Brief Summary
This virtual seminar commemorates the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, focusing on the theme "Evidence is clear: Invest in prevention." It addresses the increasing trend of drug abuse among young people, highlighting creative ways drugs are being used and protective strategies parents can adopt. The discussion covers current types of drugs being misused, the role of social media, psychological and emotional influences, warning signs, detrimental consequences, communication strategies, and resources for help.
- Creative drug use methods among youth
- The influence of social media on normalizing drug abuse
- Importance of early intervention and open communication
Introduction to the Seminar
The seminar commemorates the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, emphasizing the need to invest in prevention due to the increasing problems caused by drug trafficking, including crime and weakened healthcare systems. A recent video on social media showed young people, including students in school uniforms, in a drugged state, highlighting a growing trend. Drug abuse is no longer limited to ghettos; young people are finding creative ways to indulge in illicit drugs, exacerbated by the accessibility of these drugs due to worldwide trafficking. This has created a public health crisis affecting security, safety, and development. The seminar focuses on education, exploring creative ways children are abusing drugs and protective strategies parents can adopt.
Defining Drug Abuse
Drug abuse, or substance abuse, is defined as the continuous use of drugs despite evidence of harm to the individual's physical and mental health. For example, an individual with liver disease continues to consume alcohol, or someone's alcohol use leads to absenteeism and job loss but they persist in drinking. It becomes an abuse when it affects daily activities, leading to job loss, family problems, and difficulty in sustaining relationships, yet the individual is unable to stop. Common substances include alcohol and cannabis.
Current Trends in Drug Abuse
Current trends in drug abuse include the use of "hookah" and electronic cigarettes, which are designed to look like pens. Users are mixing drugs in cocktails, such as banana toffee, where they wrap drugs in the foil of the toffee wrapper and inhale the smoke. They also mix drugs with bitters, creating a synergistic effect with alcohol. Other forms include cookies, cakes, and energy drinks laced with drugs. Some individuals are also injecting drugs, mixing medications with non-sterile water and using non-sterile syringes, which can lead to severe health consequences.
Ingenious Ways of Abusing Drugs
Beyond the common methods, more bizarre ways of drug use include "butt chugging," where alcohol is inserted directly into the rectum for immediate bloodstream access, and soaking tampons in alcohol for insertion into orifices. Other methods involve prescription drugs mixed into energy drinks. These various methods make it difficult for parents to detect drug use, as children are finding increasingly creative ways to disguise it.
The Role of Social Media
Social and traditional media glamorize drug use, blurring the line between right and wrong. Teenagers are shown having fun with drugs in movies, normalizing the behavior. This exposure, combined with a lack of emphasis on the consequences, creates a desire to experiment. Parents should structure their children's social media use and have conversations about what to watch and how to avoid being influenced negatively. Social media normalizes many wrong things, making them appear acceptable.
Psychological and Social Influences
Psychologically, behaviors are driven by thoughts and feelings. Everyone has a desire to belong, and if a child's physiological, safety, love, and belonging needs are met, they are less likely to engage in substance abuse. Children from unstable homes who feel unloved and criticized are more prone to drug use. Building a solid foundation from ages 0 to 5, with love and connection, helps children develop resilience to resist peer pressure.
Warning Signs of Drug Abuse
Behavioral warning signs include hiding things, becoming secretive, skipping school, stealing, and making frequent demands for money. Physical signs include red eyes, changes in grooming, frequent illness, and slurred speech. Emotionally, children may exhibit mood swings and irritability. Parents should be alert to these changes and investigate further.
Detrimental Consequences and Prevention
Drug abuse can lead to mental health issues such as neurological disorders and addiction, impaired relationships, family breakdown, and legal problems. To prevent these consequences, children should be encouraged to seek help for stress and anxiety. Parents should be observant, provide support, and avoid exposing children to substances at an early age. Implementing and enforcing laws on alcohol and substance use is also crucial.
Real-Life Experiences and Parental Neglect
A real-life example involves a 17-year-old boy whose grades declined due to drug use, which was hidden from his mother. The child was home unsupervised, lacking structure and adult supervision. Criticism about grades exacerbated the issue. Parental neglect and comparing children to others can damage their self-esteem and self-worth. Parents need to be present, provide emotional connection, and avoid constant criticism.
Communication Strategies for Parents
Despite busy schedules, parents should balance providing financial stability with being present in their children's lives. Start early by understanding the psychological and developmental stages children go through. Build emotional connections from the beginning, stay calm when correcting children, practice active listening, and use creative stories to share perspectives.
Communicating with a Child Suspected of Drug Use
Develop an honest and open relationship with children so they feel safe to discuss difficult topics. Approach the conversation in a non-judgmental way, showing that you are trying to understand and help, not punish. Find the root cause of the issue by asking how they got involved and what the drugs do for them.
Practical Ways to Reduce Access to Drugs
A father figure at home is a protective factor. Religious engagement can also protect children. Spend quality family time together, know the whereabouts of your children, and welcome their friends into your home to monitor their interactions. Serve as role models and invest in effective parenting skills. Environmental factors, such as access to education and play, are critical in preventing drug use.
Community-Level Prevention and Personal Stories
Mental health authorities should invest in health education and preventive measures at the community level. Share flyers and links to educational resources to reach as many people as possible. Be mindful of the friends your children make, as negative influences can lead to tragic outcomes.
Online Resources for Parents
Utilize online resources such as the Mental Health Authority website, FDA website, Narcotics Control Commission website, and mentalhealthindex.com. These resources provide information on signs and symptoms of mental disorders and substance use.
Seeking Help and Concluding Remarks
Address substance abuse holistically, involving society, individuals, and parents. Speak up when you observe changes in students or children. Seek help from psychologists and mental health authorities. There is help available, so make good use of it to prevent deterioration. Proactive parenting and open communication are essential. Enforce laws and educate children about the detrimental effects of drug abuse.
Overcoming Stigma and Finding Support
Recognize that drug addiction is not a spiritual attack but a normal issue that can affect anyone. Do not be ashamed to seek help. The Mental Health Authority and psychologists in regional hospitals are available. Personal stories of overcoming addiction can inspire hope. Youthfulness is a period of risk-taking, so be smart in helping young people navigate it. No amount of drug use is safe at a young age, as the brain is still developing.
Final Advice and Resources
Youthfulness involves risk-taking, so parents need to be smart in helping their children navigate this period. No amount of drug use is safe for young people, as their brains are still developing. Value the comments and affirmations of your children's friends, as peer pressure is a key factor in drug use. Seek help early, before the situation reaches rock bottom. Counselors can help children navigate challenges, including PTSD and traumatic experiences. Language matters; avoid derogatory terms like "addict" and support those struggling with drug use.
Summary and Closing
Children are using creative ways to abuse drugs, including vapor pens, cocktails, banana toffee, alcohol mixtures, cookies, tea, cake, energy drinks, and injections. Social media normalizes wrongs, influencing children. Parents should focus on communication strategies, watch for behavioral and physical signs, and address neglect. Build bonds, stay calm, listen actively, and use creative stories. Develop open and honest relationships, spend quality time, and know where your children are. Seek help from mental health units and helplines. Share the link to educate as many people as possible.
