The word "DRUGS" means different things to different people. To a doctor or ill person, it means a cure. To a person on a health kick it may mean cigarettes, alcohol and perhaps coffee or similar. To the Police and the majority of the community the word "DRUGS" mean street drugs. The illegal type taken by those wishing to disregard the law and health advice handed out. These drugs can include heroin, cocaine, LSD, amphetamines, barbiturates, and cannabis. It is against the law to possess or sell these substances.

There are good reasons to make these drugs illegal. There is no doubt that serious drugs lead to crime and serious health problems for the individual. It leads to family problems where everyone suffers as a result of the users changing attitudes and disregard for others in the family.

A drugs habit is a hard thing to kick, and becomes even harder the longer you use them. This leads to dependancy and a decreased tolerance to the substance. To get the same kick the user now needs more. How does someone support an average habit costing betwen £60 - £80 a day? Easy - resort to crime !!! (unless you happen to be mega-rich). That`s what happens to most drug users, until they decide its time to seek treatment. Too often they reach a point where they are beyond help ! ! !

What to look for
It's every parents nightmare finding that their kid is on the drugs road and not knowing what to do, but if the symptoms are spotted early enough then professional help can be sought before its too late.

The signs & symptoms.
There may be changes in the persons nature, changing from a happy outgoing person to being introverted and moody. Loss of appetite. They may become aggressive or easily irritable. Developing apathy to their school work or towards long term friends.	Pupils become dilated. Signs of drowsiness or sleepiness. Telling lies or behaving furtively. Money or property disappearing. Smells, stains or marks on their body or clothing. The obvious. Finding items associated with a drug user, ie powders, tablets, capsules, burnt foil, syringes, etc.

Of course these are just a guide and finding or seeing just one of these signs is not proof of their involvement. Be careful you don`t jump too quickly to the wrong conclusion. You may lose your child's trust if you suddenly confront them with an accusation founded on YOUR interpretation of things.

What to do at home.
Don`t go jumping off the deep end at your child before you know all the facts. In doing so you may not get the chance to speak to them about the subject. They will automatically see you as one sided and biased.
Speak to you doctor about what to look for. Speak to your partner about what you have found. It may be that they have already raised the matter with the child and the child does not want to face the matter from you again. This may make matters worse. Speak to the school or parents of other children.
Try to find out if there is something or someone behind the child's use of the drug. It may be peer pressure, school pressure, some form of clinical depression
Give them the support they need, even if it does mean they are in trouble with the Law. The Police would rather you contact them seeking help for your child first, than leaving the matter to progress to a point where your child is an addict, and heading towards ill health and criminal activities.

What to do If !

If you find your child in a state which to you indicates having taken drugs then, first don`t panic, you are no help if you are flustered. Then:

Make sure the person is breathing correctly and gets plenty of fresh air. Turn the patient onto their side, into the recovery position. Do not leave them unless neccessary. If you have to, leave someone with them or where neccessary return to them at the first opportunity. Dial 999 and ask for an ambulance. Explain what you have found. Ask them if you can return to the patient before replacing the receiver. They may require further information from you.

Collect any powders, tablets, syringes bottles or other items which may indicate what substance your child could have taken. This should include any vomit soiled clothing which may or may not indicate that drugs were the cause of their condition. Take them with you to the hospital. Don`t be scared to seek advice from one of the many drugs related help groups or from the Police. They are here to help, not to condemn.