Drugs


				Can you tell if your child is using drugs?
				The mood swings and unpredictable behaviour of the tween and teen years often make it difficult to tell if a child is using drugs-but there are warning signs you can watch out for. If your child exhibits one or more of the following behaviours or moods, drugs may have become a part of his or her life: She's withdrawn, depressed, tired, or careless about her personal grooming. He's hostile, uncooperative, and frequently breaks curfews. Her relationships with family members have deteriorated. He's hanging around with a new group of friends. Her exam results have slipped, and her school attendance is irregular. He's lost interest in hobbies, sports, and other favourite activities. Her eating and sleeping patterns have changed; she's up at night and sleeps during the day. He has a hard time concentrating. Her eyes are red-rimmed and her nose is runny-but she doesn't have allergies or a cold. Household money has been disappearing. You have found any of the following in your home: pipes, cigarette papers, a collection of foil, small medicine bottles, eye drops, butane lighters, homemade pipes, or bongs (pipes that use water as a filter) made from drinks cans or plastic beverage containers. Some of these indicators can be caused by emotional problems or physical illness. Discuss the possibility with your child's doctor and, if necessary, take your son or daughter for a physical examination. If illness is not the problem, it's time to choose a course of action. Young people are as aware of what you do, as much as what you say. Don't just say the right things, do the right things. Set a good example. If you, yourself, have a substance abuse problem, get help. Drug Dealing – don’t ignore it. Colchester Drugs and Alcohol Reference Group is encouraging the community of Colchester to really get involved in tackling drug culture, by getting the public to understand and use the Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 help line. Crimestoppers is the only crime-solving charity in the UK and provides a means to pass on information regarding crimes anonymously. Callers to the 0800 555 111 free phone number can give information but don’t have to give their name, and calls won’t be traced. Information is passed on to the local police to action. Callers may even be eligible for a reward, which can also be collected anonymously. Thank You Isabel Cross
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