| Recognizing Substance Abuse |
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Recognizing Substance Abuse A) The Facts: Teen smoking, drugs and alcohol abuse Abuse of alcohol, cigarettes, and other drugs is a major threat to the health of teenagers, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence: • Smoking Facts o Smoking is the leading preventable cause of death in the United States. o Smoking is the main cause of lung and heart disease. o Nearly 3 million U.S. teenagers smoke. o Last year 63% of first time smokers were less than18 years old. o Most teens can buy cigarettes even though it is illegal to sell them to minors in all 50 states. o Spit tobacco (chew) is not a safe alternative to smoking. Regular use of spit tobacco can cause cancer of the cheek, gums, tongue, and throat. o The earlier a person starts smoking, the greater the risk to his or her health and the harder it is to quit. o High school students who smoke cigarettes are more likely to take risks, such as ignoring seatbelts, getting into physical fights, carrying weapons, and having sex at an earlier age. o Tobacco is considered to be a "gateway drug," as it may lead to alcohol, marijuana, and other illegal drug use. • Drinking Facts o Twenty percent of middle school students are current users of alcohol, as are 40% of high school students. o The leading cause of death for teens and young adults is auto accidents related to alcohol. o Drinking also lowers inhibitions, which can lead teens to have unprotected sex, increasing the chance of pregnancy and infection with sexually transmitted diseases and HIV. o Beer and wine are not safer than hard liquor. o Alcohol is the most frequently used drug among teens. o More than 67% of young people who start drinking before the age of 15 will try an illicit drug. Children who drink are 7.5 times more likely to use any illicit drug, 22 times more likely to use marijuana, and 50 times more likely to use cocaine than children who never drank. • Other Drug Facts o Almost 1/3 of teens report that they have used illicit drugs at some point in their lives. o Young people who don't use drugs are more likely to stay in school than those who do use drugs. o Over one quarter of high school students report that they have been offered, given, or sold an illicit drug on school grounds. o Poor judgment while using drugs puts teens at risk for car crashes, falls, drowning, violence, unplanned and unsafe sex, and suicide. o Drug use can cause serious immediate and/or long-term damage to the brain, liver, kidney, heart, and lung -- just to name a few. o About 17% of teens have tried marijuana one or more times, while about 7% of teens currently use marijuana. o Regular use of marijuana causes such respiratory problems as bronchitis, sore throats, and coughs. o Marijuana use can hinder memory, problem-solving abilities, and learning. It can also cause mood swings, anxiety, and depression. o About 9% of teens have tried cocaine, while 4% use it currently (one or more times in a month). o Cocaine is an addictive drug that is especially dangerous because it can cause abnormal heartbeats, occasionally resulting in a life-threatening heart attack, seizure, or stroke. o Inhalants (glues, aerosol sprays, gasoline, paints, and paint thinners) are the substances most frequently abused by junior high students because they are inexpensive and easy to get. o Inhalants are very dangerous because they contain poisonous materials, such as lead and toluene, which can cause brain damage or, in rare cases, even death with the first use. o Club drugs, like ecstasy and so-called date rape drugs, are often used at parties, dances, raves, or trances. o Use of ecstasy can lead to depression, sleep problems, and severe anxiety that may last for weeks after taking the drug. Over time, use of ecstasy can lead to liver damage and thought and memory problems. o Steroids, which teens use to build muscle tissue and decrease body fat, can cause liver cancer; reduced sperm count; male-pattern balding; irritability, and rage. The also lead to increased cholesterol and blood pressure, resulting in heart attack and stroke. B) Warning Signs: How do you know if your teen is smoking, drinking, or using other drugs? Physical · Being tired a lot · Repeated health complaints · Red and glazed eyes · Lasting cough · Smell of alcohol or smoke on clothing, in room, or anything your teen owns · Throat irritation · Bad breath · Catching colds a lot · Stained or yellow teeth · Shortness of breath · Using more perfume, incense or sprays than usual · Using eye drops more than usual · Changing clothes frequently · Using a lot of mouthwash, breath mints Emotional · Personality change · Sudden mood changes · Irritability · Irresponsible behavior · Low self-esteem · Poor judgment · Depression · General lack of interest Family · Starting arguments · Negative attitude · Breaking rules · Withdrawing from family · Secretiveness · Stealing money or borrowing money a lot · Stealing prescription drugs School · Missing school · Not doing homework · Getting complaints from teachers · Negative attitude · Drop in grades · Discipline problems Social problems · Problems with the law · Changes in dress and music · Hanging out with friends that do drugs · Changes in friends C) Simple Tips: How to help your teen avoid drugs · Set rules . Let your teen know that drug and alcohol use is unacceptable and that these rules are set to keep him or her safe. Set limits with clear consequences for breaking them. · Praise and reward good behavior for compliance and enforce consequences for noncompliance. · Know where your teen is and what he or she will be doing during unsupervised time. Research shows that teens with unsupervised time are three times more likely to use marijuana or other drugs. Unsupervised teens are also more likely to engage in risky behaviors such as underage drinking, sexual activity, and cigarette smoking than other teens. This is particularly important after school, in the evening hours, and also when school is out during the summer or holidays. · Talk to your teen. While shopping or riding in the car, casually ask him how things are going at school, about his friends, what his plans are for the weekend, etc. · Keep them busy -- especially between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. and into the evening hours. Engage your teen in after-school activities. Enroll your child in a supervised educational program or a sports league. Research shows that teenagers who are involved in constructive, adult-supervised activities are less likely to use drugs than other teens. · Check on your teenager. Occasionally check to see that your kids are where they say they’re going to be. Also, check to see that they are spending time with the friends they intended to hang out with. · Establish a "core values statement" for your family. Consider developing a family mission statement that reflects your family’s core values. This might be discussed and created during a family meeting or over a weekend meal together. Talking about what they stand for is particularly important at a time when teens are pressured daily by outside influences on issues like drugs, sex, violence, or vandalism. If there is no compass to guide your kids, the void will be filled by the strongest force. · Spend time together as a family regularly and be involved in your kid’s life. Create a bond with your child. This builds up credit with your child so that when you have to set limits or enforce consequences, it’s less stressful. · Take time to learn the facts about smoking, other drugs, and underage drinking . Talk to your teen about their harmful effects on young users. These include health, social, learning, and mental effects. · Get to know your teen’s friends (and their parents) by inviting them over for dinner or talking with them at your teen’s soccer practice, dance rehearsal, or other activities. · Stay in touch with the adult supervisors of your child (teachers, coaches, employers) and have them inform you of any changes in your teen. D) Getting Help: What do you do if your teen is using drugs? · If you think or know your teen is using drugs, the first thing to do is talk to your teen. Find out why your teen is using drugs and how long they have been using drugs. Also talk honestly about the negative consequences of drugs. · Tell your teen that you do not allow the use of drugs in your house. · If you smoke, drink, or do drugs, admit that you have made a mistake, stop using the drugs and get help for yourself. It will be easier for your teen to stop using drugs if you stop using drugs. · Challenge your teen to quit for a week if he or she denies being addicted. · Be clear and consistent about whatever punishment you are giving your teen, such as grounding them or taking away driving privileges. · Talk with your child's teachers, guidance counselor, school nurse, or coach for help and let them know that your teen has a problem with drugs. · Get help from your doctor or a substance abuse counselor who can refer you to treatment programs. · Be involved in the treatment and aftercare program. Let your teen know that you are supportive. It may take a long time for your teen to reestablish trust, to be forgiven by you, or to forgive himself or herself. · Get help for your family. Talk with a health professional. Substance abuse affects the physical, psychological, social, and spiritual aspects of the person and his or her family. Family therapy is an important factor in whether your teen will be able to remain substance-free after treatment. D) Local Resources · Support Groups · Counseling Centers · Treatment Centers Call 211 or 305-358-(HELP) 4357 for more info on resources, support groups, counseling, or treatment centers |