Possible signs of drug use can include changes in appearance, friends and interests, eating and sleeping habits, mood swings.

The difficulty is that these signs are very often a natural part of growing up, so a young person who is not using drugs could show the same changes. You may panic and become very emotional if you suspect your child is using drugs, but you might find the following advice helpful:

• Try not to accuse your child as this will probably start a row; and if you are wrong, your relationship with them could be damaged.
• Try to find a time when you feel able to discuss the situation without interruptions.
• Don't try to discuss their drug use with them while you believe they are under the influence of the drug.
• Decide how you want to react if your child tells you that they have used drugs.
• Ask them to talk about their views and try and listen with respect to what they say.
• If you suspect that your child is lying to you about their drug use try not to get angry.
• Show them your main concern is for their health and well-being. Make sure they know that you will be there to help them through any difficulties they come across.
• Make clear to them what behaviour is acceptable to you, and what you won't tolerate.
• Try not to threaten them with punishment - this might seem to offer a quick solution, but it's unlikely to give the results you are looking for.

E's Up are very aware of parents concerns and have compiled a list of different agencies, some local some national... all of them are keen to talk to you and help in any way they can.