Pubdate: Mon, 04 Oct 2004 Source: Star, The (Malaysia) Copyright: 2004 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd. Contact: http://www.thestar.com.my Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/922 Author: Susan Tam Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/heroin.htm (Heroin) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine) ADVICE FOR PARENTS OF DRUG ABUSERS KUALA LUMPUR: Itching and trouble urinating are some of the uncommon signs that parents should look out for if they suspect their teenagers are abusing drugs, said substance abuse expert Chris Sekar. Sekar, who is Gleneagles Intan Medical Centre Behavioural Counselling Centre psychotherapist, said the usual warning signs include changes in behaviour, sleeping and eating patterns. "But parents should also be aware of physical changes because drugs like amphetamines and heroin heighten sensation, so the person may experience excessive itching. "Most people high on drugs will also take some time to urinate, as drugs constricts muscles causing difficulty in urinating," he said yesterday. Other signs include their children becoming more "hyper" or energetic or becoming tired and having red, glazed eyes. He added that other changes include increased appetite or strong sugar cravings. This was because marijuana acts as an appetiser, increasing the appetite, while heroin creates the need for sugar, he said. Earlier, Sekar delivered a talk, entitled "Intervention - Reaching Out, Rescue and Recovery Seeking Help: Where, Whom and What" at a parents' forum on the last day of the First National Conference on Addiction Medicine. However, Sekar, who is a recovering addict himself, said these were only general indicators for parents to observe if they think their children were involved in drugs. Sekar, who is also a member of the Substance Abuse Certified Counsellors Organisation of Malaysia, said once the parents find out about their child's addiction, they have to come to terms with it and seek help. "They must realise that they can't do it alone," he added. - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D