A parent notices that her son, aged 16, has stopped sleeping well, has lost his appetite and no…
Contributed by StemPy LabTry it on paper first. A hint, the key idea and the worked solution are here when you need them.
A parent notices that her son, aged , has stopped sleeping well, has lost his appetite and no longer plays football. His marks have fallen, and he hides in his room. He gets angry when she asks questions.
- Name two danger signs in this story.
- Is this proof that he uses drugs? Explain.
- Which two steps should the family take first?
- Name one step of prevention that a school can take.
Need a reminder? The key ideaShow
Adolescence is the bridge between childhood and adulthood. Addiction is a psychological attachment to a drug. Dependence brings the withdrawal syndrome if the regular dose is stopped. Prevention uses education, counselling, help from parents and peers, and professional help. A per cent of a group is the part divided by the total times .
The worked solution
Have you tried it?
Work it out on paper first. It is fine to get stuck or make a mistake: that is how we learn. When you are ready, go through the solution one step at a time, and check each step against your own.
Step 1. (a) Changes in sleep and appetite, a loss of interest in sport, a fall in marks, hiding and anger.
Step 2. (b) No. These signs may also come from stress, illness or another problem. They are a reason to look into it, not proof.
Step 3. (c) First, talk to him calmly and listen, without blame. Then seek professional help from a counsellor or doctor.
Step 4. (d) The school can give education and counselling about drugs and alcohol. It can also help students to resist peer pressure.
Answer: (a) changes in sleep, appetite, interest and marks; (b) no, other causes are possible; (c) talk calmly and seek professional help; (d) education and counselling.
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