What Works: Schools Without Drugs Part 4

Changing patterns of performance, appearance, and behavior may signal use of drugs. The items in the first category listed below provide direct evidence of drug use; the items in the other categories offer signs that may indicate drug use. For this reason, adults should look for extreme changes in children's behavior, changes that together form a pattern a.s.sociated with drug use.

Signs of Drugs and Drug Paraphernalia

Possession of drug-related paraphernalia such as pipes, rolling papers, small decongestant bottles, or small butane torches.

Possession of drugs or evidence of drugs, peculiar plants, or b.u.t.ts, seeds, or leaves in ashtrays or clothing pockets.

Odor of drugs, smell of incense or other "cover-up" scents.

Identification with Drug Culture

Drug-related magazines, slogans on clothing.

Conversation and jokes that are preoccupied with drugs.

Hostility in discussing drugs.

Signs of Physical Deterioration

Memory lapses, short attention span, difficulty in concentration.

Poor physical coordination, slurred or incoherent speech.

Unhealthy appearance, indifference to hygiene and grooming.

Bloodshot eyes, dilated pupils.

Dramatic Changes in School Performance

Distinct downward turns in student's grades--not just from C's to F's, but from A's to B's and C's. a.s.signments not completed.

Increased absenteeism or tardiness.

Changes in Behavior

Chronic dishonesty (lying, stealing, cheating). Trouble with the police.

Changes in friends, evasiveness in talking about new ones.

Possession of large amounts of money.

Increasing and inappropriate anger, hostility, irritability, secretiveness.

Reduced motivation, energy, self-discipline, self-esteem.

Diminished interest in extracurricular activities and hobbies.

Parents

Recognizing Drug Use

_Recommendation #3_:

Be knowledgeable about drugs and signs of drug use. When symptoms are observed, respond promptly.

Parents are in the best position to recognize early signs of drug use in their children. In order to prepare themselves, they should:

Learn about the extent of the drug problem in their community and in their children's schools.

Be able to recognize signs of drug use.

Meet with parents of their children's friends or cla.s.smates about the drug problem at their school. Establish a means of sharing information to determine which children are using drugs and who is supplying them.

Parents who suspect their children are using drugs often must deal with their own emotions of anger, resentment, and guilt. Frequently they deny the evidence and postpone confronting their children. Yet the earlier a drug problem is found and faced, the less difficult it is to overcome. If parents suspect their children are using drugs, they should:

Devise a plan of action. Consult with school officials and other parents.

Discuss their suspicions with their children in a calm, objective manner. Do not confront a child while he is under the influence of drugs.

Impose disciplinary measures that help remove the child from those circ.u.mstances where drug use might occur.

Seek advice and a.s.sistance from drug treatment professionals and from a parent group. (For further information, consult the resources section, pages 59-73.)

_WHAT SCHOOLS CAN DO_

Schools

a.s.sessing the Problem

_Recommendation #4_:

Determine the extent and character of drug use and establish a means of monitoring that use regularly.

School personnel should be informed about the extent of drugs in their school. School boards, superintendents, and local public officials should support school administrators in their efforts to a.s.sess the extent of the drug problem and to combat it.

In order to guide and evaluate effective drug prevention efforts, schools need to:

Conduct anonymous surveys of students and school personnel and consult with local law enforcement officials to identify the extent of the drug problem.

Bring together school personnel to identify areas where drugs are being used and sold.

Meet with parents to help determine the nature and extent of drug use.

Maintain records on drug use and sale in the school over time, for use in evaluating and improving prevention efforts. In addition to self-reported drug use patterns, records may include information on drug-related arrests and school discipline problems.