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| Alcohol & Drug Abuse Information |
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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- Communicate
clear opposition to teen use of cigarettes, alcohol and illegal drugs,
as well as clear rules regarding other expected behaviors.
- Talk
with your child about alcohol and other drugs, Learn to really listen
to what your child has to say. Work to keep the lines of communication
open.
- Be a good
role model or example. Your habits and attitudes may strongly influence
your child's ideas about alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.
- Encourage
healthy activities. Hobbies, school events and other activities may
prevent your child from using drugs out of boredom or because of peer
relationships with substance using peers.
- If
you do suspect drug use, share your concerns with your child when he or
she is not under the influence. Approach your child with facts. Don't
accuse. Discuss the things you have observed.
- Take
action! Contact the Counselor, At-Risk Advisor or School Psychologist
at your child's school, and/or seek professional help and advice.
- Try
to get your child interested in clubs like Friday Night Live and Club
Live. These clubs try to emphasize the uselessness of drugs, alcohol
and violence by setting up various activities and parties. At these
activities, students are shown how much more fun you can have without
the use of alcohol and drugs. Leadership in the community is also
emphasized in these clubs.
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