Drug abuse is a social reality which can rear its head anytime, anywhere. Arguably, it's always the youngsters who are vulnerable to this menace. Parents have a hard time guiding their children in the right direction by choosing a middle path between stifling moral values and a carefree attitude. While the road to drugs and addiction begins from curiosity, many retract after the first trial without going for more adventurous bouts. But a hapless few fall in the trap of addiction. The earlier the warning signs of drug abuse are detected, the better. Though there are various types of narcotic substances, which drug users try to get the high, they all have different effects on the users. Psychologist Dr. Mayarani Senan tells Onmanorama some emphatic signs that can be collectively attributed to drug abuse.
1. Unusual fatigue
If your tween is found unusually tired with no particular reason and with a change in behavioural pattern, a medical check-up is advisable. If no physical disorder is diagnosed, a close watch is advocated to detect the possibility of drug abuse.
2. Remaining elated or depressed
Those who use drug are subjected to mood swings. They either appear extremely elated or deeply depressed for no particular reason.
3. Red eye
The eyes of those who use drugs may look reddish most of the time. Drug users most often use eye drops or ‘suruma’ as a coverup.
4. Weight loss or high appetite
Sudden loss of weight is often identified with drug abuse. Similarly, a surge in appetite and food intake can also be considered as a warning signal.
5. Sleep disorder
Sleep disorder can occur for various reasons. But this is one of the signs of drug addiction. Those who have started taking drugs regularly may either sleep too much or may suffer from the lack of it.
6. Urge for money
Drug use is always connected with money and those who are addicted may resort to any means to earn money. Thus, a sudden urge to earn money among teenagers and students should be taken seriously.
7. No precise answer
In the early stages of drug abuse, the users may not feel free to answer the queries put to them by elders, especially, parents. Their replies would remain mostly vague and incomplete.
8. Avoiding eye contact
Although this can be an adolescent symptom, the drug users normally avoid eye contacts when conversing with close relatives, especially parents.
9. Use of perfumes
Those who use drug substances, which can be identified by their smell, will have the tendency to use strong perfumes. Switching to various types of perfumes can be a warning signal.
10. New friends
Those who are into drugs will be seen courting a completely new set of friends and deliberately avoiding the old ones. So it’s important for the parents to take note of the background details of the new friends of their children.
11. Staying out late
All those who stay out late at night need not be considered as taking drugs. But if the ward is staying out very late into the night regularly, there might be something fishy and it should be taken seriously.