Drug use among young people in Nagpur and Vidarbha has grown, and families often notice it late. Knowing the early signs of drug addiction can help you act before the problem becomes severe.
Common signs in any type of drug use
- Sudden change in friends, sleeping late, staying out at odd hours
- Falling marks or performance at work, missing college or office
- Money or valuables going missing at home, frequent demands for cash
- Locking the room, hiding the phone, sudden anger when questioned
- Loss of appetite or weight loss, poor hygiene
Ganja (cannabis)
- Red eyes, strong smell on clothes, increased appetite
- Laziness, loss of motivation, slow reactions
- Rolling papers, small pipes or “chillum” in the room
Ganja is often seen as harmless, but regular use in teenagers is linked with memory problems, anxiety and, in some people, psychosis.
MD (mephedrone) and other stimulants
- Staying awake for long periods, talking fast, very high energy followed by a “crash”
- Large pupils, jaw clenching, sweating
- Paranoia, aggression, anxiety after use
Brown sugar (heroin) and opioid tablets
- Pinpoint (very small) pupils, drowsiness, nodding off
- Burnt foil, lighters, injection marks or long sleeves even in summer
- Withdrawal when not using: body ache, running nose, yawning, diarrhoea, restlessness
Opioid dependence is strong and withdrawal is very uncomfortable, so it needs medical treatment.
What to do if you suspect drug use
- Stay calm. Shouting or beating usually pushes the person to hide it better.
- Talk at a quiet time, when the person is not intoxicated. Describe what you have seen, without labels.
- Do not give cash without knowing what it is for.
- Get professional advice early. A counsellor can guide you on how to bring the person for assessment.
Read our guide on how to convince a loved one to go to rehab.
Treatment for drug addiction in Nagpur
At Vyakti Nirman vyasan mukti kendra, Nagpur, drug de-addiction includes medically supervised detox, psychiatric care for anxiety, depression or psychosis, counselling and family therapy. Call +91 79724 35258 for confidential help.
