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Community safety
Alcohol and drugs advice and support in Adur
What signs should I look for if I suspect my child is experimenting with drugs?
Unfortunately there is no easy way to tell if your child is using drugs.
Many of the signs of drug use can equally be associated with normal growing
up. You can look out for the following, but also trust your own knowledge
of your child.
Has your child become more withdrawn and moody? Drug use often leads to mood swings, but equally so does being a teenager!
Drug use can lead to general neglect. Has your child started neglecting their appearance?
Some drugs can affect the appetite. Have you noticed a change in your child's eating habits?
Stimulant drugs, such as amphetamines, disrupt sleep patterns. Have you noticed changes in your child's sleeping and wakefulness?
Perhaps your child is now hanging around with a different group of friends. Peer pressure to use drugs can result in friendship shifts.
If your child is glue sniffing (using solvents) there can be physical signs such as spots and rashes around the nose and mouth.
These are only guidelines, but can give a hint as to the sort of changes to look out for. If you want to talk to about your concerns please contact Norma Buss, Community Alcohol and Drugs Worker.
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