Drug Awareness Scheme

One of the major fears of most parents of teenage children is the threat and effects of drug abuse.

There are many tell tale signs, any of which if taken in isolation are not a real indication of drug taking but when coupled together can show that a young person may be using drugs.

Signs
The signs to look for are mood changes, aggressive uncharacteristic behaviour, desire to be alone, loss of appetite or inability to stop snacking, dilated pupils, loss of interest in normal activities, suddenly mixing with people your child wouldn't normally associate with, receiving odd telephone calls, suddenly dashing out at strange times, being excessively dreamy, being incoherent at times, possible loss of weight.

Another sign is a constant shortage of money when what used to be enough for a child's needs no longer is - leading to money missing around the house.

Some young people make tentative moves to let those around them know that they are using drugs. They may, for example, leave Rizzla papers, a home made hubble bubble or burnt foil lying around or half hidden.

Often a sibling will know before anyone else in the house that drugs are being used and they may draw their parents' attention to the problem.

If a child is taking drugs one of the most important things is to KEEP THE LINES OF COMMUNICATION OPEN.

A person taking drugs will normally try to isolate themselves from family members and therefore communication can be very difficult. If you find that you are not able to communicate with your child enlist the help of a sibling or other family member or friend who can talk to the child.

It is very important to seek PROFESSIONAL ADVICE.

For FREE confidential advice and help phone: -

Community Drug Helpline 20 Woodcote Road Wallington. Phone: 020 8773 9393.
Hours of opening are Mon. - Fri. 9.30 am - 6.00 p.m.
For any out of hours call including weekends and holidays Phone: 020 8647 6169.

Free confidential help and advice in the Epsom Area
phone Drug Problem Helpline, 126 High Street, Epsom. Phone: 01372 743434.

For confidential advice and support for young people
Open Door 1 Grove Cottage , Grove Park, High Street, Carshalton, Surrey. Phone: 020 8770 4388.

The National Drug Helpline is: 0800 77 66 00, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.