Is your child using drugs? The signs, and what to do

In 2024, Kerala registered 27,701 cases under the NDPS Act, the most of any state in India. Many involve young people. The earlier a family notices, the easier the road back.

Changes to watch for

• Sudden changes in sleep or appetite
• A sudden new set of friends they will not introduce
• Grades falling suddenly, skipped classes
• Money or things going missing from home
• Unexplained anger, staying locked in their room, secrecy about the phone
• Red eyes, unusual smells, marks on the arms

Some of these are ordinary teenage changes. Look carefully when several appear together.

What to do

• Talk calmly and alone. Speak about worry, not blame
• Do not beat them or lock them in; it pushes them further away
• Do not hesitate to talk to teachers and a doctor
• Addiction is an illness; there is treatment, and there is recovery

Where to get help

• Vimukthi (Excise Department): 14405
• Tele-MANAS (mental health): 14416
• DISHA: 1056
• De-addiction centres in taluk hospitals

Arogya Bharati Keralam runs sessions for parents in schools and residents' associations. Request one for your school.