From Experimenting to Addiction, When and How Should Parents Intervene?
About The Author:
Elsabé Grötzinger is a Clinical Psychologist and holds a Master's degree in both Clinical Psychology and Community Counselling, and a Master's in Social Work with 33 years of experience. She is the owner and CEO of Valor Psychology Service,
Drug use is an increasingly alarming situation in Namibia, showing an increase in the usage of illegal drugs. Cannabis (most commonly used), Mandrax, Crack Cocaine, and Synthetic Stimulants are most widely used.
Understanding Experimenting with Drugs in Relation to Addiction
People experiment with drugs for different reasons, whether it’s peer pressure, curiosity, a need to boost their social experience, fun, or relaxation. It can quickly spiral out of control, leading to a serious, life-altering addiction. Many drug users think that they can control their use, but in reality, it impacts their relationships with family members, friends, and work adversely, contributing to damage that takes years to try to recover from, while the risk of relapse remains a constant challenge. What one person can manage casually may send another into a downward spiral.
SIGNS THAT OCCASIONAL USE HAS TURNED INTO ADDICTION
1. Increased Frequency - There is an increased need to use the drug more often to cope with everyday life or emotions.
2. Loss of Control - Substance abuse can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness. Attempts to cut back on drug use fail, and it becomes more difficult due to a compulsive need to use the drug despite their intentions to quit.
3. Psychological Dependence - Symptoms such as anxiety, depression, agitation, irritability, insomnia, intense drug cravings, anger outbursts, mood swings, and lying can be experienced.
4. Physical Dependence
The body builds up tolerance to the drug over time and requires larger doses to achieve the same effect. Withdrawal symptoms may occur when the drug is not available, such as muscle aches, sweating, runny nose, tearing, yawning, goosebumps, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, rapid heartbeat, and hypertension.
5. Risk-Taking Behaviour
The chances to engage in dangerous activities increase, to get access to drugs or maintain their habits such as driving under the influence, using unsafe environments or unhealthy ways that can increase the risk of HIV and other infections, stealing, getting involved with gangsters and dangerous people. Many times, drug users steal money or house equipment to get money to buy the drug. Parents must be vigilant in noticing and keeping their children accountable.
6. Isolation
Withdrawal from families/social activities, and relationships. They prefer to spend time with other users to be alone.
7. Neglecting Responsibilities
Drug use begins to interfere with work, school, or personal relationships. The person might start to neglect responsibilities to use drugs or show up while impaired.
BREAKING THE CYCLE: SEEKING HELP: SEEK MEDICAL HELP AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE
Denial is very common in most users, which postpones help-seeking behaviors and plays a major role in letting addiction grow unnoticed. Too often, people who are experimenting with drugs falsely believe that they can stop at any time they wish. By the time a person realizes and admits that their drug use is a problem, they might already be stuck in the cycle of dependence.
REHABILITATION
Addiction is a more severe condition characterized by compulsive use despite harmful consequences.
Inpatient treatment is advisable when drugs are used as self-medication and when drug uses impacts functionality at school, work, or relationships, financial harm, etc. for mental health issues.
HOW CAN PARENTS IDENTIFY SIGNS OF DRUG USE IN THEIR CHILDREN?
Behavioral Changes
· Mood swings: Sudden shifts in mood, from extreme highs to lows.
· Secrecy: Being more secretive or withdrawn, avoiding family interactions.
· Declining performance: Poor grades, trouble at school, or skipping school.
· Loss of interest: Lost interest in hobbies or activities they used to enjoy.
· New friends: Associating with a different crowd, with a bad influence.
Physical Signs
· Red or glassy eyes: Frequent bloodshot eyes or dilated pupils.
· Unusual odors: The smell of smoke or strange odors on their clothing or breath.
· Weight loss: Sudden, unexplained weight changes.
· Neglected appearance: Lack of hygiene or grooming.
Changes in Routines
· Irregular sleep: Staying up late, sleeping during the day, or extreme tiredness.
· Appetite changes: Sudden increase or decrease in eating habits.
· Money issues: Asking for money without explanation, stealing, or missing valuables.
Possession of Unusual Items
· Drug paraphernalia: Finding rolling papers, pipes, small baggies, or strange pills.
Personality Shifts
· Aggression or irritability: Easily angered or lashing out over small things.
· Lack of motivation: Seeming unusually lethargic or unmotivated in general tasks.
HELP IS AVAILABLE, DON’T DELAY REACHING OUT:
If parents notice several of these signs, it’s important to approach the child with care and concern, rather than accusations, and consider seeking help from a professional. A multidisciplinary approach is recommended for treatment options, such as psychologists, psychiatrists, doctors, social workers, and pastoral care. Each profession plays a significant role in a holistic treatment plan, and one does not necessarily replace the other.
Ministry of Health and Social Services, Directorate of Social Welfare Services. Qualified professionals offer free counseling, psychiatric and rehabilitation services at the Mental health hospital, local clinics, and hospitals offer free.
Tel. +264 61 2039111
Etegameno Rehabilitation & Resource Centre
Tel. +264 61 269 348
Cornerstone Wellness Centre Namibia
Tel. +264 61 261 526
Hephzibah Alcohol and Drugs Treatment Centre
LifeLine/ChildLine Namibia,
45 Bismarck, Windhoek
Tel. +264 61 226 889
Okonguarri Psycho-therapeutic Centre
Tel. 067 697033/6
or 081 497 1322
Mount Sinai Centre, Windhoek ·
Tel. +264 81 850 7960
Conclusion
While some people are able to use substances without developing a dependency, it is difficult to predict how a drug will affect an individual. Recognizing the signs of addiction early and seeking help can prevent experimentation from becoming a life-altering struggle. The best advice is to steer clear from experimenting with drugs.
