4. www.drugfree.org/teenbrain – Learn about teen brain development and how you can help your teen make smart, healthy decisions
5. www.drugfree.org/parent – The Parent Tool Kit offers videos & articles on how to talk with your kids at any age
Teen Prescription Drug Abuse
1 in 4 teens has taken a prescription drug that was not prescribed for them by a doctor. Every day 2,500 teens take a prescription pain reliever for a non-medical use for the first time. Abusing prescription medication is not safer than taking illegal "street" drugs. Teen prescription drug abuse can result in addiction, health issues, and even death. 64% of teens (age 12-17) that have abused prescription pain relievers say they got them from friends or relatives.
Take Action Now! Create a safe environment. Know what is in your medicine cabinet, properly dispose of unused or expired medications, secure all prescriptions in a safe place and educate family and friends (especially grandparents). Next, notice common signs of abuse such as, physical and psychological changes, academic changes or pills missing. Talk to your teen by being open and non-judgmental. Communicate regularly and discuss the dangers of prescription drug abuse.
Parents: You Matter
Here are important tips, resources and information you can use to give your kids happy, healthy and safe futures, and help them avoid the dangers of drugs and alcohol.
COMMUNICATE
1. Clearly communicate the risks of alcohol and drug use
2. Let your child know you disapprove of any drinking or drug use.
a. Kids who believe their parents will be upset if they try drugs are 43 percent less likely to do so.
3. Use teachable moments to talk about drinking and using drugs.
4. Frequently talk and listen to your kids about how things are going in their lives.
MONITOR
1. Know WHO your child is with
2. Know WHAT they’re doing
3. Know WHERE your child will be
4. Know WHEN your child is expected home
5. Know who your teen’s friends are – communicate with their parents
6. Establish and enforce rules – including a clear “no use” policy
SPOT ALCOHOL AND DRUG USE
Here arefive changes to watch for…
1. Declining school work and grades
2. Abrupt changes in friends, groups or behavior
3. Sleeping habits and abnormal health issues
4. Deteriorating relationships with family
5. Less openness and honesty
Be aware of special vulnerabilities
WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU SPOT ALCOHOL AND DRUG USE
1. Focus, you can do this
ü Don’t panic, but act right away
2. Start talking
ü Let your child know you are concerned
ü Communicate your disapproval
3. Set limits, rules and consequences
4. Monitor – look for evidence, make lists, keep track
5. Get outside/professional help – you don’t have to do this alone
TAKE ACTION AND LEARN MORE
1. Talk to your kids about the dangers of drinking and using drugs
The Way of Rockport Indiana, Inc.
Resource Links
IMPORTANT RESOURCES FROM THE PARTNERSHIP AT DRUGFREE.ORG
1. www.drugfree.org – Main Site to Learn more about preventing teen drinking and drug use
2. www.timetotalk.org – Learn how to start a conversation with your child
3. www.drugfree.org/timetoact – Learn what to do if you suspect or know your child is using
4. www.drugfree.org/teenbrain – Learn about teen brain development and how you can help your teen make smart, healthy decisions
5. www.drugfree.org/parent – The Parent Tool Kit offers videos & articles on how to talk with your kids at any age
Teen Prescription Drug Abuse
1 in 4 teens has taken a prescription drug that was not prescribed for them by a doctor. Every day 2,500 teens take a prescription pain reliever for a non-medical use for the first time. Abusing prescription medication is not safer than taking illegal "street" drugs. Teen prescription drug abuse can result in addiction, health issues, and even death. 64% of teens (age 12-17) that have abused prescription pain relievers say they got them from friends or relatives.
Take Action Now! Create a safe environment. Know what is in your medicine cabinet, properly dispose of unused or expired medications, secure all prescriptions in a safe place and educate family and friends (especially grandparents). Next, notice common signs of abuse such as, physical and psychological changes, academic changes or pills missing. Talk to your teen by being open and non-judgmental. Communicate regularly and discuss the dangers of prescription drug abuse.
Parents: You Matter
Here are important tips, resources and information you can use to give your kids happy, healthy and safe futures, and help them avoid the dangers of drugs and alcohol.
COMMUNICATE
1. Clearly communicate the risks of alcohol and drug use
2. Let your child know you disapprove of any drinking or drug use.
a. Kids who believe their parents will be upset if they try drugs are 43 percent less likely to do so.
3. Use teachable moments to talk about drinking and using drugs.
4. Frequently talk and listen to your kids about how things are going in their lives.
MONITOR
1. Know WHO your child is with
2. Know WHAT they’re doing
3. Know WHERE your child will be
4. Know WHEN your child is expected home
5. Know who your teen’s friends are – communicate with their parents
6. Establish and enforce rules – including a clear “no use” policy
SPOT ALCOHOL AND DRUG USE
Here are five changes to watch for…
1. Declining school work and grades
2. Abrupt changes in friends, groups or behavior
3. Sleeping habits and abnormal health issues
4. Deteriorating relationships with family
5. Less openness and honesty
Be aware of special vulnerabilities
WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU SPOT ALCOHOL AND DRUG USE
1. Focus, you can do this
ü Don’t panic, but act right away
2. Start talking
ü Let your child know you are concerned
ü Communicate your disapproval
3. Set limits, rules and consequences
4. Monitor – look for evidence, make lists, keep track
5. Get outside/professional help – you don’t have to do this alone
TAKE ACTION AND LEARN MORE
1. Talk to your kids about the dangers of drinking and using drugs
2. Monitor your kid’s whereabouts
3. Connect with other parents
https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/teen-addiction/
Alcohol screening - When should you seek help / treatment
http://www.alcoholscreening.org/Home.aspx
Be aware of special vulnerabilities