Know the signs that your child is an addict
SAM Pillay of the Anti-Drug Forum sheds light on its campaign against drugs and how parents can spot tell-tale signs that their child is an addict. THE recent spate of tragic incidents related to the brutality endured by children in our community yet again shifts our attention to substance abuse.
The Anti-Drug Forum has intensified campaigning, through prevention and awareness programmes, with the hope of reaching out to those most affected.
The Smart Club Programme rolled out in 80 schools in Chatsworth and surrounding areas plays an integral role in the eradication of substance abuse.
The five-week Early Intervention Programme, designed to rehabilitate pupils who engage in substance abuse, has proven a resounding success.
Pupils are reorientated on maintaining a drug-free lifestyle.
It is imperative for parents to exercise vigilance and note the early warning signs of substance abuse. But it must be noted that the symptoms will vary according to the specific substance used.
The most common physical benchmarks would be redness of the eyes, irregular appetite, weight loss, change in complexion, and poor hygiene and grooming.
In the case of marijuana dependants, sudden surges in appetite are tantamount. There are also rapid changes in personality and social circles.
Changes in the three Ps – people, places and playthings – are usually key indicators that are common among most addictions.
Substance abuse dependants generally affiliate with fellow drug abusers. They also hang out in places notorious for the ready availability of illicit substances.
Moreover, it is important to know current paraphernalia trends. Among opiate dependants it is common to associate straws, burnt foil, outer casing of pens, bank cards and lighters.
Most individuals are naïve about the highly addictive potency of substance abuse. Once wedged in the vicious cycle of substance abuse, it becomes virtually impossible for an individual to break the shackles of their addiction by themselves.
The tolerance levels of substance abuse dependants increases gradually over time and this dramatically escalates the need for a greater quantity of the desired substance of choice.
This marks the onset of a steady decline in the life of the addict. Feeding one’s habit becomes progressively difficult to maintain.
Many individuals resort to selling personal belongings. When these resources begin to dry up, desperation drives many to theft and prostitution. Basically, any means of attaining the drug will be exploited.
The Anti-Drug Forum runs effective holistic after-care and supportive therapeutic programmes for both substance abuse dependants and their significant others.
Support groups meet every Thursday between 6.30pm and 7.30pm. These provide the ideal platform for both substance abuse dependents and their families or caregivers to tackle the repercussions of the addiction and its negative effects within the scope of the family or caregiver network.
In relation to the holistic approach adopted by the AntiDrug Forum, various alternative means of therapy and healing are used.
This equips those affected by substance abuse with the tools they need to deal with the impact.