How can we prevent substance abuse in our youth?

Together!

         Coalitions pull together resources, ideas, talents, and efforts, guiding them toward a common goal. Using collected and studied data, we identify areas of need in the development of our youth, so that we may align our initiatives with their needs. Using data from a youth survey, sponsored by ADAPT and performed by Search Institute, we have been able to identify some gaps that we intend to address with our efforts. Please refer to the following graphic, which explains the assets that we will be naming.

Parent Resources

The Parent Toolkit: A Drug & Alcohol Prevention Resources For Parents

The following website provides useful information regarding drugs and alcohol to parents, grandparents, relatives or anyone who is around children or teens including:

• Drug Guide-learn the facts to keep teens safe
• Grandparents Guide on how they can help their grandchildren be drug-free
• Testimonies from other parents
• How to get help if you child is using; intervention guides
• Parent Toolkit

Toolkit How-Tos:

• How to Prevent Drug Use at Every Age
• How to Better Understand Your Teens
• How to Connect With Your Kids
• How to Protect Your Kids
• How to Spot Drug & Alcohol Use
• How to Help If They Are Using
• How to Help in Your Community

If you need to speak with someone about your child's drug or alcohol use please call the Parents Toll-Free Helpline. The Parents Toll-Free Helpline, 1-855-DRUGFREE (1-855-378-4373), is staffed by clinical social workers with practical experience in substance abuse prevention and treatment. It is sponsored by the Partnership for Drug Free Kids and can be used to obtain advice regarding youth or adults.

Know! Parent Alert - Cough Syrup Abuse

In this Know! Parent Alert we are warning moms, dads and other caregivers about youth getting high on cough syrup. While young people abusing cough medicine is nothing new, is seems to have grown again in popularity, with one in 10 teens partaking nationwide.

So what exactly is in this purple drink and what makes it so appealing? It is prescription-strength cough syrup (codeine and promethazine – which also causes the purple hue) that is typically mixed with sprite or other soda and a Jolly Rancher candy (to mask the bitter flavor of the cough syrup); said to provide the user with a relaxed, euphoric high.

It is vitally important to talk to your children about the dangers of misusing or abusing prescription drugs of any kind, even those that appear to be less harmful, like cough medicine. Youth should also be aware that it is illegal for anyone to use another person’s prescription cough medication, whether to treat an actual cough or for recreational use, and there can be legal consequences to accompany the potential physical and mental health consequences. Parents, you can also do your part by safeguarding and monitoring all prescription and over-the-counter medications in your home, and regularly disposing of your unused and unwanted medications.

Know! The Link Between ADHD & Substance Abuse

Childhood Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) places both boys and girls at an increased risk for teenage substance abuse (according to a large-scale study conducted by the University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences).

The study revealed that compared to their non-ADHD peers, children with the disorder are more likely to: 

• Use one or more substances during their teen years;
• Smoke cigarettes on a daily basis;
• Experience marijuana abuse or dependence as an older teen;
• Meet criteria for having a substance abuse or dependence disorder.

*Note: Teen alcohol use remains high for those with or without childhood ADHD.

Experts believe that many of the personality traits and other characteristics commonly found in children with ADHD also contribute to the onset of substance use such as thrill-seeking behaviors, impulsivity, academic struggles, trouble maintaining healthy friendships and sleep issues.

For those of you whose child or children have ADHD, you are called to be hyper-vigilant in your substance abuse prevention efforts; ramping up the quality and quantity of your anti-alcohol and other drug talks; making clear your expectations for non-use and the consequences should it happen; being consistent in discipline and follow-through; taking extra care to monitor your child’s whereabouts and with whom they are spending time; and making a concerted effort to get to know your child’s friends and their parents.

Just because a child has ADHD, that does not guarantee he or she will have alcohol or other drug issues as a teen. The key is to be aware of the link between the two, to step-up your prevention efforts if your child does has ADHD, and to seek professional help if you feel your child may have the disorder. Too many young adults with ADHD go undiagnosed and untreated and end up struggling in different aspects throughout their lives. This can lead to depression and anxiety, as well as self-medicating with alcohol or other drugs; furthering the cycle of substance abuse.

The Medicine Abuse Project

Two-thirds of teens who report abusing prescription medicine admit to getting them from friends, family and acquaintances. Educating yourself and talking to your child about medicine abuse is essential – but there’s more you can do.Safeguarding your prescriptions is a must. This will not only prevent your own teen, but his or her friends who come over, from taking drugs out of your medicine cabinet or kitchen.So where do you keep your meds? Here are five things you can do at home to protect your medicines that can make a huge difference in keeping your family safe.

1. Treat them like your best watch or necklace. Think about medicine in the same way you do jewelry or other valuables. There’s no shame in protecting those items, and the same should hold true for your prescriptions and cough medicine.
2. Take them out of the medicine cabinet or kitchen. While convenient, the medicine cabinet or kitchen are obvious and easily accessible locations; so keep your medicine in a place that only you know about.
3. Lock them up. Consider keeping your medicines in a lock box or a safe – and don’t share the key or combination.
4. Count, monitor and dispose of them. Take an inventory of all of the medicine in your home - and dispose of what you don't need. The next National Prescription Drug Take-Back Initiative is scheduled for April 26th.
5. Tell relatives to do the same. Once you’ve taken the above precautions, it’s time to tell others about doing the same – especially grandparents, relatives and the parents of your teen’s friends. A quick chat can go a long way. 

Talking to Your Teens About Marijuana and Other Drugs

No one is immune to the risks associated with drugs and alcohol. Kids may come into contact with drugs sooner than you expect, so it’s almost never too soon to begin talking about the dangers of drugs and addiction. By laying a strong foundation of understanding, you’ll position your child to have the tools needed to make healthy choices. Talking to your teens about drugs should be an ongoing process that also involves you listening to your child’s concerns.

For more information on how to talk to your child about drugs please visit: https://harmonyplace.com/blog/talking-to-teens-about-drugs/

Young Adult Resources

The Young Adult Alcohol Initiative of the ADAPT Coalition works with the community to reduce harmful alcohol consumption among 18 to 25 year olds.

Harmful use of alcohol is defined as:

• Any use of alcohol by persons under the age of 21.
  
• Use of alcohol by persons aged 21 and over that goes beyond American Medical Associations guidelines for moderate drinking.
  
• Any potentially risky behavior following the use of alcohol such as operating a motor vehicle.
  
• Any use of alcohol while pregnant or if it interferes with current medication or a medical condition.

Are You Doing Your Part to Reduce Underage Drinking?

Useful Tips:

• NEVER provide or purchase alcohol for anyone under 21
  
• Talk with youth about the dangers of underage drinking
  
• Be a good role model by following the Center for Disease Control guidelines to moderate drinking:
  
• No more than 1 drink per day for adult women aged 21 and older
  
• No more than 2 drinks per day for adult men aged 21 and older
  
• NO ALCOHOL USE IF: Under age 21, Pregnant, Health condition that is aggravated by alcohol, Taking medication that does not mix with alcohol

Don't Overdo It: Reputations Aren't Drunk Proof

What is a Drink?

• 12 oz beer @ 5% alcohol
  
• 5 oz glass of wine
  
• 1.5 oz shot of liquor

Did You Know?

• Binge drinking is defined as:
  
• 5 or more drinks for men in 24 hours
  
• 4 or more drinks for women in 24 hours

Columbiana County Young Adult Survey Results

• 62% of young adults report youth under 21 get their alcohol from an older relative, friend or stranger.
  
• 77% of young adults report people who binge drink have a moderate or great risk in harming themselves.
  
• 67% of young adults who reported drinking in the past 30 days, also reported binge drinking
  
• 89% of young adults report their friends have never tried to stop them from getting drunk.
  
• 36% of young adults who report they binge drink, were under the age of 21 the first time they drank
  

Some of the above information was gathered from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Party Tips For Teens & Parents

Tips For Parents When Their Teen is Having a Party:

• Help plan the party with your teen
  
• No open invites or E-Vites (e-mail, facebook, IM..)
  
• Set clear rules
  
• Be visible at the party
  
• Limit access in the house (no bedrooms, closets, lights stay on)
  
• Have plenty of food and non-alcoholic drinks
  
• When a guest leaves, they are not allowed back
  
• Always have a start and end time to the party
  
• Make it clear the consequences if a guest is caught with alcohol
  
• Welcome calls from other parents
  
• Get to know your teens friends

Parent Tips For Teens Attending a Party:

• Know where the party is going to be held
  
• Know the parents Rules and Expectations of the party
  
• Call to make sure there is enough adult supervision
  
• Make sure it is a Alcohol Free party
  
• Make sure your teen knows they can call you and has a cell phone
  
• If your uncomfortable, keep your teen home

Tips For Parents When Away From Home:

• Make clear what their responsibilities are
• Set the rules and remind them of the consequences of their actions
• No Parties or gatherings
• Have a responsible adult stay or stop by often
• Call local police and ask them to drive by if concerned about a possible party at your home