20070725Although the numbers of children and young people taking drugs has decreased over the last ten years, the UK still has the highest level of dependent drug use and the second highest level of drug-related deaths in Europe.

There are many reasons for children experimenting with drugs and parents shouldn’t automatically blame themselves or panic and be too angry with the offender.

Kids may take drugs because:
  • they enjoy the thrill of experimenting;
  • drugs are available or their friends use them;
  • they’re bored;
  • they're feeling sad or unhappy;
  • they have mental health issues;
  • they are making a show of independence.
It is worth remembering that very few children or teenagers are actually coerced into drug-taking. but peer pressure is a major contributory factor.

For many children drug use will be a phase of growing up, while for others drug-taking will be the norm.

Signs to look for
Unfortunately many signs of drug-taking could easily be attributed to normal adolescent behaviour:
  • Mood swings from happy and alert to moody and sullen or showing signs of depression.
  • Unusual aggressiveness or irritability.
  • Changes in appetite: weight loss is often associated with amphetamines while heavy cannabis use may lead to an increase in eating sweet things.
  • A marked lack of interest in hobbies, school, sport or friends.
  • Changes in sleeping patterns: bouts of drowsiness or child is wide awake and alert and then sleeps for a day.
  • Increased furtive behaviour or incidence of telling lies.
  • Unexplained loss of money or belongings from the home.

The few physical signs to watch out for are:
  • Unusual smells, stains or marks on the body or clothing or around the house.
  • First time cannabis users may become very white and nauseous.
  • With cannabis use pupils become very large while heroin or opiate users’ pupils become pinpoints.
  • Cannabis users may have red or bloodshot eyes.

Where to get help, support and information
  • Talk to Frank (The National Drugs Helpline) 0800 77 66 00 gives free advice about drugs and how to talk to your children about drugs plus confidential counselling 24 hours a day every day. Also excellent information for young people on website.
  • ADFAM National 020 7928 8923 is a charity which runs a helpline for families of drug users offering confidential advice and support.
  • Families Anonymous 0845 1200 660is a self-help group for parents of drug users with branches in various parts of the country.
  • Release Drugs in School Helpline  0808 8000 800 offers advice, information and support for parents concerned about an incident at school - 10.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday.