Signs of Drug Abuse

Changing patterns of performance, appearance and behaviour may signal the use of drugs. The items in the first category listed below proved direct evidence of drug use, while items in the other categories offer signs that may indicate drug use. For this reason parents should look for extreme changes in children's behaviour , changes that together form a pattern associated with drug use.

Signs of Drug Abuse and Drug Equipment

Possession of drug-related equipment such as pipes, rolling papers or small decongestant bottles
Possession of drugs, peculiar plants, butts, seeds or leaves in ashtrays or in clothing pockets
Odour of drugs, smell of incense or other "cover-up" scents

Identification with Drug Culture

Drug-related magazines, slogans on clothing and posters
Conversations and jokes that are preoccupied with drugs
Hostility in discussing drugs
Music which glorifies drugs

Signs of Physical Deterioration

Memory lapses, short attention span, difficulty in concentration
Poor physical co-ordination, slurred or incoherent speech
Unhealthy appearance, indifference to hygiene and grooming
Bloodshot eyes and dilated pupils - often find them using eye drops in their eyes

Changes in Behaviour

Chronic dishonesty (lying, stealing, cheating)
Changes in friends, evasiveness in talking about new friends
possession of large amounts of money
Increasing and inappropriate anger, hostility, irritability and secretiveness
Reduced motivation, energy, self-discipline and self-esteem
Diminished interest in extracurricular activities and hobbies

XTC

Ecstasy is synonymous with Raves.
The tablets are either brown or pink.
They can cause psychological and physical harm.
Reduced appetite
Causes sleep problems
Depression and anxiety
Dependency can be fatal

Dagga / Cannabis

This drug consists of the flowering tops, leaves, stems and seeds of the Cannabis Sativa plant. It grows in KZN and all over the world. Users can experience depression, anxiety attacks and bizarre, terrifying hallucinations

LSD "Acid"

A powerful hallucinogen. A mind altering drug that was very popular in the 60's. It leads to sever personality disturbances. Flashbacks occur, which is a sudden intense recurrence of hallucinations several days, months or years after use!

Inhalants

The drug of the street children of South Africa. Glue, petrol, nail polish removers, paint and thinners, lighter fuels etc. Sever psychological and physiological dependence. Can lead to severe physical damage.

Alcoholism

About 10% of all people who drink become alcoholics.

Alcoholics cannot control their drinking. Alcohol is a drug, a central nervous system depressant - not a stimulant. As such, it will depress certain brain functions.

Mandrax

Mandrax produces depression and slows down the nervous system. Overdosing is a real danger as tolerance to the drug develops rapidly

Nicotine

One of the most harmful substances adversely affecting community health. Smokers are prone to disease. Smoking is highly addictive. The risk of lung disease is increased x25. Also can lead to mouth and throat cancer. smoking also affects those around you - they become passive smokers

Crack

Derivative of cocaine but cheaper. Resembles small irregular whitish stones, 'crack' is the sound they make when smoking. The good feeling lasts for 5-20 minutes. Crack leads to : breathing problems, stroke, heart failure, depression, paranoia and psychosis

| Disclaimer

Signs of Drug Abuse