How can I tell if my kid is using Meth?
Parents and family members should be aware of signs and symptoms of potential indicators of drug use by their child. Some of these include:
-
changes in your child's appearance (notice bloodshot eyes, careless dress, etc.)
-
changes in health (weight, sleeping and eating habits, restlessness and apathy)
-
changes in school performance
-
how your child is spending money changes in friends, suspicious phone calls, older friends
-
changes in how your child relates to you (mood swings, avoidance)
(Source: Vancouver Island Health Authority information sheet)
A London Drugs brochure (available at all stores) provides the following list of warning signs of methamphetamine use:
-
insomnia
-
decreased appetite and possible weight loss
-
increased agitation and physical activity
-
excited speech
-
compulsive actions, such as repeated cleaning or grooming
-
intense paranoia, possibly accompanied by hallucinations or delusions
-
episodes of sudden, violent behaviour
-
the presence of the items needed for inhaling drugs, which include razor blades, mirrors, broken light bulbs, glass pipes, butane torches and drinking straws
-
the presence of the items needed for injecting drugs, which include syringes, heated spoons, and surgical tubing.
Try to understand the dynamic of the relationship between the addict and their addiction. They are not the person you love and yet they are at the same time. The person you love is not really in control at this point. Their addiction is.
Unfortunately, this addiction really does not care about you or your loved ones. It has no conscience. It cares only about satisfying its chemically derived need. This is not personal towards you nor meant to be vindictive; it is just the
nature of addiction. It is over-whelmingly powerful. Your loved one is powerless against it on their own. They need you to hang in there and use every way you can to help them through this difficult period. Use this website to gain more
knowledge and choices of action.
|
