One of a parent's greatest fears is that their child might be on drugs. And although there may be nothing a parent can do to prevent this behavior from happening, other than encouraging their child not to use drugs and setting a good example, many parents have had those frightening moments when they have wondered... Is my child on drugs?
There is no foolproof way of knowing for sure whether or not your child is on drugs other than to have your child tested by a medical professional. This, however, is not always the first course of action that a parent may want to take without mitigating circumstances. But, what kind of circumstances would justify a drug test?
Paraphernalia and Symptoms
Generally, drug abuse will be associated with other items which may be considered as warning flags. Some items are blatant indications of drug abuse whereas other items may only be suggestive of drug abuse. These items will also very on the type of substance the child may be involved with. Some of the more common drug paraphernalia is listed below with the drug it may most often be associated with along with some of the symptoms of usage.
Marijuana
Rolling papers, such as Jobs or Tops. Matches, lighters, pipes, bongs. Soda cans that are slightly bent with holes poked in them. These will generally show scorching and resin from the smoking activity. Plastic sandwich baggies, in which the marijuana is contained. Some slang terms for marijuana include: pot, weed, dope, ganja, mota, green, bud and smoke. Marijuana is a plant that is smoked when it is dried and is typically a green in color, but may also look brown or yellow. Individuals who use marijuana may have redness of the eyes, dry mouth, and get the "munchies".
Methamphetamines
Because meth can be used in a large variety of ways the paraphernalia associated with it can vary considerably. If the meth is snorted through the nose there may be short straws or pens that have had the ink wells taken out. Small mirrors or pieces of glass are commonly used. If the meth is smoked there may be glass pipes, aluminum foil, gutted light bulbs, viles or perfume bottles. If the meth is to be injected, there will be syringes, short rubber hoses, ropes or cloth. Meth may also be ingested in a pill or capsule form. Meth may be packaged in plastic baggies ranging from as small as a match book to as large as a sandwich baggie. Meth may be referred to as: speed, wire, go, powder, crank, and crystal. Meth is generally a white powder, but may very to shades of yellow and red. Larger amounts of meth may also appear to be a plastic type of substance. Behavioral indicators include hyperactivity, dilated eyes, grinding of the teeth, nervous twitching, loss of appetite, loss of weight, inability to sleep during normal hours, and irritability.
Cocaine
The paraphernalia for cocaine is similar to that of methamphetamines. Cocaine may be referred to as: coke, snow, powder or white. Accompanied by hyperactivity.
Heroin
Often associated with tiny balloons or small corners of plastic bags. Syringes, rubber hoses, small ropes or cloth. Referred to as horse, H, lady love. The individual will initially seem quite excitable, happy and energetic but will soon appear sleepy, drunk, or groggy. The person may even nod out.
Prescription Medications
Prescription drugs are commonly abused and may or may not be associated with the pill containers. Medications may be kept in any imaginable container. But, they may be obvious in that they are stored in unusual locations, generally with the intent to hide them. Pills come in every size shape and color, and in capsule and tablet form. The slang for "Scrips" is limited only by the imagination with terms being applied to identify the specific type of medication. Some examples include: uppers, downers, ludes, pain pills, pain killers, reds, blues, ecstasy, E, etc... Behavioral indicators vary depending on the scrip.
Household Items
Believe it or not many household items may be used to acquire a "high". Huffing, is a common practice wherein drug users will take such items as gasoline, kerosene or some other volatile substance, such as cleaning agents and inhale them. Substances are often applied to rags or put into paper bags and then "huffed". Aerosol products may also be huffed. Such things as hair spray, whip cream, or air freshener may be used. Paints are commonly huffed. Behavioral indicators generally include red rashes around the mouth or nose and stupor.
OK So What Do You Do?
If you suspect your child is abusing drugs talk to them. It is not uncommon for a drug user to absolutely deny use... so do not be surprised if they do not confess to you immediately. Try to dispose of any blatant drug paraphernalia at the soonest possible time. If you continue to suspect your child of using drugs inform them that you will have them drug tested. I know of one parent whose daughter would not confess to her drug abuse until she was brought to the parking lot of the testing facility. The father said, "OK this is your last chance to get honest." And she did.
Some children may be able to quit drugs with the appropriate guidance and support at home. Recovery programs may be available in your community. You may find them in the telephone directory. You may want to accompany your child to a recovery meeting or have them go with someone that you can trust. However, in serious cases your child may require admittance to a rehabilitation facility. As a parent seek the qualified advice of a physician or counselor. But, most importantly, love your child enough to not contribute to their problem.
