Being drug aware

Teenage drug abuse is a major concern for parents today.

If you suspect your teenager is experimenting with drugs, don't feel powerless or alone. Information and help is available.

On this page we provide a very brief overview by:

  • Informing parents and caregivers of the signs, symptoms and effects of illegal drug use on children and young people,
  • Identifying some of the pressures and realities of illegal drugs,
  • Providing strategies for parents and caregivers.
  • There is often no easy, sure way to tell if your teenager is taking drugs. Sometimes the effect of the drug can wear off before you see them, or the effect is not something that is easy to see. Keep in mind that a major change in behaviour may be due to something else such as an illness, relationship difficulties, or trouble at home or school.


Why do teenagers take drugs?

Teenagers may take drugs for a range of reasons. They may:

  • Want to have fun or try something different
  • Find that drugs are easy to get
  • Have friends or peers who are experimenting
  • Be curious and want to experience a 'high'
  • Want to be accepted by their peer group
  • Want to rebel
  • Want to gain confidence and self-esteem
  • See taking drugs as a way to relax or cope with stress, boredom or pain
  • Be following the example of parents or other close adults.

Peer pressure is often used to explain why people start using drugs in the first place. Some teenager's feel that if they don't follow the group they will be hassled and excluded. This is why it is very important to look after your teenager's self-esteem. If your teenager feels strong and confident they will find it easier to make their own decisions without being forced to follow what is 'cool'.
 

Are there any signs?

If you are concerned that your teenager may be experimenting with drugs, watch out for the following signs. Keep in mind that they will vary depending on the drug and the person - look for an overall pattern of behaviour that is not usual for your teenager:

  • Eyes - may be bloodshot, the pupils may become dilated (large), or their eyelids may appear heavy.
  • Speech - will either speed up or slow down.
  • Energy - movement may be slower or they may be more energetic.
  • Appearance - they may be scruffier, lack personal hygiene (for example, not showering or washing their hair as often as they used to).
  • Coughing - may be more constant.
  • Appetite - they may overeat, hardly ever eat, or only eat junk food.
  • Thirst - they may be very thirsty.
  • Disturbed sleep patterns - such as going to bed late and sleeping all day.
  • Short-term memory loss.

The following are some examples of behavioural changes you may notice in your teenager:

  • No interest in sports or hobbies
  • Mood swings
  • Withdrawn from family and some friends
  • Reluctant to introduce certain friends to you
  • Constantly lying and behaving with secrecy
  • Frequent unexplained phone calls
  • Irritable and less affectionate
  • Not worried about the consequences of their actions
  • Cash, valuable items, or even solvents go missing
  • Changes in dress and hair
  • Breaking curfews and staying out late
  • Missing school
  • Argumentative or hostile when discussing the negative signs of drug use
  • Blaming others for their behaviour
  • Using incense and air fresheners in their room.


What can parents and caregivers do?

There are some simple guidelines to think about and put into action.

  • Listen to your teenager - sit quietly and let them talk.
  • Find time to talk - arrange a time when you are both free to talk about the day. Remember, it is important to let them share without feeling pressured.
  • Talk with them - avoid raising your voice, threatening or lecturing your teenager. If they have come to talk to you they must believe that they can trust you.
  • Let them know that you accept and value their point of view.
  • Keep calm - if you find out that your teenager is using drugs or is around other users, try not to lose your temper (even though you may want to). Understand they are going through a difficult time and try to understand that they may desperately want to feel included by their peers.
  • Set boundaries - this includes setting and enforcing curfews. Be sure to insist that they call you at certain times to check in. Get to know their friends and who they'll be with and where they are going. You may also consider limiting sleepovers.
  • Know what they're up to and check on where they say they are going.
  • Be wary of clubs and parties - a lot of people use drugs at clubs and parties. However, not all teenagers who go to clubs and parties are users.
  • Knowledge - learning as much as you can about popular drugs for teenagers and their side effects will make it easier for you to talk about the subject.
  • Get smart - educate your child correctly on the dangers of drugs and their side effects.
  • Teachable moments - wait for relevant moments to talk to your child or teenager about drugs. These may be when a TV ad or programme displays drug use or a newspaper article, movie or radio announcement.
  • Role modelling - be aware of your influence. Do you smoke or take drugs yourself?
  • Get help - don't let embarrassment stop you from doing everything necessary to get support for your teenager. Either contact a counselling centre or a drug rehab clinic.
  • Spend time with your teenager and make them feel valued - let them know that you are proud of them and always give them positive feedback.


Youth justice

If your teenager (aged 14 years and under 17) is involved with drugs and is caught by the Police, they will be dealt with by under the Youth Justice provisions of the  Child, Young and their Families act 1989.
 

Further links:

  • Youth Justice
  • Youth Justice - Police action
  • Youth court
  • NZ Drug Foundation - provides reliable information for organisations and individuals. They can also be contacted on: 0800 787 797
  • Life Education Trust - provides information and tips for parents. They can also be contacted on: 0800 145 433
  • D.A.R.E. - provides education to help teenagers make sensible
  • choices about their use of drugs.
  • FADE - provides an education and information service aimed at students, teachers, parents, health professionals and anyone who wants to learn more about drugs.
  • 4ParentsToday - This US website links to a range of sites providing information on drugs.