Dealing with Drugs

Although we provide some very general information concerning drug related issues, we would strongly advise anyone concerned with drug use (wither in themselves or in others) to get in touch with one of the organisations shown in the further information section

How can you tell if someone is using drugs or alcohol? It is often difficult because changes in mood or attitudes, unusual temper outbursts, changes in sleeping habits and changes in socialising or other interests can be caused by a variety of different things. What should you look for?

You can look for signs of depression, withdrawal, carelessness with grooming or hostility. If it's a child you're worried about, how are they doing at school?  Is their work starting to suffer or are they getting into trouble more often?  Here are some tell tale signs a parent may watch for.

Watch List for Parents

• Changes in friends
• Negative changes in schoolwork, missing school, or declining grades
• Increased secrecy about possessions or activities
• Use of incense, room deodorant, or perfume to hide smoke or chemical odours
• Subtle changes in conversations with friends, e.g. more secretive, using "coded" language
• Change in clothing choices: new fascination with clothes that highlight drug use
• Increase in borrowing money
• Evidence of drug paraphernalia such as pipes, rolling papers, etc.
• Evidence of use of inhalant products (such as hairspray, nail polish, correction fluid, common household products); Rags and paper bags are sometimes used as accessories
• Bottles of eye drops, which may be used to mask bloodshot eyes or dilated pupils
• New use of mouthwash or breath mints to cover up the smell of alcohol
• Missing prescription drugsespecially narcotics and mood stabilizers

 

The FRANK website (external link) offers some advice on how to talk to someone you feel may be taking drugs.  Here is some of their advice.

 

It's never easy telling someone you know that you don't like the way they're going about things. It's even harder when it's your best mate or partner. But there are ways to broach what might feel like the mother of all difficult conversations.

Decide what you want to say.

Before you say anything, figure out what your problem is with what they're doing. And what it is you want them to do?

You might be unhappy about your friend or partner's choices, but there's no formula that can be applied to make someone stop using drugs. If you let them know how you feel, you might find there's room for a bit of compromise. But ultimately if you can't accept their choices, it comes down to whether you want to continue the friendship/relationship or not.

Talk to them when you are calm

It's really easy to have a row, shout at each other and make threats. But you won't get past how you're feeling if you're emotional. Get calm and talk through the issues. What's the problem? What do you want them to do? What do they need from you?

Avoid asking why

Why? Because it puts people on the defensive. And, they might not know why they do five pills / have risky sex / owe the dealer money they haven't got. Ask questions beginning How, When, What, Where. It'll get the conversation moving and you won't simply get a Yes or No answer.

Focus on them not the drugs

The Speed, coke, heroin isn't doing anything to you. They are. How does their behaviours affect you? Are they unreliable? Is it their mood swings? Are you always paying for everything? What are the good/bad things that can happen if they continue doing what they're doing? And how does that create problems for you?

Stick by them

Don't turn your back on them. Listen to them and how they say they feel. Talk to them about their health and well being. Suggest what they might do but don't go on about it. If they want, offer to go with them if they go for help.

Further Information

Families Anonymous - For relatives and friends concerned about the use of drugs or related behavioural problems. Families Anonymous website (external link)

Release - provides advice to drug users, their families, friends, and statutory and voluntary agencies. The advice is free, professional, non-judgmental and confidential.  Release website (external link)

FRANK - For free confidential drugs information and advice 24 hours a day talk to FRANK. The Talk to Frank website (external link)

Tackling Drugs -  This is the cross-government drug strategy website for drug professionals and others interested in the strategy. Content includes publications, events, Drug Action Team Directory, public drugs campaign resources, press releases and the national drug strategy. Tackling drugs website (external link)

National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse -  The NTA aims to increase the availability, capacity and effectiveness of treatment for drug misuse in England. This site includes details of the NTA 's work programme, as well as publications and guidance for those in the drug treatment sector. The NTA website (external link)

Information provided by FRANK