Q - “I think that drugs will not affect my children, - can it?”

 

A - Your children are growing up in a world full of drugs; Britain has the largest proportion of drug users in Europe . In many parts of the Britain over half of young people have experimented with illegal drugs before their sixteen birthdays. Drug use by young people of south Asian heritage is increasing. The increase is highest among the Pakistani and Bangladeshi communities, but is affecting everyone regardless of the class, money or education. Jackstraw is the secretary, the Member of Parliament who is responsible for Law and Order Britain . His son was arrested for possessing cannabis. If it can happen to his son, it can happen to anyone's

 

Q - “Can we really stop our children taking drugs? ”

 

A - There are no magic solutions and if we are honest we do know how to stop young people using drugs .We have tried all sorts of thing s and they have not worked. Tougher laws seem to send drug use further underground and haven’t reduced the number using.   Being to strict with children will mean they just go greater lengths to conceal it from us. Over exaggerating the danger means they don’t believe us. Drug education is very important but has failed to reduce drug use .You only have to think about the biggest killer of all drugs: cigarettes. We know how dangerous they are, how expensive and anti social they are and yet many people still smoke.

 

Q - “Can my religion and culture protect my children from drugs?”

 

Parents often don’t understand why young people might want to try drugs, especially if their faith or culture forbids intoxicants. Many parents believe that because they belong to a particular faith this will stop their child from using drugs. Drugs use is happening within community, the influence of religion and culture is important, but will not necessarily offer any significant protection for your children .In Islam as well as some other religions intoxicants are forbidden. However, despite this, the number of young people using drugs and belonging to the Muslim faith is increasing .All children can be tempted to take drugs, no matter where they come from come from, how they have been raised or the religion they follow.

Q - “How could I tell if my child was using drugs?”

 

A - A number of organisations produce lists of signs and symptoms of drugs use with the idea that parents and teachers will be able to spot young people using drugs.

 

The problem is that all of these are normal behaviour for young people in their teens. If they are using drugs they are going to go considerable lengths hide it from you. Unless you see your child high on drugs or find drugs in their coat or bedroom, you probably won’t know.

Most of the time young people keep their drug use away from their homes. The important point is that even if we could recognise the signs and symptoms of drug use or what different drug look like we should do if we suspect our child is using drugs.

 

Q – “Why do they do it?”

There are many reasons why young people take drugs.

Curiosity

Growing up, finding your own identity and place in the world is difficult for everyone. This can be even harder and more confusing for a young person with a South Asian Heritage living in a white western society. Most of the young people who use drugs are experimenting; a sample curiosity to find out what it’s like .The fact that using drugs is illegal and risky can make it seem even more exciting.

 

Enjoyment

They may not like the experience and stop after using a couple of times. However a number will enjoy the effect of drugs and use them occasionally. Most of these will grow out of it, as they get older. Many young view using drugs, as normal .it does not mean that there is anything wrong with them. They may well see drug use, as fun and something that makes them feel good that they enjoy doing with friends.

 

To cope with the problems

A small minority will use heavily. Often this is because of emotional or social problem they face; they are unhappy, bored, can’t find a job etc. they will use drugs to try to cope with what they see as a harsh, unfriendly world.

 

Because they have been led astray?

One common myth is that dealers give free drugs to children to get them hooked and forced them to buy inflated prices. The truth is that most young people get their drugs from friends, acquaintances, older brother / sisters and small time user/ dealers rather than big time dealers. Friendship and ‘fitting in” are very important. Some people may be encouraged to use drugs by friends or try to fit in with the crowd. But there is also a lot of pressure not to use drugs .too often parents like to blame drug use on someone else rather than realising that, whether they like it or not, a lot of young people freely choose to use drugs.

 

Because I failed as a parents?

 

A lot parents think it is their fault if their child uses drugs. “Where did we go wrong?” Remember, a lot of young people are experimenting with drugs and they come from all cultures, religions, castes, classes and areas and all sorts of homes .it is difficult enough being a parent with out blaming ourselves. Guilt does not help anyone, least of all our children.

 

Q – “What you can do as a parent?”

 

You might not be able to stop your children using drugs. You can, however, help them a lot and make sure they know about drugs and have thought carefully about them. You can help them be safe as possible and be there for them when they need you. Some of the practical things you can do are.

 

A - Learn about drugs and think about your views

 

There are many booklets that will provide you with basic information you need, but you probably know a lot more than you think .you can learn a lot by thinking about your use of drug, if you have ever used tobacco, alcohol or prescription drugs from the doctor claim your nerves or help you “cope” .If you have never used legal drugs at least remember the things you did and how you felt when you were young; how your parents reacted when you did something they didn’t approve of; how this made you feel.

 

A - Talking and listening to them

 

We need to talk to and listen to our children about drugs but some parent’s worry about this. They may think they are too young or that it will put ideas into their heads and encourage drug use .it is not true. Young people think and hear about drugs from a very early age .The key is to talk with them in a way that is appropriate to their age. Discussion should focus on talking with your child, rather than to or at them, and you should show that your main concern is for their health, safety and general well being. Parents need to listen carefully to the views of their children and show concern for their feelings .The difficulty is that most parents are often unsure how to react and talking about drugs can be often frightening for them. However parents and children can both gain from having calm discussion. This will not be easy in most instances but it is important to try to understand each other’s views

 

Starting a conversation off by saying something like:

 

“These drugs are killers. Drug users must be mad .I’d throw you out of the house if I ever caught you using them”

Is unlikely to get them to talk openly with you .on the other hand:

“I am very worried about young people using drugs .I would hate it if you ever used drugs, but you know I’m always here for you if you ever have a problem and need me “

Is more likely to get a positive response 

Q – “Where and how can I get help if I or they need it?”

 

There are drug agencies in most parts of the country who can help you and your child but do not expect miracles cures or for them to sort out all the problems immediately.

 

The use of drug services by members of the South Asian communities is very low despite the numbers of drug users from these communities increasing. The reasons for the low take up of services vary from language difficulties, cultural and religious differences to discrimination. However, drug agencies and services are trying to address these concerns and really do want to help.

 

Parents as well as drug users should try and access these services and obtain any help or assistance available to them. More contact between South Asian Communities and drug help organisations will lead to better understanding and more culturally relevant services.

 

You can contact drug services if you want; advice or information; are just worries or unsure; or if you know there are already problems in your family. The services are FREE and confidential.

 

If English is not your first language get a friend or local community worker you trust to ring on your local community worker you trust to ring on your behalf. Some drug Asian community or have access to interpreters. Those that don’t will arrange something for them.

 

 

Q – “What does cannabis look like?”

 

Cannabis is by far the most common illegal drug used by young people. It can look like chopped herbs, green, brown and yellow in colour, this is the leaf of the plant; or if pressed together with vegetable gee it can look like stock cube with the colour varying from greeny brown to black. Cannabis has a very distinct smell, both when it is in these forms.