Table of contents:
- Characteristics of children using drugs
- Dealing with children who use drugs
- Discuss with your partner
- Discuss with children
- Rehabilitation process for children
The number of teenagers who deviate from their interactions makes you as a parent to be observant and be very vigilant. Especially if the child is entering adolescence which tends to be unstable and follow suit. It could be because the child is curious about using drugs. So, so that you can prevent this from turning into a bigger problem, you should first identify the characteristics of children using the following drugs.
Characteristics of children using drugs
A good step, knowing and recognizing the signs of children using drugs. So many parents don't know about it, so they can't help their children to stop abusing narcotics.
Knowing them early will give you the opportunity to provide understanding and help them to stop using drugs. Some of the characteristics and signs that you can observe if you suspect your child is using drugs, namely:
- Panic and anxiety
- Nausea and vomiting
- Hallucinations or laughing for no apparent reason
- Increased blood pressure
- Red eyes
- Forgetful
However, these symptoms are temporary and sometimes appear for only a few hours. For parents who live separately from their children, it's a little difficult to see this symptom. In addition to these symptoms, behavior change is also a characteristic sign of children using drugs.
Apart from observing the characteristics, symptoms, and changes in children's behavior, another thing you can do is to find out hidden locations that children may come to when using drugs.
Dealing with children who use drugs
Discuss with your partner
When you find out that your child is using drugs, you will certainly be surprised and will have various other emotional feelings. However, showing anger towards your child will actually make him more uncomfortable and refuse to communicate with you.
Dealing with a child who is using drugs requires a "strategy" so that the situation does not get worse. Discuss with your partner what steps will be taken. You can share roles with your partner to give understanding to children. Avoid blaming anyone, including spouse and children.
Discuss with children
Once you've confirmed that your child is using drugs, it's best to talk to him right away. Avoid confronting the child, instead you should discuss this carefully with him.
One of the things you can also try to make it easier for you to have a discussion with your children is to first know how they hang out. You can start by asking the closest friends to talk. That way, you will know how the child gets along with his friends, his daily activities, and so on.
By finding out what children think about their friends who use drugs and have a problem with it, you can see how the child responds to the situation.
Based on association Partnership of Drug-Free Kids , some of these points need to be considered when discussing with children who use drugs:
- Encourage children to talk when they are not under the influence of drugs or alcohol so that their emotions are more controlled and calmer.
- Understand that angry, unfriendly behavior will not succeed in getting your child to open up and listen. Make it clear that you care and want to help him
- You can ask a psychologist or psychiatrist to discuss this. This can help you deal with a variety of situations that arise, including when your child is in denial and throws a tantrum.
- Offer solutions to children related to their dependence on drugs, such as information on rehabilitation programs that they can participate in
While talking with your child, try not to judge and blame anyone for this condition. You can ask some sample questions such as the following:
- How can mom / dad help you today?
- What is the reason you started using these drugs? What do you feel?
- What could get you and help you stop using drugs?
- What do you think if we go to rehab?
Rehabilitation process for children
Children who are dependent on drugs need to get treatment from experts. You can invite and accompany him to see a psychiatrist. During the rehabilitation process, involve your child in making decisions so that he feels appreciated. Every time you visit a rehabilitation center or a doctor, ask your child if he is feeling better and better.
The first weeks are tough times to pass because the child's body who is accustomed to using drugs will encourage the child to use these drugs, otherwise known as withdrawal aka sakau.
The physical and psychological symptoms of this condition can be very disturbing and make the child uncomfortable. You can discuss and discuss these conditions with your doctor.
During this rehabilitation process, children may receive drugs to control anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms. Monitor the use of these drugs and must be in accordance with the instructions of a psychiatrist.
After overcoming this "addiction", the rehabilitation process will focus on education, counseling, and support. You can also take psychology classes to help you stay supportive in helping your child. Adolescents in the rehabilitation process need support and affection from their families.
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