INFORMATION for parents
THE FACTS
- Children rarely try cocaine, heroin or any other "hard" drugs without first using alcohol, tobacco and/or marijuana.
- The average of first use of alcohol and is 11 years.
- Adolescents can become addicted to alcohol in only 6-18 months; for adults this usually takes 5-15 years.
- Of the children who first use alcohol or other substances at the age of 11, 65% are later classified with an addiction.
- The single leading cause of death among young people is driving under the influence.
- The second leading cause of death among young people is suicide. In 60% of suicide deaths, drugs are present.
- Nearly one in five (19 percent or 4.5 million) teens has tried prescription medication (pain relievers such as Vicodin and OxyContin; stimulants like Ritalin and Adderall) to get high source 2005 Partnership Attitude Tracking Study (PATS)
- The illegal abuse of legal, prescription drugs accounts for the fastest growing cause of overdose deaths.
THE GATEWAY DRUGS
Tobacco, Alcohol and marijuana are the drugs that young people use most often. Each of them is destructive
in its own right. Plus, the use of any one of them seems to "open the door" to involvement with other drugs.
Tobacco:
- Smoking, chewing and dipping all involve the use of nicotine.
- The nicotine in tobacco is one of the most addictive of drugs.
- Long-term use of tobacco often results in high blood pressure, heart attack, chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, emphysema and or cancer of the lungs, throat and mouth.
Alcohol:
- Like cocaine or marijuana, alcohol is a drug. It can alter moods, cause changes in the body and become habit-forming.
- The most widely used drug among teenagers, and Americans in general, is alcohol.
- Drinking is the third leading cause of death in the U.S. after heart disease and cancer.
- Alcohol is a factor in well over half of the fire deaths, drowning, injuries, traffic fatalities and murders in the U.S.
- Long-term use of alcohol can result in loss of memory, high blood pressure, enlarged heart, liver ailments (severe swelling, hepatitis, and cirrhosis), impotency and ulcers, as well as alcoholism.
Marijuana:
- Today's marijuana is 10-20 times more potent than that used in the 1960's
- The active ingredient in marijuana (THC) accumulates in the body.
- It takes 3-6 weeks for the body to get rid of the chemicals in just one marijuana joint. Those who smoke more continue to build up these chemicals.
- Long–term use of marijuana can adversely affect the lungs, heart, brain reproductive system, and the body's immune response to infections and disease.
- The younger the user, the more damaging the effects.
- It is rare for younger people ever to use any other illegal drug without having first used marijuana.
(click for more info about drugs)
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THE TRUTH ABOUT MARIJUANA
Kids use marijuana far more than any other illicit drug. Among kids who use drugs, 60 percent use only marijuana.
Risks:
Marijuana is the most widely used illicit drug among youth today and is more potent than ever. Marijuana use can lead to a host of significant health, social, learning, and behavioral problems at a crucial time in a young person's development. Getting high also impairs judgment, which can lead to risky decision making on issues like sex, criminal activity, or riding with someone who is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. According to the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University, teens who use drugs are five times more likely to have sex than teens who do not use drugs. Getting high also contributes to general apathy, irresponsible behavior, and risky choices.
Addiction:
Don't be fooled by popular beliefs. Kids can get hooked on pot. Research shows that marijuana use can lead to addiction. Each year, more kids enter treatment with a primary diagnosis of marijuana dependence than for all other illicit drugs combined.
Parents and Prevention:
Most parents are surprised to learn that they are the most powerful influence on their children when it comes to drugs. But, it's true, so this message needs to start with parents. Kids need to hear how risky marijuana use can be. They need to know how damaging it can be to their lives. And they need to begin by listening to someone they trust. By staying involved, knowing what their kids are doing, and setting limits with clear rules and consequences, parents can keep their kids drug-free.
Long–Term Consequences:
Research shows that kids who smoke marijuana engage in risky behavior that can jeopardize their futures, like having sex, getting in trouble with the law, or losing scholarship money. Marijuana can also hurt academic achievement and puts kids at risk for depression and anxiety.
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HOW CAN I TELL IF MY CHILD IS USING DRUGS?
Physical evidence of drug use:
- Liquor missing or watered down
- Fake ID
- Mouthwash, breath spray
- Visine or other eye drops
- Roach clips, rolling papers
- Bong pipes and small screens
- "Stash cans," often disguised as cola or beer cans
- Burning incense, room deodorizers
- Prescription medication disappearing
- Any drugs or drug paraphernalia you find on your child or in your home are indications of drug use, even if he or she insists they "belong to a friend."
Changes in Eating and Sleeping Habits:
- Difficulty falling asleep, insomnia
- Inappropriate napping
- Significant weight loss or gain
- Poor appetite
- A sudden appetite (especially for sweets)
- Spends the night in unsupervised homes
Changes in Physical Appearance:
- Lack of personal cleanliness, messy appearance
- Red eyes and frequent use of eye drops
- Runny nose, congestion, coughing
- Wearing dark glasses when not necessary
- Pale face, circles under eyes
Changes in Behavior and Personality:
- Abrupt changes in mood
- Hostility, defiance of rules
- Depression, "I don't care" attitude
- Lack of responsibility: not doing chores or homework; forgetting family occasions
- Blaming, lying, making excuses
- Loss of memory, shortened attention span, disordered thought patterns
- Withdrawal from family, isolation, secretiveness
Changes in School or Job Performance:
- Abrupt changes in mood
- Hostility, defiance of rules
- Depression, "I don't care" attitude
- Lack of responsibility: not doing chores or homework; forgetting family occasions
- Blaming, lying, making excuses
- Loss of memory, shortened attention span, disordered thought patterns
- Withdrawal from family, isolation, secretiveness
Changes in friends and interests:
- New or different friends, especially ones who use drugs
- Friends are rarely introduced and seldom come to the house
- More time spent in room or away from home
- Secrecy about actions and possessions
- Hobbies, sports or extra-curricular activities are given up; everything is "boring"
- Stays out past curfew or sneaks out in the night
Positive attitudes towards drugs and alcohol:
- Pro-drug messages on posters or clothing
- Strong defense of the occasional use of drugs by peers
- Thinks adults "hassle" kids
- Easily angered when confronted about chemical use
- Others are concerned over his/her use of alcohol or other drugs
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SIGNS OF OVERDOSE
If your friend shows any of these signs, seek emergency medical treatment immediately:
- Confusion, difficulty speaking
- Seizures, body tremors
- Cold, clammy skin
- Slow breathing, loud snoring sound
- Respiratory arrest, not breathing for at least 10 seconds
- Unconsciousness
- Very fast, slow or absent pulse
- Heart palpitations, heart attack
- Vomiting while drowsy or sleeping
- Failure to wake after being spoken to, pinched, or poked
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A NOTE ON THE 'NET
Just as you monitor where your teens go and with whom they spend their time, you also should monitor their digital activities. Your teen's browsing history, social networking page (such as myspace.com), or their email files (as a minor, your child’s privacy is at your discretion), may reveal clues as to whether or not your child is receptive to or using drugs or alcohol.
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WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I SUSPECT MY CHILD IS ON DRUGS?
Take Action!
Remember, if your child is using drugs, he/she needs your help. Don't be afraid to be a strong parent! If the problem becomes too much for you to handle alone don't hesitate to seek professional help, such as counseling, a support group or a treatment program.
If you suspect that your child may be using alcohol or drugs, you must share your concerns, with your child. Choose a time when there will be no interruptions. Do not discuss when child is high. Share the previous check list with your child in a straight forward way, and express your concerns. Explain why you are opposed to any drug use and how you intend to enforce that position. Be Understanding, Firm and Supportive.
Do not be misled by:
"I've only tried it once"
"It's not mine; I was just holding it for a friend."
"Everyone is doing it."
"It's only a little pot."
"I've quit."
BE AWARE THAT YOUNG PEOPLE ARE ESPECIALLY SENSITIVE AND SUSCEPTIBLE TO THE CHEMICALS IN DRUGS.
UNDERSTAND THAT EXPERIMENTATION WITH DRUGS/ALCOHOL MAY PROGRESS FROM CASUAL USE, TO HEAVIER USE, AND FINALLY TO DEPENDENCY.
SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP IMMEDIATELY IF YOUR CHILD:
- STEELS
- RUNS AWAY FROM HOME
- SHOWS VIOLENT BEHAVIOR
- THREATENS OR ATTEMPTS SUICIDE
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WHAT IS ADDICTION?
No one who begins to use drugs thinks he or she will become addicted. ADDICTION IS A DISEASE CHARACTERIZED BY COMPULSIVE DRUG SEEKING BEHAVIOR REGARDLESS OF THE CONSEQUENCES.
Research conducted by the national Institute on Drug Abuse shows that virtually all drugs that are abused have a profound effect on the brain. Prolonged use of many drugs including, cocaine, heroin, and amphetamines can change the brain in fundamental and long lasting ways resulting in drug craving addiction.
Certain risk factors make it more likely that individuals will become addicted to alcohol and other drugs including:
- Early age of first use
- Children of alcoholics
- Children with psychological problems
- Children with learning disabilities
- Children of poverty
- Sensation seekers
- Perceived external approval of drug use
- Affiliation with deviant peers
- Having above average disposable income
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WHAT CAN I DO TO PREVENT MY CHILDREN FROM USING DRUGS?
Prevention has been viewed as a school responsibly disregarding the fact that parents, peers, the community and media have important roles to play.
Parents may underestimate the importance of their influence on their children's decisions about drugs. Parents play a crucial part in prevention by setting boundaries and expectations, staying involved and engaging in their children's lives and setting a positive example. The protective factors that may reduce the risk of drug and alcohol involvement are:
- Strong bonds with family
- Parental involvement
- Clear expectations and consequences
- Positive involvement with social institutions (Faith-based organizations, School, Community)
- Success in School performance
- Perceived external disapproval of drug use
Talk to your kids about drugs
Talk to your child early on about the dangers of drug abuse. Children are exposed to drug and alcohol topics daily, through TV commercials, advertisements and the daily news.
You can tell Your Kids to Say No...Even if you didn't
Many times parents who experimented with marijuana and other drugs in their youth believe that it would be hypocritical if they told their children not to try it.
The decision to tell your children about your own drug use is a personal one; however, parents can tell their kids that much more is known today about the serious health and social consequences of using marijuana and other drugs.
Help Your Kids Turn Down Drugs:
- Kids do not usually get drugs from strangers; they get drugs from their friends.
- Teach kids that it is ok to say no to their friends.
- Encourage your child to avoid friendships with kids who use drugs.
- Help your child say "NO" when offered drugs or Alcohol.
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FAMILY TIME
Getting involved with your child will help you stay connected and ultimately help your child make better decisions.
Here are some ways that you can stay involved.
Family Dinners
CA SA research has consistently shown that the more often young people sit down at the dinner table with their families, the less likely they are to smoke, drink or use illegal drugs.
- Teens who eat dinner with their parents twice a week or less are four times more likely to smoke cigarettes,
three times more likely to smoke marijuana and nearly twice as likely to drink as those who eat dinner with their
parents six or seven times a week.
- Teens from families that almost never eat dinner together are 72 percent likelier than the average teen to use
cigarettes, alcohol and drugs, while those from families that almost always eat dinner together are 31 percent
less likely than the average teen to engage in these activities.
- Other research has shown that teens who eat frequent family dinners are less likely than other teens to have
sex at young ages and get into fights; are at lower risk for thoughts of suicide; and are likelier to do better in
school. This is true regardless of a teen’s gender, family structure or family socioeconomic level.
- Teens who have frequent family dinners are more likely to be emotionally content, work hard at school and have
positive peer relationships. Children and teens that have frequent family dinners also have healthier
eating habits.
Make Time for you and your child
Plan the date and hold yourself to it!
Praise your child when he has done something good
Too often we are focused on the bas things our kids do, encourage the good behavior.
Thank your child
It can be for a simple task or a large accomplishment it shows that you have taken the time to acknowledge them.
Set Rules and Boundaries
Every child needs boundaries. In order to avoid confusion create rules that you will enforce.
Give your Child responsibilities
Assign Chores that help the family. Assigning a chore will imply that you are confident that your child will perform responsibly and more adult like, building trust and confidence.
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SUICIDE SIGNS AND PREVENTION
60% of all suicides involve drugs
The Second Leading Cause of Death in young people is suicide. 60% of suicide deaths involve drugs.
Suicide does not happen without warning. Most suicidal people give many clues and warning signs regarding their suicidal intention. Comments such as: "I'm a burden", "I'll get even", "My family would be better off without me" are common. Talk of suicide to others often precedes the actual act of suicide. Many people who die by suicide give definite warning of their intentions so always take comments about suicide seriously.
Suicide Related Behavior
- Collects drugs or guns
- Investigates or reads about ways to die
- Gives away personal items
- Threatens suicide verbally
- Has a defined plan for attempting suicide
- Has a specific date or time
- Is depressed, sad, or lonely
- Experiences one or more major losses
- Experiences insomnia or unshakable fatigue
- Experiences loss of appetite or overeats
- Is increasingly isolated
- Exhibits emotional instability
- Loses interest in activities
- Earns poor grades or exhibits poor job performance
- Experiences loss of self esteem
- Shows increased irritability or aggressiveness
- Abuses drugs or alcohol
- Becomes happy for no reason after long depression
- Directly attempts suicide
Improvement of behavior after a suicidal crisis does not mean the risk is over. In fact, most suicides occur within three months of apparent "improvement" when the individual has the energy and motivation to actually follow through with his or her suicidal thoughts.
How to help someone who is suicidal
- Listen with sincere concern
- Avoid giving unsolicited advice
- Ask if he or she is feeling suicidal
- Tell your friend that many people think about suicide but never attempt it
- Stay with them, do something together
- Call law enforcement for emergency intervention if you have immediate concern for your friend's life
- Give your friend the number for the suicide prevention hot-line and make sure they call
SUICIDE HOT LINE: 1-800-273-TALK
Half of the teens who kill themselves do it with guns kept at home. If a gun must be kept at home, keep it locked, hidden, unloaded, with the bullets hidden separately. The same applies to prescription drugs and alcohol. If you have them in your home, keep them out of reach.
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