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| Alcohol & Drug Abuse Info |
Indicators of Possible Substance Use or Abuse
- Changes in performance in school or at work. For example, a drop in grades, work not completed
- Absenteeism/Truancy. Excuses may be forged.
- Attitude changes and/or mood swings
- Change in personal appearance
- Change in eating or sleeping habits
- Withdrawal from family contacts
- Change in health (frequent illness, coughing)
- Apathy, lack of motivation
- Paraphernalia -- pipes, bottles, chewing tobacco containers, rolling papers, small hand-held mirrors, etc.
- Defensive about drugs or drug use
- Association with others who have substance use or abuse problems
- Money, alcohol, prescription or possessions missing from the home or work place
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Youth who are close to their parents or caregivers are least likely to engage in risky behaviors. The more involved you are in your children's lives, the more valued they'll feel, and the more likely they'll be responsive to your guidance.
- Establish together time. Establish a regular weekly routine for doing something special with your children, even something as simple as going out for a walk.
- Don't be afraid to ask where your children are going, who they'll be with, and what they'll be doing. Get to know your child's friends and their parents so you're familiar with their activities and hopefully provide greater support to each other.
- Try to be there after school when your child gets home. The danger zone for drug use is between 4-6 pm when no one's around; arrange flexible time at work if you possibly can. If your child will be with friends, ideally, they need to have adult supervision, not just an older sibling.
- Eat together as often as you can. Meals are a great opportunity to talk about the day's events, to unwind, reinforce, and bond. Studies show that children whose families eat together at least five times/week are less likely to be involved in substance abuse.
- Learn to communicate. Do you know your child's favorite music group? What's cool at school? The more you communicate, the more your child will feel comfortable discussing difficult issues with you.
- Be absolutely clear with your children that you don't want them using harmful substances...ever...anywhere. Don't leave room for interpretation. And talk often about the dangers and results of substance abuse. Once or twice/year won't do it.
- Strive to listen more than you talk. Ask questions - and encourage them. Check for understanding by paraphrasing back to them what you think you heard from them. Ask for their input about family decisions.
- Give honest answers. Don't make up what you don't know; offer to find out. If asked whether you've ever abused drugs or alcohol, let them know what's important - that you don't want them using ANY harmful substances...ever...anywhere.
- Use TV reports, anti-drug commercials, news or school discussions about teen issues to help you introduce the subject in a natural, unforced way.
- Don't react to your child in a way that will cut off further discussion. If you hear statements that challenge or shock you, turn the statements into a calm discussion that does not force the issue.
- Role-play with your child and practice ways to refuse temptation. Acknowledge how tough these moments can be, especially if friends are involved
- ABOVE ALL, be a living, loving role model of your family values. Nothing else speaks as strongly.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Download: A Resource Guide For Parents
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| AlaTeen |
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530-342-5756 |
| Alcoholics Anonymous & Alanon |
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530-872-6521 |
| Bridge Counseling Center |
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530-872-6328 |
Butte County Office of Ed. Health & Safety
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530-532-5841
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Narcotics Anonymous
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530-877-6361 |
| PUSD Alcohol & Drug Services |
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530-872-6400
ext. 243
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| Skyway House |
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530-876-9436 |
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