This week mourns the senseless loss of a young mans life in the expatriate community. Although not confirmed, there is strong suspicion that this tragic loss of life was drug related.
In fact, by the time I have finished writing this article 2 more young people in Indonesia will have died through narcotic drug related causes. According to local newspaper reports, a staggering 51,000 people a year die from drug abuse every year in this country. If you think that these figures all involve “down & outers”, losers and high school drop-outs, think again. Just as many youngsters from apparently good family backgrounds are falling victim to this epidemic.
Studies overseas show that the average age when a child first tries alcohol is 11; for marijuana, it’s 12. And many kids start becoming curious about these substances even sooner. Don’t believe me? Then go to down-town Kuta on any given Saturday night to the “in places” such as “Paddys” and “Embargo” and you’ll find some very short, baby-faced eighteen year olds!
Below is a list of problems that could indicate drug use. Be careful not to automatically assume, however, that drugs are the problem. Children, especially adolescents, give off many of these signals when they are distressed in other ways, too. You’ll need to sort out with your child exactly what the problem is and try to identify any substance abuse, perhaps with the help of a family counselor or child psychologist. Keep in mind that even if there is no drug abuse going on yet, these other problems need to be addressed.
1. Increased truancy and tardiness; behavior problems in school.
2. A drop in grades
3. Losing interest in activities the child once enjoyed.
4. Dropping old friends and a sudden influence of a new crowd.
5. Personality changes -- a child who was once outgoing is now withdrawn, or someone who is usually relaxed is now fidgety much of the time
6. Sudden mood changes -- euphoria followed by tenseness or edginess; excessive suspiciousness or paranoia
7. Red eyes. Appearing listless or hung over
8. Increased forgetfulness & increased secretiveness
9. Withdrawal from the family & more combativeness at home.
10. Unexplained weight loss.
11. Not sleeping well. Fatigue or hyperactivity.
12. An increased interest in going on “sleep overs”.
Children naturally feel curious about experimenting with drugs. This curiosity is a normal part of growing up, but as to whether this child becomes involves in heavy drug use will be largely influenced by his peer group (who he /she mixes with at school & social groups); how drug-aware the child is through school and parental education; and by social issues occurring in the child’s life.
Children can be exposed to an enormous amount of pressure through their teenage years. School and exam pressure, relationships, family issues, etc. It is very easy for them to lean on drugs as a “way out”. Some children may even use parent’s behavior as a model for their own behavior. Do you ever make the comment that you ‘need a drink’ after a tough day? It is very easy to give our children the “wrong” messages from a very early age without even thinking about it.
Be aware also that the use of illicit drugs in this country is illegal. Even the possession and use of marijuana (which in some countries is now accepted for personal use) carries hefty fines and jail sentences. Ironically, the use of alcohol by youngsters is not well controlled on this Island. Supermarkets, convenience stores and even bars and restaurants have no problem at all selling alcoholic beverages to under age customers.
