| Altered States:
The signs of youth substance abuse and how curbing it can prevent crime
Of all the difficult childhood behaviours parents may have to deal with, one of the most potentially serious is drug and alcohol abuse. The choice to use is a common one, as most adolescents will have at least experimented with alcohol before they turn 18.
The good news is that in the majority of cases, experimentation goes no further, with no lasting ill effects. However, a minority of youth will continue and deepen their involvement, resulting in serious consequences to their health, development, future plans, and education.
Once a child becomes involved with a mind-altering substance, their attitude begins to change and the groundwork is laid for delinquent behaviour such as skipping school, fighting, and stealing to get the money needed to maintain their habit.
One way you can curb your child's potential for becoming involved in criminal activities is to seek counselling and treatment services at the first signs of substance abuse.
[Designer – if possible, please make two charts: one for the signs of drug abuse and one for the signs of alcohol abuse…if this will look too cramped on-screen, you may wish to opt for just listing the title as a hyperlink, e.g., ‘Signs of Drug Abuse' etc. and then users will need to click on the link to open a dialogue box / window that shows them the list…if you go this route, be sure to repeat the title at the top of the box/window, so users will clearly know whether they are viewing signs for drugs or signs for alcohol – thanks]
Signs of Drug Abuse
- Abrupt changes in school attendance, quality of school work, grades, discipline
- Unusual flare-ups or outbreaks of temper
- Withdrawal from responsibility
- General changes in overall attitude
- Deterioration of physical appearance and grooming
- Wearing sunglasses at inappropriate times
- Continual wearing of long-sleeved garments, particularly in hot weather, or reluctance to wear short-sleeved attire when appropriate
- Association with known substance abusers
- Unusual borrowing of money from friends, co-workers or parents
- Stealing small items from home, school or employer
- Secretive behaviour regarding actions and possessions; poorly concealed attempts to avoid attention and suspicion such as frequent trips to storage rooms, restroom, basement, etc.
[Source: The Addictions & Life Organization]
Signs of Alcohol Abuse
- Odour on the breath
- Intoxication
- Difficulty focusing; glazed appearance of the eyes
- Uncharacteristically passive behaviour, or combative and argumentative behaviour
- Gradual or sudden deterioration in personal appearance and hygiene
- Gradual development of dysfunction, especially in job performance or school work
- Unexplained bruises and accidents
- Irritability
- Flushed skin
- Loss of memory (blackouts)
- Availability and consumption of alcohol becomes the focus of social activities
- Changes in peer-group associations and friendships
- Impaired interpersonal relationships (such as alienation from close family members, unexplainable termination of friendships)
[Source: The Addictions & Life Organization]
Resources:
For more information on the effects of substance abuse and advice on how to keep your child clean and sober, please check out the following resources:
|
