Archives for November 2018

At some point, a heroin addict decides to quit consuming the drug.  One realizes the harm the drug is causing to themselves and people around them.  That is usually a brave step towards recovery, though it is accompanied by many fears.  Once you have hit the start button, life will never be the same again as you will be free from heroin slavery.  The following are some fears that people who are addicted to heroin and other drugs face when they think of quitting the drugs;

• Loneliness

Quitting the drug feels like you will have nothing to rely on.  Some people use heroin because of loneliness and boredom, hence quitting means that loneliness and boredom kick in again. Also, you will no longer hang out with your friends whom you used to take the drug together.

The greatest fear could be stopping the use of a substance that has helped all along in dealing with problems.  It can be a difficult decision when you think in that line, but remember that you have family and friends who will support you throughout the recovery journey.  Share the fears with your close friends, family members, and the medical team.

• Fear of rejection

After admitting that it’s enough and you need to get off the hook, one gets worried that friends and family members may reject the “new him/her”. Some people may hesitate to share their decision with anyone since they don’t know how they will react.  A person thinks that the might not be supported.  Obviously, many people may not understand you nor offer you any support, however, don’t concentrate on them.

There are some who will support your decision.  Focus on your recovery; it will prove that you are a changed person to them.  Additionally, addicted people get worried about their former friends.  They wonder whom they will hang out with. Remember that we make friends as we lose others and if you lose them because of a positive thing, the better.

• Sobriety fear

It can be scary to think of the” sober you”, especially if you have dependent on heroin for a long period.  Many addicted think that life without drugs is boring and dull.  Besides at rehab there are facilities that will cheer you up. Also, you will be taught various activities that you can engage in after rehab that will bring happiness such as swimming, nature walks, and many others.

Some people who have attempted withdrawal from heroin understand how painful the withdrawal symptoms can be and hence the fear of quitting can be very strong.  However, medications are given to relieve the pain and make detox more comfortable.

• Fear of failure

What if it doesn’t work? Many addicted people have tried and it didn’t work, it could be true, but what didn’t work for somebody doesn’t mean it will not also work for you. We are different and withdrawal experiences are different too.  Many addicts worry that after recovering, they might experience a relapse.

• Fear of loss of employment

In most cases, heroin withdrawal requires full-time medical care, and this means that you will not be going to work.  Many people think that this could risk their job. However, one doesn’t think that the addiction puts them at a greater risk of losing the job.  Addiction reduces your production at work, which can greatly impact on your career.

Also, if you are caught with heroin, an illegal drug, you might face a jail term and hence lose the employment completely.  Any boss will support the health of their staff. Share your decision with your employer, they might support you.

Heroin Detox

Recovery from heroin addiction starts with detoxification. Heroin is a powerful opioid and has very strong withdrawal symptoms such as flu, headaches that may tempt the person to return to its use again. Nevertheless, detox is a process that will only last for a while and it can be managed by medications.

Detoxification or detox is a natural process that allows the body to get rid of substances and in this case, heroin.  When a person starts using heroin, the body adjusts itself to the drug and perceives it as a normal thing. This is why tolerance develops; taking more and more drugs in order to experience the effects you could experience with just a small quantity of the drug. Also, that is why one faces the withdrawal symptoms.

Scientists argue that long use of opiates can make the nerve receptors adaptive and later resist the drug, thus requiring more of the drug.  Withdrawal symptoms occur because the receptors must adapt to the absence of the drug.  Although the body can normalize, it can’t happen instantly.   For it to regain its stability it requires time.

Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms

The withdrawal symptoms of heroin can start between 6-12 hours after consuming the last dosage. The substances get absorbed quickly making the body requires more replenishment.  The withdrawal symptoms persist every day you go without the drug. Ideally, they are more severe during the first three to four days of withdrawal.

Before Detox Day

Detoxification is a difficult and painful process that has a huge reward. You get through physical and mental torments to acquire the freedom you need on the other side. Before the D-Day, prepare yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally. Remember everything requires a positive attitude, and heroin detox is no exception.

Prepare your detox kit. Have OTC medications including Imodium for managing diarrhea, Tylenol to relieve muscle pains, and Benadryl or Dramamine to treat nausea or dizziness.  Have some ice packs and keep enough in the freezer. Design and prepare a comfortable spot to hang out.  Diarrhea is on the way, you don’t want embarrassment, right? Stock your toilet with sufficient toilet paper.

Get hydrating beverages. If you are not a water lover, have Pedialyte, popsicles, and Gatorade to keep you well hydrated during the process.  Have some delicious food, your favorites. They might comfort you.  Have Epsom salts for a relaxing bath.  If you a well prepared physically and emotionally, there are high chances that the detox will be lesser complicated.

Have a plan on the activities you can engage to keep you busy in when the cravings knock on the door.  Reach out for help from a close family member or friend. You can talk via the internet or phone.  You can plan on doing a thorough cleaning of your place.  When you feel overwhelmed you can make yourself some fresh juice or a cup of tea and enjoy it.

Cravings can knock you down, but you should be strong.  Go for a nature walk, listen to nice music, and watch a good movie or any other activity that is of interest to you.  They will help you in minimizing the cravings.  Keep on reminding yourself that they are temporary. They might be very strong in the first days but focus on the recovering and life free from heroin.

Day 1 of Heroin detox

This is the most difficult day; people face a lot of fears.  However, just take it easy and concentrate on keeping yourself busy. On the first day, due to the strong urge to take heroin, you might not be able to think properly and you might fall back to using heroin. Delete that number of the dealer and cancel all the plans. If you a parent, ask a close relative to take care of the children. Reduce all the things that can add to your irritations.

You may experience restlessness in your legs.  Apply heating pad alternating with ice packs. Stretch out. You can have a walk or do some workouts.  Try lying down on your stomach and get slowly.  A runny nose, excessive yawning, and watery eyes are normal.  If muscle cramps are too much, take a hot bath or cold one.  Add some Epsom salts as they help in relieving the soreness of muscles.

Heroin Detox Day 2

Eat nutritious meals, lots of vegetables, fruits, and be well hydrated. When one is addicted, they forget about their health and body. Detoxification should be a time of helping the body to heal from the damage it has suffered from heroin use.

You might experience sweating. Damp a towel and place it on your forehead. Keep on changing your bed sheets, there is no harm in that. Sweating is normal, but you can manage it. If you can, sleep on towels.  To treat hot or cold flashes, drink cold or hot tea whenever you experience them.  If you are vomiting, take lots of water, Dramamine or Antivert. Rest as much as you can. For diarrhea, take Imodium, more water, and have a rest.

Day 3 of Heroin Detox

This can be the worst day for most heroin addicts who are withdrawing.  But the good thing is that, once you overcome it, you will experience it again. Put your mind at a task. Think about your recovery goals, why you want to quit using heroin, the harm it has caused to you and your family, and other positive things that will make you more encouraged to face the withdrawal symptoms.

Some people write them and stick them on the bedroom or in a place where they can see them constantly. Make short-term goals that are achievable.  If you have relatives and friends who can offer you genuine support, call them and ask them to come over on this day.   Distract yourself from all triggers by either going for walks or outdoor activities.

Still, take lots of water and fruits.  If you feel hot, take a cold shower. One can experience stomach upsets.  Lie down and try rubbing it in clockwise or circular motions. Ginger tea can be of help in relieving the stomach cramps. Also, chamomile tea and peppermint tea have been known to relieve stomach upsets. If the symptoms seek medical help; remember they can be life-threatening. The following are the common heroin withdrawal symptoms;

• Mood swings, anxiety, depression, and fear.
• Teary eyes, runny nose, and sweating.
• Stomach upsets, vomiting, and nausea.
• Fever, chills, and dehydration.
• Leg cramps and spasms.
• Diarrhea and dilated pupils.
• Insomnia and loss of appetite.
• Yawning and goose pimples.

If you have ever attempted quitting heroin or any other opiate you know that the list doesn’t include all the agony that one goes through.  It is extremely traumatizing and one can do anything to avoid going through it.  The withdrawal symptoms can last for days or weeks depending on various factors such as how much heroin you were taking and for how long have you been addicted.

After the severe symptoms are over, various physical and mental discomforts may persist for some weeks.  The withdrawal symptoms differ among people and can be worsened by a combination of heroin with other drugs.  Also, co-occurring mental or physical conditions may be present and should be treated instantly before starting the detox.

Withdrawal from heroin is not life-threatening by itself, but the withdrawal symptoms can cause health complications that can lead to death if not medically addressed. For instance, depression can make one think of committing suicide or doing a hurting thing to themselves or those around them. Therefore, no one should stop using heroin on their own without supervision by a physician.  They offer various medications and ways of managing the withdrawal symptoms.

Medications used in Heroin Detox

Scientists have discovered various medications that can be effective to relieve the withdrawal symptoms of heroin detox. Not all work for every person. Everyone has different body mechanisms.  Some people will go through the detoxification period comfortably without using any medications.

Detox is not enough for recovery from heroin addiction. A long-term plan should be devised such as medications, therapies, and counseling. The following are some common medicines used;

• Methadone

Methadone (methadose, Dolophine) is an opioid medication that produces the same effects as the drug you are addicted to, though it doesn’t make you “high.”  Also, it can inhibit the effects of heroin, in case a relapse occurs while on the medication. You can take it daily, but it is only available in special treatment centers registered by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and verified by SAMHSA. One can be allowed to go with the medication at home, after meeting some requirements.

• Buprenorphine

Buprenorphine (Suboxone or Subutex) was the first medication to be approved for managing heroin withdrawal symptoms.  It blocks all the receptors in the brain that are triggered by heroin use. Buprenorphine is a shorter acting medicine as compared to methadone. It is most recommended by doctors because it has a lesser risk of lethal overdose.

Buprenorphine comes in various forms; capsules which include suboxone and Zubsolv, shot (buprenex), skin patch or Butrans, an implant that is inserted under below your skin for six months, and a film that is placed against the cheek in your mouth. It reduces or mitigates the withdrawal symptoms and cravings for heroin.

• Naltrexone

This is the only medication for heroin detox that is not addictive.  It works by blocking and binding the heroin receptors in the central nervous system making the use of the drug ineffective. Unlike methadone, naltrexone does not treat withdrawal symptoms and cravings, but one can’t get high while on it. It is a long term medication that is usually used after detoxification.

It can be administered via an injection known as Vivitrol or by the mouth, known as ReVia. Naltrexone does not impact on the withdrawal symptoms, and hence one should not take with the hope that it will relieve the symptoms or rather it safeguards against relapses.

1. Clonidine

It is a generic medicine that is used to manage high blood pressure. It has also proved to be effective in curing opiates withdrawal symptoms.  Clonidine reduces the feeling of anxiety and irritability. Also, it eases muscle cramps, sweating, and flu-related symptoms like a runny nose.

Disadvantages of Using Medications in Heroin Detox

The above medications will help you in your detoxification process. They produce effects that discourage you from taking heroin again. Also, others will help you in relieving the painful withdrawal symptoms. Nevertheless, they might cause another problem. The following are some issues that could come up, though the benefits of medications outweigh the disadvantages.

1. Dependence – according to scientists, the use of medications to treat withdrawal symptoms could lead to a dependence on the new medication. One may end up requiring more and more of the dosage to relieve the symptoms, hence developing tolerance and later addiction.
2. Side effects – most medications cause side effects or allergic to some people. The side effects often disappear with time and can be inclusive of constipation, vomiting, drowsiness, dizziness, and many others depending on individuals.

• Risk of abuse – just like any other drug, medicines such as naltrexone and methadone can be abused. Since naltrexone inhibits the heroin effects by blocking the receptors in the brain, some may people may overdose thinking that they can experience euphoria effects. This puts one at a risk of overdosing which can lead to death.

1. Relying on the medication alone

   – This is another drawback that people who use medication could face. Some patients think that medication is all they require to recover from heroin addiction.  After taking the medication, withdrawal symptoms might vanish, and one may think that they are now cured.  The medications alone are not enough for a successful detox. One should compliment them with therapies and counseling.  To achieve and maintain sobriety, recovery tools should be put in place.

Tips for Managing the Withdrawal Symptoms

The following are some few tips that can help you as you detox from heroin. Remember that home detoxification is dangerous and no one should attempt to quit use of heroin before consulting a doctor. Medically supervised detox is safe and comfortable. Also, there are reduced chances of relapses.

• Healthy feeding habits – focus on what you eat. Ensure the food you eat is well balanced with lots of vitamins. Researchers claim that opiates addicts have deficiencies of magnesium and calcium which largely contribute to the muscle cramps and spasms. Lack of these minerals also causes restless leg syndrome.  Feeding on foods rich in these minerals can help in reduction of the symptoms.
• Hydration – excessive diarrhea and vomiting that one might experience can leave one dehydrated. Drink a lot of water and other beverages to prevent any discomforts that can be as a result of dehydration.
• Hot/cold baths– many people who have recovered from heroin addiction have claimed that baths helped them in managing headaches, back pain, and muscle pains. It also helped them improve their sleep.  When you add Epsom salts in the bathing water, they assist in soothing muscle soreness. When you experience fever, have a cold shower and put a hot pad on the forehead to calm the muscles and cool the body.
• Fun – the withdrawal symptoms can be overwhelming and traumatizing. Distract yourself from the pain and frustration of the process. You can listen to cool music, watch a movie, play an interesting game, or read a book.  Hanging out with your best friends and family members can help you relax.  Laughter induces the secretion of endorphins, happy hormones that assist in relieving the withdrawal symptoms.
• Exercise – when you exercise the body produces endorphins that create a feeling of relaxation. Moreover, workouts can help in treating muscle cramps and insomnia.

Conclusion

Deciding to quit the drug, and in this case, heroine is a very important move that one could ever make in life. Many addicted people are worried about many things when they think of stopping the use of heroin. One fear that they might recover and later experience relapse, others are afraid of life without the use of drugs, and rejection from friends or family members.

Fear is just an imagination of what could happen, and ironically it might not occur. Concentrate on the present, which is recovery from addiction. During heroin detox, one experiences various withdrawal symptoms such as a runny nose, teary eyes, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach upsets, and many others.

Although some people are able to go through the process without using medications, some medications are proved to help in relieving the symptoms. Methadone, buprenorphine, naltrexone, and clonidine help in reducing the cravings for heroin and easing the symptoms. Nevertheless, the medications have disadvantages such as the risk of dependence on them, overdose and side effects.

During the process, medications are not enough for recovery. Ensure your diet is well balanced, stay hydrated and exercise. Also, have fun and distract yourself from the devastating experience.

Most, if not all parents, view children as a huge responsibility from the time of conception and onward. Recognizing that their decisions and lifestyle choices could impact their children, most parents strive to be perfect parents. However, there is no perfect parent. We can only do our best to raise a child accordingly and learn from our mistakes along the way.

Granted, numerous external factors impact and contribute to the overall nature and nurture of a child while growing up. For instance, recent research confirms that children from single parent homes or none at all are more likely to engage in risky behaviors. Risky behaviors and activities, in this case, being engaging in substance use/ abuse or/and developing destructive behavioral habits.

A recent survey by ProjectNow confirms the above fact by stating that kids from stable homes exhibited low drug usage. Moreover, drug or alcohol abuse by a parent increases the chances of a child engaging in the same activities as well. When Children are young, they learn by observation. Hence, they tend to repeat the actions and words often uttered by their parents to others around them.

Consequently, external factors do play a role in how our children turn out and the kind of future activities they engage in. This calls for parents to take up their role responsibly and gently guide their children and teens toward the right direction. This may call for actual rules and regulations within a home, to help keep things under control.

That being said, internal factors also play a huge role in how children turn out. Children are often born with their own unique personality and traits. According to a study led by Professor Annalena Venneri, babies are born with their own unique personality traits and characteristics.  According to Professor Venneri, because of their distinct personality traits, they hence develop different brains anatomically.

From their study, they highlighted four types of personalities. They include the novelty-seeking type, reward dependence type, persistence type and the harm avoidance type.

The study by Professor Venneri, also published in the journal Brain Research Bulletin, reveals an interesting fact about the reward dependence personality type. A child with the reward dependence personality type is more at risk of developing a form of dependence on drugs, alcohol or any other type of behavioral habit. This is, of course, if the child does not get the parental support, love and encouragement that they need.

Hence, learning the personality type of your child can help a parent know how to best deal with a child. Moreover, how to best raise them according to their different and unique personalities. These preventive strategies can help lower the risk of your child turning to harmful behaviors such as drugs, alcohol and so forth.

All in all, regardless of the personality type of your child, parents are responsible to raise their children accordingly. By effectively monitoring their behavior, friends and tendencies, you can control and lessen their chances of drug use. Being present as a parent is vitally important to children. Every child, regardless of their personality type, is need of constant love, support and attention from the parents.

For the purposes of this article, we shall be focusing on child drug use, and how to best deal with it. For this particular article, we shall be focusing on how mothers can best deal with children that are taking drugs. However, let us first start by taking a look at the statistics on substance abuse among children and teens.

Statistics of Drug and Alcohol Use Among Kids and Teens

Drug and alcohol use among children and teens has been increasing at an alarming rate over the last few years. In fact, it is now termed as a vital public health concern, not only in America but globally.

A survey that focused on drug and alcohol abuse was conducted in the year 2014 by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Their findings stated that at least 2.33 million young individuals, aged 12-17 years, used alcohol. 1.41 million of young American individuals, again between the ages of 12-17 years, were found to be using illicit drugs.

A survey conducted by the University of Michigan in the year 2014-2015, found a correlation between the perception of a drug, and the likelihood of using it. Drugs that are viewed to be more dangerous, such as heroin and cocaine, are less likely to be used.

This does not mean that young people do not use hard drugs such as the ones listed above. It simply means that the drugs are used less, by an even lesser majority of young people. The year 2015 revealed that that annual use of cocaine was at 2.5%, which is considerably low considering the percentage of use in the previous years.

However, a drug such as Marijuana is often viewed as harmful, hence it is used more often and by a large group of children. From their findings, one in thirty young individuals between 12-17 years of age used marijuana, not occasionally, but on a daily basis. Marijuana is still a drug and does cause harmful effects to the child using it

The National Survey on Drug Use and Health conducted a survey of more than 70,000 people as their respondents. From their survey, they found that young individuals are likely to start using or get initiated into using drugs at an early age. Most start as early as 12 years of age without the parents’ knowledge.

The above statistics reveal that a good number of American children get pulled into illicit drug use at an early age. Hence, this could mean that your child may be using. It could also mean that your child is likely to start using unless preventive strategies and measures are put in place.

Now, let us take a look at the types of drugs that children are more likely to use/ abuse at an early age.

Commonly Used/ Abused Drugs Among Children and Teens

Children are likely to use and abuse drugs that are most accessible to them. Also, as previously mentioned, children tend to use drugs that seem less harmful, such as Marijuana. So, which drugs are commonly used and abused by our children?

Please note, the below-mentioned drugs are listed in order of popularity and use. Let us take a look.

• Alcohol

A survey conducted by the MTF in the year 2015 revealed Alcohol as the most used drug among young people. 21% of 8th graders used alcohol, while 42% and 58% of 10th and 12th graders used alcohol respectively.

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), the high use of alcohol among young people matches the use of alcohol among adults. According to them, over 70% of adult individuals used alcohol within the year 2014-2015.

It is widely used due to a number of factors. First of all, the drug is legal. However, alcohol use is prohibited to individuals under 18 years of age. However, since most adults store and use alcohol in their homes, children can easily access them. If your child attends numerous social events and parties, he or she is at risk of using and abusing alcohol as well.

Alcohol does have its negative effects. Hence, parents should refrain from consuming alcohol within their homes, or even storing them on the premises.

• Marijuana

According to the MTF, the use of Marijuana has been steadily increasing over the years. This is due to the fact that most young people view the drug as harmless. Hence, most young individuals between the ages of 12-17 years use it on a daily basis.

This drug can be taken in numerous forms. For instance, it can either be added to an edible product such as cookies, or smoked. Regardless of the assumption of its harmless nature, it is highly addictive. Its addictive nature can be attributed to a chemical that is present in the drug known as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

• Nicotine (Cigarettes)

The use of nicotine in the form of cigarettes remains to be a concern among the youth. One of the major factors that contribute to its high use among the youth is its easy accessibility. Moreover, cigarettes are a cheaper alternative to most drugs.

Drugs, especially alcohol, marijuana and nicotine is often popularized by celebrities as well. This factor only makes it worse, as children and teens take up the practice in an effort to mimic a celebrity lifestyle. The emergence of e-cigarettes hasn’t eased the situation at all, as most young people view it as a safer alternative to an actual cigarette.

• Adderall

Adderall can be categorized as a stimulant medication that tends to influence the concentration levels of an individual. This stimulant is often prescribed to treat a condition known as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, children and teens have taken to consuming them for alternative purposes. In this case, to increase levels of concentration.

Hence, young individuals that are more likely to use this type of drug are those that are highly competitive and are overachievers. For instance, those that prefer to remain at the top of their academic performance as well as those involved in sports. This is because the drug not only increases concentration levels but increases the normal functioning of the body.

This type of drug is highly accessible. The fact that children and teens view it as safe to use doesn’t help either. Adderall is highly addictive and can lead to serious consequences if used for the wrong purposes.

• OxyContin

OxyContin is a prescription opioid that is often used by children and teenagers to get high and experience euphoria. Hence, this drug is highly addictive and can result in serious consequences. However, OxyContin isn’t the only frequently used and abused opioid among the teens and children. Other commonly used opioids include:

• hydrocodone
• Morphine
• Tramadol
• Opana, etc.

These drugs are highly accessible due to their legal status. Moreover, they can easily be found in a normal home since it is a prescribed drug for pain relief. Recent research reveals that individuals that use opioids are more likely to start using heroin. Young people can easily overdose and die as well. The NIDA recorded a number of approximately 19,000 deaths in the year 2014.

• Tranquilizers

Tranquilizers include substances that are either/or sedatives or depressants. Examples include Barbiturates, Sleep medications and Benzodiazepines. Young people tend to use them to speed up the normal functioning of the body. The false perception of the safety in using the above drugs has also led to its popularity. They are, however; very risky and highly addictive.

• Hallucinogen

Hallucinogens often include substances such as LSD (d-lysergic acid diethylamide), DMT (dimethyltryptamine) and Peyote. They tend to cause hallucinations after use. Regardless of the false perception of their safety, they can lead to negative effects such as depression and even paranoia.

• Inhalants

Inhalants include anything from nail polish remover and paint to gasoline. As long as the substance can be sniffed, inhaled or snorted to give the user a high. According to NIDA, inhalants are one of the first things a child or teen is likely to experiment with and use.  They continue to state, that children below their teen years are more likely to try this.

• Dextromethorphan (DXM)

Dextromethorphan (DXM) is often found in cough medicines. Young children and teens often use it for intoxication when consumed in large doses. Some teens and children even mix the medicine with alcohol for a stronger effect.

Cough medicines can be found in most homes, hence they are easily accessible. Moreover, they can be easily bought from a pharmacy since they are legal. If not used for their proper purpose, they can severely damage the Central Nervous system (CNS) of the user, and even lead to death.

From the above statistics, it is clear that our children are highly exposed to a number of dangerous drugs. Regardless of whether they are legal or illegal, illicit or prescribed, young people can still use them to get high.

Parents need to talk to their children and enlighten them about the many dangers of using drugs. Most children and teens are often misinformed and misled into thinking that drugs are safe. From what we’ve established above, they are misled to think that some drugs are harmful, while others are safe to use.

This couldn’t be any further from the truth, as drugs have tremendous effects that are negative and long-term. In fact, recent research proves that the earlier a person starts using drugs, the more likely he or she is to become addicted.

Moreover, the drugs are more likely to damage their brain and hamper its development considerably. This is because the brain of a teenager or child is still developing. The chemical interference caused by the drug substances in the brain could be permanent. In turn, the child’s mental capabilities could be compromised and future success affected.

That said, maybe you just found out that your child is taking drugs. How do you effectively deal with it without making things worse?

Few things are as painful and traumatic when a mother finds out that their child is using drugs. Most mothers tend to blame themselves or try to overcompensate by doing other things. However, the best thing to do is to avoid placing the blame on yourself as a mother.

In any case, you can still help your child before the child’s drug use escalates to an addiction. If the child is already addicted or dependent on the particular drug, you can still intervene and seek professional help.

As previously, this article shall be focusing on how mothers can deal with kids that are taking drugs. Let us take a look.

How To Deal With Children That Are Taking Drugs

Self- Care

A recent survey revealed drug use among children as one of the greatest fears among parents. Once this fear is actually manifested, the parents are often unable to take the news in stride. Mothers that find out that their child is taking drugs are advised to practice proper self- care.

Why? Because as the mother is trying hard to help the affected child, they tend to neglect themselves. Stress levels are likely to increase, weakening their immune system considerably. This means that they are more susceptible to developing diseases.

Moreover, stress can increase the chances of becoming depressed as well as developing memory problems. If you are physically weak and mentally exhausted, you can hardly give the affected child the love and attention he/she needs.

The bottom line is to take care of your health first so that you can adequately care for your child. This way, you can provide consistent support and love.

Strengthen The Relationship

As a mother, once you’ve found out that your child is using drugs, you shouldn’t push him or her away. Instead, you should try and strengthen the other- child relationship through constant communication.

Most, if not all experts recommend fostering and engaging in what is often termed as assertive communication. Assertive communication involves asking open-ended questions that encourage answers, and active listening. Open-ended questions are very effective when it comes to sourcing for information and encouraging answers as both of you communicate.

Set Up Rules And Regulations

It is imperative that you set up rules and regulations within your home. The rules and regulations should be listed alongside the consequences that follow for breaking them. Ensure that these rules are clearly defined and that the children are aware of them.

In this instance, the rules should clearly prohibit the use and storage of drugs within the home premises. If the rule is broken, the consequences should also be stipulated. Also, having a curfew is essential, as this will limit opportunities to engage in drug use outside the house.

Emphasize on Child’s Positive Behaviors

Mothers are encouraged to focus less on the negative behaviors of the child and emphasize on the positive. One can do this by first effectively addressing the negative behavior. Whilst discouraging the bad behavior and highlighted the consequences, you should also mention and praise their positive behaviors.

Why so? If you focus too much on the child’s negative behaviors and shortcomings, you’ll end up tearing down their confidence. Moreover, this can encourage them to take even more drugs and engaging in risky behavior.

Encourage them to join extracurricular activities or learn a new instrument. Also, have them learn how to effectively cope with stressful situations. Moreover, it is essential that you teach them methods on how to avoid drug use, and cope with peer pressure.

Establish Clear and Reasonable Boundaries

Boundaries should clearly stipulate how you treat each other as mother and child. In other words, it clearly sets boundaries within your mother-child relationship. This is important because drug users and addicts tend to test and cross boundaries a lot.

More often than not, they tend to lie, deceive and even steal to get what they want. In this case, to be able to buy their drugs and use them. The boundaries you set should also clearly define and differentiate the terms, privilege and right. Today, too many children think it’s their right to be given a lot of pocket- money. However, this is a privilege.

If the child abuses this privilege by purchasing drugs, then he or she loses that privilege. Instead, you can pay for their lunch in school or have them carry packed lunch. By limiting the amount of money you give them, you lessen their chances of funding their drug use.

In conclusion, as a mother, it is best you find out the level of drug use and abuse. If the child is addicted, it is best that you s professional intervention. Seeking treatment methods that can help your child as well.