FAQ

You ask questions and we will try to provide answers. Here are some questions people have been asking us. If you don’t see a question listed below, or need more explanation or clarification, contact us. We will be glad to provide an answer.

HOW TO RECOGNISE DRUG ABUSE IN FAMILY MEMBER ?

Sometimes it’s difficult to distinguish normal teenage moodiness or angst from signs of drug use. Possible indications that your teenager or other family member is using drugs include:

• Problems at school or work
  • Frequently missing school or work a sudden disinterest in school activities or work, or a drop in grades or work performance.
• Physical health issues
  • Lack of energy and motivation.
• Neglected appearance
  • Lack of interest in clothing, grooming or looks.
• Changes in behaviour
  • exaggerated efforts to bar family members from entering his or her room or being secretive about where he or she goes with friends; or drastic changes in behaviour and in relationships with family and friends.
• Spending money
  • Sudden requests for money without a reasonable explanation; or your discovery that money is missing or has been stolen or that items have disappeared from your home, indicating maybe they’re being sold to support drug use.
• Physical and health warning signs of drug abuse
  • Eyes that are bloodshot or pupils that are smaller or larger than normal.
  • Frequent nosebleeds–could be related to snorted drugs (meth or cocaine).
  • Changes in appetite or sleep patterns.  Sudden weight loss or weight gain.
  • Seizures without a history of epilepsy.
  • Deterioration in personal grooming or physical appearance.
  • Injuries/accidents and person won’t or can’t tell you how they got hurt.
  • Unusual smells on breath, body, or clothing.
  • Shakes, tremors, incoherent or slurred speech, impaired or unstable coordination.
• Behavioral signs of drug abuse
  • Drop in attendance and performance at work or school; loss of interest in extracurricular activities, hobbies, sports or exercise; decreased motivation.
  • Complaints from co-workers, supervisors, teachers or classmates.
  • Unusual or unexplained need for money or financial problems; borrowing or stealing; missing money or valuables.
  • Silent, withdrawn, engaging in secretive or suspicious behaviors.
  • Sudden change in relationships, friends, favorite hangouts, and hobbies.
  • Frequently getting into trouble (arguments, fights, accidents, illegal activities).
• Psychological warning signs of drug abuse
  • Unexplained change in personality or attitude.
  • Sudden mood changes, irritability, angry outbursts or laughing at nothing.
  • Periods of unusual hyperactivity or agitation.
  • Lack of motivation; inability to focus, appearing lethargic or “spaced out.”
  • Appearing fearful, withdrawn, anxious, paranoid, with no apparent reason.

WHAT ARE HARMFUL EFFECTS OF DRUG ABUSE ?

• Infectious Diseases & Impaired Health
• HIV / AIDS
• Absence from School/College
• Loss of Job/Income
• Possible death due to frustration or ill health
• Corruption
• Money laundering and Narco-terrorism

WHAT ARE SIGNS OF DRUG ABUSE ?

• Sudden Change of mood/temper
• Lack of appetite
• Bouts of drowsiness or sleeplessness
• Unsteady gait
• Nausea and body pain
• Spending long hour in toilets
• Telling lies
• Losing interest in job or in extra-curricular activities
• Increasing demand for money/stealing
• Keeping tablets, capsules, scorched tinfoil, cigarattes, syringes etc.

WHAT PARENTS SHOULD DO ?

• Caring for your children, appending time with them
• Keep an interest in child’s activities & his friends
• Talk to them and trust them find out the root cause of worries of your child, encourage children to admit their drug habit
• Share with spouse
• Consult with doctor and overcome drug addiction through treatment and counselling
• Set an example yourself by not abusing drugs.

WHAT STUDENTS SHOULD DO ?

• Always resist peer pressure. Always “No” to Drugs.
• Drugs are not “cool”. Decide yourself
• Girl students should be cautious while taking drinks containing “date rape drugs” like Rohypnol at rave parties etc.
• Report drugs abuse or trafficking to your school/college principal or police

WHAT TEACHERS SHOULD DO ?

• Check vendors and hawkers around the school/college
• Sudden drop in performance should arouse suspicious
• Random checks in hostel rooms
• Dissemination of information on drugs
• Organize event periodically to keep the campaign against drug abuse alive like observance of “International day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking” on 26th June every Year.