Information for Parents and Carers

Platform has a dedicated worker to work with parents/carers who are concerned about their child's substance misuse. Parents are offered informal sessions, usually taking place in their own homes. This maybe a one-off advice and information session or a number of more structured sessions looking at drug awareness, myths and misconceptions and signs and symptoms of drug misuse.

Every parent wants their child to be healthy and drug free, but many parents find it difficult to spot the symptoms of drug use. As you will see from some of the general symptoms listed below, many of these are commonly found in teenagers for totally innocent reasons. If you do find something which you think is linked to drugs then try not to panic. Take a look at the drug equipment section or phone PLATFORM and discuss your concerns. Some signs and symptoms include:

• Drop in attendance or academic performance.
• Lack of interest in personal appearance
• Physical changes (e.g. runny nose, red eyes, coughing, wheezing, bruises, needle marks, large/small pupils).
• Withdrawal from family and friends.
• Seeking isolation, seeming depressed and feeling tired, unwilling to cooperate and open hostility.
• Stealing money or an increase in borrowing money.
• A change in friends that your child socialises with.
• Losing interest in hobbies or sports that used to be important.
• Smell of alcohol on the breath or sudden frequent use of breath mints.
• Change in eating and sleeping patterns.
• Watered down alcohol in the drinks cabinet.
• Evidence of drug paraphernalia such as rolling papers, butane lighters and pipes.
• Burning of incense.
• Sudden use of a strong perfume.
• Heightened secrecy about actions or possessions.
• Evidence of products for inhaling such as glue and aerosols.
• Small burn holes in their clothes.

Remember! Some of the above may just be symptoms of your child growing up.

If you are a parent/carer who is concerned about your own drug use, there are adult services in Middlesbrough that can support you.

LIFELINE 01642 225479
ADDACTION 01642 303307
ALBERT CENTRE 01642 221484
MIDDLESBROUGH ALCOHOL TREATMENT SERVICE 01642 516351

Remember! If you have ANY concerns about your child in connection to substance misuse then call PLATFORM on 01642 246241. PLATFORM will support you every step of the way.