Sudden odd behaviour could mean your child is on drugs
Dec 29, 2009
BOOK REVIEW<br><br>Title: <b>Drug Taking and Drug Abuse among young people</b><br>Author: Otyek Moses Cyprian<br>Reviewed by: Joel Ogwang<br>Available at: Kyambogo University bookshop<br><br>THE Christmas vacation is a long spell that can build or
BOOK REVIEW
Title: Drug Taking and Drug Abuse among young people
Author: Otyek Moses Cyprian
Reviewed by: Joel Ogwang
Available at: Kyambogo University bookshop
THE Christmas vacation is a long spell that can build or break a youngster.
Ensure that the youngsters use it productively and punish them if they engage in unacceptable activities during the vacation.
Though it is every parent’s resolve to be exemplary to their children by passing on inspirational morals and virtues, many get heartaches during the long holidays, mainly from upper secondary students.
Since many students are free from the ‘bondage’ of books — writing notes, revising or engaging in group discussions, they get involved in anti-social activities.
Such devious behaviour includes fighting, theft, pornography, pre-marital sex and taking drugs.
It is drug abuse that Moses Cyprian Otyek, an educationist, explores.
In what will be of interest to parents this festive season, Otyek throws pointers as to whether your child is taking drugs.
In his book, Drug Taking and Drug Abuse among Young People, a handbook for parents and teachers, Otyek spells out why young people take drugs, their effects as well as control measures.
Drugs to watch out for
He categorises some of the common drugs into two: narcotics, or hard drugs and soft drinks.
Opium, morphine, heroin (H) horse and cocaine comprise narcotics, with soft drinks embedding Amphetamines (pep pills, speed), barbiturates, marijuana and hashish are drugs often abused.
However, in contemporary Uganda and more so among youngsters, opium, heroin and marijuana are common.
Although cocaine is abused in small quantities because of its limited supply and high cost, it is got from hide-outs.
What causes drug abuse?
Otyek points out to wrong groups that prevail over a ‘good’ students’ conscience as the first reason why young people take drugs.
“Young people who find themselves in groups of drug addicts can easily start taking drugs because they want to identify with the groups,†says Otyek.
When friends or people who are admired abuse drugs, others may be tempted into the vice for acceptance as group members.
Other causes include boredom, illegality of drugs, curiosity, demonstration of independence, likeness, repression of worries or pain killing and seeking courage amidst difficulty.
The drugs damage the mind and body, affect life and study, cause crime, loss of friends, physical weakness and shorten the lifespan due to drug-related complications.
Signs that one is taking drugs
These are immense, ranging from changes in habits and going out of home secretly and coming back late.
- Isolation from the family, disappearance of money and objects from home, tendency to lie, easy forgetfulness and lower performance.
- Red eyes, nasal congestion, anxiety, loss of appetite, odd smells in their bedroom, irrational behaviour, quarrelsomeness or talkativeness and suicidal tendencies.
If these are noticed, a parent should investigate this strange and deviant behaviour before taking time to speak to the child warmly.
“Get in touch with parents of your child’s friends,†recommends Otyek. “Do not accuse anybody for the change in behaviour. Try to come up with combined strategies.â€
Parents should also consult mental health experts, use incentives to reinforce the child’s willingness to change or reform.
To avoid access to drugs, the parent should stop giving the child money.
When all these interventions fail, refer the child to rehabilitation homes.
What better message could parents get about children’s behaviour during Christmas?
Title: Drug Taking and Drug Abuse among young people
Author: Otyek Moses Cyprian
Reviewed by: Joel Ogwang
Available at: Kyambogo University bookshop
THE Christmas vacation is a long spell that can build or break a youngster.
Ensure that the youngsters use it productively and punish them if they engage in unacceptable activities during the vacation.
Though it is every parent’s resolve to be exemplary to their children by passing on inspirational morals and virtues, many get heartaches during the long holidays, mainly from upper secondary students.
Since many students are free from the ‘bondage’ of books — writing notes, revising or engaging in group discussions, they get involved in anti-social activities.
Such devious behaviour includes fighting, theft, pornography, pre-marital sex and taking drugs.
It is drug abuse that Moses Cyprian Otyek, an educationist, explores.
In what will be of interest to parents this festive season, Otyek throws pointers as to whether your child is taking drugs.
In his book, Drug Taking and Drug Abuse among Young People, a handbook for parents and teachers, Otyek spells out why young people take drugs, their effects as well as control measures.
Drugs to watch out for
He categorises some of the common drugs into two: narcotics, or hard drugs and soft drinks.
Opium, morphine, heroin (H) horse and cocaine comprise narcotics, with soft drinks embedding Amphetamines (pep pills, speed), barbiturates, marijuana and hashish are drugs often abused.
However, in contemporary Uganda and more so among youngsters, opium, heroin and marijuana are common.
Although cocaine is abused in small quantities because of its limited supply and high cost, it is got from hide-outs.
What causes drug abuse?
Otyek points out to wrong groups that prevail over a ‘good’ students’ conscience as the first reason why young people take drugs.
“Young people who find themselves in groups of drug addicts can easily start taking drugs because they want to identify with the groups,†says Otyek.
When friends or people who are admired abuse drugs, others may be tempted into the vice for acceptance as group members.
Other causes include boredom, illegality of drugs, curiosity, demonstration of independence, likeness, repression of worries or pain killing and seeking courage amidst difficulty.
The drugs damage the mind and body, affect life and study, cause crime, loss of friends, physical weakness and shorten the lifespan due to drug-related complications.
Signs that one is taking drugs
These are immense, ranging from changes in habits and going out of home secretly and coming back late.
- Isolation from the family, disappearance of money and objects from home, tendency to lie, easy forgetfulness and lower performance.
- Red eyes, nasal congestion, anxiety, loss of appetite, odd smells in their bedroom, irrational behaviour, quarrelsomeness or talkativeness and suicidal tendencies.
If these are noticed, a parent should investigate this strange and deviant behaviour before taking time to speak to the child warmly.
“Get in touch with parents of your child’s friends,†recommends Otyek. “Do not accuse anybody for the change in behaviour. Try to come up with combined strategies.â€
Parents should also consult mental health experts, use incentives to reinforce the child’s willingness to change or reform.
To avoid access to drugs, the parent should stop giving the child money.
When all these interventions fail, refer the child to rehabilitation homes.
What better message could parents get about children’s behaviour during Christmas?