factors contributing to the emergence of drug addiction
1. Economic deprivation
The economic situation in the country has a significant impact on the degree of education, healthcare, police, national drug strategy. However, the truth is that the drug problem cannot be avoided even in countries with a high standard of living.
2. Relocations
Frequent change of residence is a stress factor for the young person, he finds himself in a new environment of his peers, in which he has to, this is often associated with strong mental stress, threatening the young person and making him shake off the pressure of the group. in the pursuit of success.
3. Access to alcohol and drugs.
The easier young people have access to alcohol and drugs, the greater the risk of abuse. Non-compliance with the law banning the sale of alcohol and cigarettes to persons under 18 also contributes to this.
5. Social norms, tolerant to the use of alcohol and drugs.
The more tolerant society is of alcohol and drug use, the more likely young people are to abuse these substances.
6. Alcoholism in the family
A family in which one or both parents are affected by alcoholism does not function normally, emotional connections are often broken, it gives the wrong pattern of behavior, values in life, interpersonal relationships, it often neglects the needs of the child.
7. Genetic predisposition
It is a factor that cannot be influenced and leads to the rapid development of addiction. But a person who is genetically predisposed does not necessarily develop an addiction, as long as there are enough other factors to protect him from contact with drugs.
8. Poor and inconsistent methods of upbringing in the family
The inability to lead the family optimally can lead to a loss of natural authority. This will make it easier for the child to succumb to the external influences of the environment.
9. School failure
A child who is in the position of an outsider can compensate for the psychological pressure by looking for such groups of peers in which school failure is positively assessed.
10. Weak connection with school
If the school environment is uninitiative with many restrictions and little personal involvement of teachers, the child does not feel the need to accept the values, attitudes and norms of the environment.
11. Premature collision with alcohol and drugs.
The earlier a child's first encounter with drugs, the greater the risk of addiction.
12. Lack of love in the family, mutual disrespect
Poor or missing emotional connections in the family carry the greatest risk of developing behavioral disorders in a child.
Signs of the drug use
There are often no obvious symptoms and signs of drug use, and sometimes even behavior and appearance can be misleading. The following are some possible symptoms and signs when using psychoactive substances. Many of them are normal manifestations of puberty and therefore their consideration should always be in the context of a specific situation.
1. Running away from school, loss of interest in a friendly environment or hobby.
2. Emergence of a new friendly company of older young people or friends who use drugs.
3. Mood swings, unusual outbursts, fatigue or irritability.
4. Excessive fatigue for no apparent reason.
5. Disinterest in appearance.
6. Pain or rash around the mouth or nose.
7. Lack of appetite.
8. Dilated or constricted pupils, which are covered with sunglasses.
9. Increase daily expenses or borrow money.
10 Theft of money or belongings.
11. Use of inherent drug jargon.
What should you do if you suspect that your child is using drugs?
Keep calm and evaluate the facts. Don't give in to your fears right away.
Do not rush with extreme unfair assessments. Unfounded accusations will offend young people.
Do not isolate yourself. Discuss the problem with other parents or teachers. Share information and experience.
Do not rush into a harsh conversation about the dangers of drug use.
Talk to young people and listen carefully to what they will tell you. Share your concerns. Reassure them that you are ready for the next calls.
Distinguish the facts from the numerous myths about drug use.
If you find suspicious substances or objects, study information about the types of drugs and methods of use, so as not to make a wrong conclusion.
Ask for competent advice and assistance to specialists.
What should you do if you find that your child is using drugs?
This is a huge stress for every parent and puts the relationship with the young person in a completely new situation.
Try to understand what prompted him to try drugs and how he himself assesses the situation.
Find out what drugs he is taking.
Clarify ways to take drugs to discuss the associated risks together.
Share your concerns openly.
Assure him that you accept his position, even though you do not share it.
Assure him that he can always count on your support to deal with the problem.
Discuss possible ways out of the crisis.
Do not deal with this problem alone. Seek competent advice or support.
Thanks for sharing,this comes at time most parents are facing such challenges Having a child who do drugs