AFTER you?ve ruled out the summer heat and humidity as reasons for your child?s irritable mood, the glassy stare, the flushed face and constant runny nose, maybe it?s best to take a closer look at what?s really bugging your kid.

Bear in mind, of course, that just because a child demonstrates some of the following signs, it does not necessarily mean that he or she is on drugs. Young people today face so many challenges that can lead to stress and bouts of depression, the symptoms of which are much like those of drug abuse. The same challenges, however, can and do lead to experimentation with, and possibly abuse of drugs.

Whatever the cause, parents do need to pay attention, especially when these signs persist or become more conspicuous.

Physical Signs

1. A sudden, unexplained change in eating patterns and drastic changes in weight.
2. Sudden changes in sleeping patterns--constant drowsiness, insomnia, waking up at odd hours.
3. Hyperactivity and irritability.
4. Unexplained nausea, vomiting, abnormal sweating.
5. Unsteadiness, tremors, or shaky hands with cold sweaty palms.
6. Pale, swollen face; flushed cheeks; bloodshot teary eyes.
7. Constant or recurring runny nose and/or a dry hollow cough.
8. Drug-like odors coming from the child?s body, breath or clothing.
9. Needle marks on arms.
10. Actual possession of drug paraphernalia

Emotional Signs

1. Changes in attitude or personality for no apparent reason, such as extreme mood swings, bouts of sensitivity, fits of anger, or silly, flippant behavior.
2. Changes in friends, interests, activities and hangout places.
3. Lack of motivation or vitality, inability to concentrate, forgetfulness
4. Detachment from family or withdrawal from family activities.
5. Unexplained drop in grades, apathetic or indifferent attitude to school activities, tardiness.
6. Long periods locked up in room with no apparent sign of activity going on.
7. Frequent telling of lies.
8. Avoiding conversation and refusing eye contact with family members,
9. Endless and excessive need for more money than is necessary

10. Indifference about appearance and clothing

How to keep your children away from drugs

1. Nurture the parent-child bond by creating opportunities to communicate and interact with your children.
2. Educate children about drugs, especially the dangers and risks of experimentation. Be open to their questions so they don?t need to satisfy their curiosity by experimenting.
3. Teach your kids that it is not bad, shameful or cowardly to refuse and say ?NO? to offers of drugs, even from friends and peers. Discuss and visualize potential situations to prepare them to refuse drugs
4. Listen attentively to what your children are saying and not saying (in words and body language)?and equally important, let them know that you are listening to them.
5. Avoid unreasonably high expectations from your kids which could lead to alienation at home. Instead, explore, encourage and support your children?s talents. Praise them for their efforts and accomplishments.
6. Encourage healthy and creative activities like sports and hobbies. Allow them to participate in school and community events to avoid boredom.
7. Support your kids especially when they are faced with peer pressure.
8. Provide a strong spiritual backbone. Be a model for your kids by being vice-free and morally upright.

When your child is into drugs

When you discover that your child is actually abusing drugs, the following are advisable:

1. Calm down. Berating your child only makes the problem worse and pushes him or her farther away.

2. Go beyond telling you child to stop drugs now. Rather, think together and analyze with him or her. Really, really listen, and try to understand the reasons for his or her drug dependence.

3. Make the issue a family matter? siblings form a great support group. Be more cautious about involving too many relatives, though, unless they have something positive to bring in.
4. Encourage your child to get help, and if possible, involve him or her in the plans and options.
5. Contact a medical specialist and your nearest rehabilitation center.
6. Go through family counseling. ?

Source: Vision 2010: A Drug-Free Philippines