Drug abuse among youth has become a "real problem" especially over the last few decades. Most teens give in to drugs because of peer pressure and bullying. Opiates are one of the biggest culprits of addiction. Opiates are derived from opium, a substance obtained from the poppy plant. Heroin, morphine, hydrocodone, oxycodone and codeine are commonly used opiates. Many opiates are available as prescription pain medications.
The problem of teen drug addiction is a serious one and needs to be resolved at the earliest. Family support and encouragement is very essential to get most teens addicted to opiate to go through rehabilitation. However, for this parents should first be able to identify whether or not their child is abusing opiates and other banned substances. Read through the 10 physical and emotional symptoms that ring a warning bell for you.
1. Change in social circle and social interests:
This is one of the most conspicuous signs that your child may be abusing opiates. Your child rarely chooses to be with his or her old friends and has formed a new friend circle. This new social circle either uses opiates like he does or helps him procure the banned substance.
2. A strange secrecy:
They maintain a strange secrecy in conversation and behavior. It involves the use of coded words as far a language is concerned. Your child insists that you do not touch his or her personal belongings such as their school bag, cupboard or car.
3. Drop in school grades:
If your child has always performed consistently at school and there is a sudden drop in grades, it indicates a problem. It either implies bad company or drug abuse. When one is high, it becomes difficult to concentrate and focus. They pay less attention to schoolwork and prefer to skip classes. Failing a class or getting suspended and detained more often is another indication.
4. Increasing monetary demands:
Opiates are one of the most expensive drugs on the market. If your teenager is dabbling in this habit, you will receive increased requests for money. When you question their spending habits, they cover up with false reasons such as needing money for school utility items or stationary.
5. Isolation from friends and family:
Your child who was once very active in his social circle now prefers to live the life of a recluse.
6. Cheating and stealing:
When your child is unable to exhort money from you, he may resort to unethical ways. This includes stealing money or selling home items of value such as electronics or jewelry.
7. Changes in sleep and appetite:
Your child sleeps or feels drowsy at odd times of the day or almost throughout the day. It is the effect of the drug which makes them feel tired. Drug abuse causes a decline in appetite. There might also be drastic weight gain or weight loss.
8. Shabby appearance:
Individuals addicted to drugs are not bothered about maintaining their physical appearance. They wear the same dirty and stained clothes repeatedly.
9. Injury marks on the body:
You should look for puncture wounds or marks that resemble cat scratches especially on the arms. You might also spot raised lumps (abscess) on the arm or along the wrist.
10. Other physical and behavioral signs:
Other physical signs that suggest opiate abuse are inability to concentrate, depression, large pupils, watery, red or glassy eyes, shaking, twitches, tremors, runny nose, nose bleeds, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, sweating and impaired motor coordination. One also experiences mood swings, unexplained anxiety and sadness.
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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shalini_Mittal
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