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FACTSHEET 4 |
Parents -
knowing ‘P’
There are no symptoms that are absolutely reliable. But
there are ‘red flags’ of a serious issue and the more signals
you notice, the more danger your teen could be facing.
Most of these symptoms tend to be gradual which
is why parental awareness is so important.
Don’t jump to conclusions.
Do investigate suspicions you may have as fully as possible
and trust your parental intuition.
“Johnny just doesn’t seem to be the same boy any
more”.
“There is something going on with Jenny - I just can’t
put my finger on it!”
In this case, if they tell you it is daytime – go outside and
check!! But whatever the problem, we’re talking about
a child who may need help.”
Be wary
Note that if teens are using marijuana before trying
meth, the changes you observe might (at first) seem
positive. They may go from being negative and unmotivated
to self-confident, energetic and positive. They
may begin to complete schoolwork and jobs around the
house without their previous habit of complaining.
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Some parents and teachers can unwittingly
support meth use by responding
to the behaviour changes by saying
things like, “I like this change of attitude,”
or, “ I don’t know what you are
doing, but whatever it is, I like it.” To
guard against unconsciously encouraging
Meth use, do not immediately praise
sudden changes in behaviour. Watch
for possible signs of Meth use and talk
to other adults involved with your teen
before reinforcing the changes.
Information for this section was drawn
from, The Capri Trust (Auckland), The
Anti-Drug; Parenting Teens and “Walking
the Talk” from Central CAPT (USA) |
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