The art of spotting a drug addict in school!

Post the drug bust among school going kids, it will be completely incorrect for teachers, parents and civil society to shirk from their responsibilities and squarely just put the onus on Telangana Excise Enforcement Director Akun Sabharwal to clean up the mess.

This is what consultant pulmonologist, qualified medical journalist and allergy super-specialist Dr Vyakarnam Nageshwar recently pointed out during Hyderabad principals' conclave held in the city.

In fact, Dr Vyakarnam pointed out that not just teachers and parents, even psychologists and psychiatrists too are stakeholders in weeding out the drug menace from the society.

"In cases involving drug addicted children, they must be presented before psychologists to make an attempt in changing their behaviour but if they fail, psychiatrists may have to enter the scene," he said.

However, during this time, Dr Vyakarnam suggested parents to  inform the law enforcement agencies as this seems to be necessary since the only way left to get the child on track is to cut the drug supply channel before other kids fall prey to the problem.

Signs & Symptoms

These are the select list of signs and symptoms that Dr Vyakarnam listed out for the benefit of teachers and parents to enable them to identify drug addict children.

• Very often, such drug dependent kids ask help -- monetary or otherwise
• They exhibit abnormal or unusual behaviour that are most unexpected & unwarranted.
• High reflex reactions in behaviour or more than required silence. 
• Too sluggish in routine activities, like failing to do home work, not paying tuition fees, not clearing mess bill and others. 
• Too talkative or too dull.
• Hand shaking.Sudden change in clothing. 
• Prefers full hands shirt to avoid any scars or marks of injectable drug induce.
• Cutting back on social or recreational activities because of drug use & to hide its effect. 
• Stealing things, rash driving, other risky behaviour patterns. 
• Problems at school or work — frequently missing school or work.
• A sudden disinterest in school activities or work, or a drop in grades or work performance.
• Exaggerated efforts to bar family members from entering his or her room or being secretive about where he or she goes with friends; or drastic changes in behavior and in relationships with family and friends. 
• Spending money — Sudden requests for money without a reasonable explanation; or your discovery that money is missing or has been stolen or that items have disappeared from your home, indicating maybe they're being sold to support drug use.
• Physical health issues — Lack of energy and motivation.
•  Neglected appearance — lack of interest in clothing, grooming or looks. 

Finally, it pays to install CCTV coverage in front of your house or colony for regular monitoring of outsiders visiting these areas.


Those interested in listening to the gist of his talk, can click on this youtube video link.

A must watch, definitely, if you ask me.