Drug and Alcohol Prevention
Some factors place children and teens at an even greater risk of developing drug and alcohol problems:
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Drug or alcohol use at an early age - 90% of individuals who experience addiction started using in the teen years or prior
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Family history of drug/alcohol problems
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Existing mental health problems
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Associating with friends who use drugs and alcohol
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Traumatic events
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Impulse control problems
There is a clear connection between adolescent drug and alcohol use and unhealthy, risky behaviors including:
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Unprotected, unplanned, unwanted sexual activity
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Victim or perpetrator of violence
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Impaired motor vehicle driving/passenger
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Poor academic performance and possibly dropping out
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Involvement with the juvenile justice system
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Engaging in other risky behaviors while impaired
Prevention Techniques
Your children do listen to you, and they do not want to disappoint you!
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Establish and maintain good communication with your children.
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Get involved in your children’s lives.
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Make clear rules and enforce them consistently.
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Be a positive role model.
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Help your children choose friends wisely.
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Talk to your children about drugs. Kids who continue to learn about the risks of drugs at home are up to 50% less likely to use drugs than those who are not taught about these dangers.
http://www.drugfree.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/partnership_6_components_tool_final-2014v2.pdf
Warning Sign of Drug and Alcohol Abuse
Behavioral Changes
- Has changed relationships with family members or friends
- Uses chewing gum or mints to cover up breath
- Often uses over-the-counter preparations to reduce eye reddening or nasal irritation
- Frequently breaks curfew
- Has cash flow problems
- Drives recklessly, and has car accidents or unexplained dents in the car
- Avoids eye contact
- Locks doors
- Goes out every night
- Makes secretive phone calls
- Makes endless excuses
- Has the “munchies” or sudden appetite
- Exhibits uncharacteristically loud, obnoxious behavior
- Laughs at nothing
- Has become unusually clumsy: stumbling, lacking coordination, poor balance
- Disappears for long periods of time
- Has periods of sleeplessness or high energy, followed by long periods of “catch up” sleep
Mood & Personality Shifts
- Exhibits mood changes or emotional instability
- Sullen, withdrawn, depressed
- Shows loss of inhibitions
- Silent, uncommunicative
- Hostile, angry, uncooperative
- Deceitful or secretive
- Less motivated
- Unable to focus
- Hyperactive
- Unusually elated
Hygiene & Appearance Problems
- Smell of smoke or other unusual smells on the breath or on clothes
- Messy appearance
- Poor hygiene
- Red, flushed cheeks or face
- Track marks on arms or legs (or long sleeves in warm weather to hide marks)
- Burns or soot on fingers or lips (from “joints” or “roaches” burning down)
Health Issues
- Unusually tired
- Lethargic movement
- Unable to speak intelligibly, slurred speech, or rapid-fire speech
- Nosebleeds
- Runny nose, not caused by allergies or a cold
- Frequent sickness
- Sores, spots around mouth
- Seizures
- Vomiting
- Wetting lips or excessive thirst (known as “cotton mouth”)
- Sudden or dramatic weight loss or gain
- Skin abrasions/bruises
- Accidents or injuries
- Depression
- Headaches
- Sweatiness
School and Work Concerns
- Absenteeism or loss of interest
- Loss of interest in extracurricular activities, hobbies or sports
- Failure to fulfill responsibilities at school or work
- Complaints from teachers or supervisors
- Reports of intoxication at school or work