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FACTSHEET 3 |
Is my child
trying
or using
using ‘P’ .... Many parents think their children will never try a drug
as dangerous as methamphetamine (or ‘P’ – meth in
its so-called ‘pure’ form). But meth can be a strongly
attractive drug for many teens - or they may be scared
off through hearing extreme stories about what can go
wrong through using it. ‘P’ as it is commonly referred to
in New Zealand is increasingly available in rural communities
and in cities.
It is highly addictive and the impact of ‘P’ use can last
a lifetime. New Zealand is now one of the highest drugusing
nations in the world and the highest per capita
user of ‘P’.
Methamphetamine has long been known as an aid to
losing weight and this can make ‘P’ more attractive
to young people. However, currently in New Zealand,
other drugs such as cannabis and alcohol are still the
major drugs of choice for young people.
Any drug use can be considered as a potential ‘incubator’
or seed bed for other drug use such as ‘P’
Many of these signs are equally relevant to use of other
drugs – particularly cannabis. Many of the warning signs
for drug use can also be the same as those for the ‘ups
and downs’ of being a teenager- or even
depression. There’s also the possibility of a physical or
emotional problem. |
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Some of the common signs and symptoms of
meth use in teens include:
- Dilated pupils, dark circles or bags under their
eyes
- Chronic eye redness, sore throat or dry cough
- Increased sensitivity to noise and light
- Increased level of self confidence and euphoria
- “Wired”, restless, excitable and anxious
- Noticeable change in sleeping patterns
- Weight loss (rapid, extreme)
- Irritability or aggressiveness
- Drastic mood swings
- Dizziness or confusion, disconnected chatter
- Complaints of chest pain, rapid breathing
- Excessive sweating and body odour
- Bad breath, poor dental hygiene and teeth
grinding
- Dry, itchy skin (a sense of bugs crawling under
skin)
- Hanging out with a different group of friends
- Subtle changes in conversations and behaviour
with friends (use coded language, more
secretive about possessions or activities)
- Negative change in appearance, greasy hair,
skin sores
- Change in attire, clothes that highlight/
advertise/portray drug use
- Noticeable change in values, lying (especially
about whereabouts), stealing, etc.
- Increase in borrowing money or trading of
possessions
- Unexplained sources of money – Dealing?
Stealing? Prostitution?
- Deteriorating relationship with family
- Noticeable mood swings, hostility or abusive
behaviour
- Chronic fatigue, loss of interest in favourite
activities, hobbies, sports
- School problems – slipping scores, truancy
- Presence of paraphernalia (Broken light bulbs,
hollowed out pens, tin foil, pop cans often
with hole in the side, charred bottle tops
needles)
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