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nutrition
Parents, you matter! You are the key expert in the lives of your children. If you have concerns or fears pertaining to your child’s possibly substance use…go with your instincts. You should ask questions, communicate with your teens about what it’s like for them, locate resources, and get them help.
Helpful Websites
Time to Talk
Are you interested in talking to your kids, but unsure what to say? Research shows that kids who learn about drugs, tobacco and alcohol use from their parents are more than 50% less likely to start. Practical tips and tools, community of parents chat-group, access to the Talk Kit which provides teachable moments, drug refusal skills, and how to answer the tough questions like “Did you ever smoke or use drugs or alcohol?”
Parents. The Anti-Drug
Offers news and facts onsubstance abuse, computer issues, communication and hot topics.
The Partnership for a Drug Free America
Offers parents resources, parenting advice and stories from parents and professionals about drug prevention and getting help for someone you know struggling with substance use.
Project Freshlight
Offers information to help identify problems and get your teen help through community resources.
Developmental Assets: Building Blocks for Raising Healthy Children and Youth
Since its creation in 1990, Search Institute’s framework of Developmental Assets has become the most widely used approach to positive youth development in the United States.
Know the Signs
Parents - Know the Symptoms of Teen Substance Abuse
Different substances lend themselves to different groups of symptoms. The most glaring symptom in all cases is a change, sometimes a radical one, in behavior.
Other physical signs of substance abuse are: slurred speech, memory impairment, in coordination, and impairment of attention.
- Sudden personality changes that include abrupt changes in work or school attendance, quality of work, work output, grades, discipline
- Unusual flare-ups or outbreaks of temper
- Withdrawal from responsibility
- General changes in overall attitude
- Deterioration of physical appearance and grooming
- Wearing of sunglasses at inappropriate times
- Continual wearing of long-sleeved garments particularly in hot weather or reluctance to wear short-sleeved attire when appropriate
- Association with known substance abusers
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- Loss of interest in what were once favorite hobbies and pursuits
- Changes in friends and reluctance to have friends visit or talk about them
- Difficulty in concentration, paying attention
- Sudden jitteriness, nervousness, or aggression
- Increased secretiveness
- Unusual borrowing of money from friends, co-workers or parents
- Stealing small items from employer, home or school
- Secretive behavior regarding actions and possessions; poorly concealed attempts to avoid attention and suspicion such as frequent trips to storage rooms, restroom, basement, etc.
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Got Questions?
My child is using drugs and needs help. Where do I start?
You may wish to call several providers in your area to ask about their services or set up an appointment. Asking others who may have been through similar situations is often helpful, or contact your county’s board agency to speak with someone about resources in your area.
How much help does my child need?
Treatment providers will first conduct a thorough assessment of your child. This involves an extensive interview and perhaps some other testing. The counselor will also ask you as parent(s) or caregiver(s) for information regarding medical history and behavioral observations. The counselor will discuss the assessment results with you and your child to develop an appropriate treatment plan. Insurance, other funding and confidentiality matters will be discussed as well. Ask plenty of questions.
What are co-occurring disorders or dual diagnoses?
That means that a mental health issue (such as attention deficit or depression) exists along with a substance use disorder. Some facilities specialize in treating co-occurring disorders.
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