SubstanceSubstance AbuseAbuse

ForFor FosterFoster Parents,Parents, CaregiversCaregivers && TeachersTeachers TeenTeen TrendsTrends-- WhatWhat toto KnowKnow

1: THEY’RE STRESSED. Today’s teens are stressed out. Factors include school work (they have more than ever. The Internet speeds things up but that just means that they're given even more work), college pressures, advanced placement courses in high school, and being overscheduled. The (stereotypical) Gen X slackers they are not.

2: THEY’RE HYPER-SEXUALIZED. Things like mini-skirts in schools, guys taking Creatine to get bulked up for sports, Real World MTV hook ups with young adults sleeping with strangers in each episode, online dating sites and Internet porn... This stuff is in their face every day. Teens are trying to act older, while older people are trying to act younger. So you've got kids trying to be adults, and adults (like Baby Boomers in particular) trying to be kids. It makes for a weird dynamic – and can confuse the teen as to who's the role model? Surprisingly, kids are more mature about things than you'd expect.

3: FRIENDS ARE THE NEW FAMILY. You say, “a person's friends have been important to every generation." But this cohort seems to equally value their circle of friends as their secondary family. They are far more group oriented than Gen Xers. Even if you think about Sesame Street, the show Xers grew up with ("We're all unique and different") compared to Barney, the show Gen Y grew up with ("Everybody is equal -- We're all the same.") Gen Y tends to be more conformist than Xers and Boomers were in their youth. TrendsTrends (cont(cont’’d)d)

4:Many teens report very close relationships with their parents, rather than rebellious relationships. Parents are becoming more like a friend than a parent in some cases or a dad blasting hip hop from his car while he and his son sing along. Gen Y typically cites their mom or dad as their role models -- rather than celebrities of years past. Also, the family unit itself has changed: more single dads/moms, and stay at home dads, gay parents, parents who are dating, adopted siblings, etc.

5: DIVERSITY ISN’T SOMETHING THEY’RE TAUGHT – IT’S THEIR REALITY. This generation is one-third non-Caucasian. They sometimes take diversity for granted. Just witness the infamous Justin Timberlake/Janet Jackson SuperBowl incident - 50 years ago the scandal would've been over the interracial flirting, not just the breast-baring moment. Today, you've got popular shows where they are coming out as gay in junior high/high school is normal. This is not to say every teen is 100% comfortable with it and obviously prejudice still exists but attitudes towards these issues have certainly relaxed.. KeepingKeeping WatchWatch…………....

Monitoring is an effective way you can help your teen or tween stay drug-free, and an important thing to do even if you don't suspect your teen is using drugs. The idea of "monitoring" your tween or teen may sound sinister, but it's actually a very simple idea that leads to good things like: You know where your child is at all times (especially after school) You know his friends You know his plans and activities. By staying in-the-know about your child's daily schedule, you're taking an important step in keeping your child drug-free. Kids who are not regularly monitored are four times more likely to use drugs. Because monitoring conflicts with your child's desire to be independent, he/she is likely to resist your attempts to find out the details of his daily whereabouts. Don't let this deter you from your goal. They may accept the idea more easily if you present it as a means of ensuring safety or interest in who he/she is and what he/she likes to do, rather than as a means of control. You need to be prepared for your child's resistance — because the rewards of monitoring are proven. The most important time of day to monitor is after school from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Kids are at the greatest risk for abusing drugs during these hours. Call your child's school to find out about adult-supervised activities he can take part in during these hours. Encourage him to get involved with youth groups, art or music programs, organized sports, community service, or academic clubs. Follow up with your child to make sure he is actually going to the program he has chosen. HowHow DoDo II KeepKeep WatchWatch ????

ƒ Know where your child or teen is at all times. Make sure he/she knows you're asking out of love, not because of a lack of trust.

ƒ Personally know all of your teen's friends. Having your teen point out their friends from down the block just doesn't cut it. Know their faces and their voices. Interact with them whenever possible-- without actually forcing them to play scrabble with you.

ƒ Find out your kid's plan for the next day. Looking for something to discuss during dinner? This is a great one. "So…what're you up to tomorrow?

ƒ Limit the time your child spends without adult supervision. The after-school hours of 3 to 6 are the most dangerous time for tweens or teens to be on their own. The potential for peer pressure or boredom leading to an after-school drug use habit are huge. If you or another adult you trust can't be home for your teen, find out about after-school programs they can get involved with. SettingSetting RulesRules forfor ChildrenChildren

ƒ Rules about what's acceptable — from obeying curfews to insisting that they call in to tell you where they are — make children feel loved and secure.

ƒ Setting up and enforcing rules is not easy. Parents tend to avoid setting rules because they fear confrontation and unpleasantness. But the uncomfortable stuff isn't necessarily a reflection on your relationship with your child, it's just the nature of adolescence — breaking rules and pushing limits is a part of growing up.

ƒ Many parents are surprised to learn that they have an enormous influence on whether their teens will abuse drugs. Make it clear that you do not ever want your child to use Marijuana. By emphasizing your no use expectation and policy, you reduce the likelihood that she will use drugs now or later in life. Also, it will give them an excuse to fall back on when tempted to make bad decisions. SettingSetting RulesRules (Cont’d) ƒ When you first tell your child about a new rule, discuss the consequences of breaking that rule : 1: What the punishment will be and how it will be carried out. 2: Consequences must go hand in hand with limits so that your child knows what the cost of breaking the rules will be. 3: The punishments you set should be reasonable and related to the violation. For example, if you catch your son and his friends smoking, you might "ground" him by restricting his social activities for two weeks. 4: Punishments should only involve penalties you discussed before the rule was broken. 5: Never issue empty threats. It's understandable that you'll be angry when house rules are broken, and sharing your feelings of anger, disappointment, or sadness can have a powerfully motivating effect on your child. Since we're all more inclined to say things we don't mean when we're upset, it's best to cool off before discussing consequences. HowHow toto SpotSpot DrugDrug Use/AbuseUse/Abuse ƒ Parents and Caregivers often have no idea that their teenagers were drinking or using drugs. That's usually because they've been oblivious to the telltale hints all around them. Don't let this happen to you. Here are the signs you should be on the lookout for.

ƒ The Nose Knows Your teenager breezes into the house on a Saturday night after a night out with friends. How do you know if he was drinking or smoking? ƒ Make a point of having a conversation with him, not a yelled conversation through various rooms and closed doors, but a real, face-to-face conversation. If your child has been drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes, or smoking marijuana, the smell will be on his breath. ƒ Any smoke he's been around will also soak into his clothing and hair. That's not necessarily a sign of personal guilt, but if it's pot smoke you smell, you have the right to be alarmed; even if they weren’t smoking it himself, they were with peers who were. ƒ You should also be suspicious if your teen enters the house chomping on a fresh wad of spearmint gum or a handful of Altoids, or smelling of freshly applied lotion or perfume. They’re probably trying to cover up a telltale odor. ƒ Take a Closer Look

ƒ If your teenager is using or abusing an illegal substance, there's probably visual evidence to support it too.

ƒ While you're chatting with her after she gets back from going out with her friends, take a close look.

ƒ Pay attention to their eyes -- they tend to reveal any substance use.

ƒ If they have been smoking marijuana, there eyes will be red and heavy lidded, with constricted pupils.

ƒ If they have been drinking alcohol, their pupils will be dilated, and may have difficulty focusing on you. In addition, alcohol has the effect of giving a red, flushed color to the face and cheeks. There are also telltale signs of more serious drug use:

ƒ Intravenous drug use leaves track marks, usually on the arms, but occasionally other places like the legs. ƒ Long sleeves in scorching hot summer weather may be an attempt to hide something. ƒ Snorting cocaine causes nosebleeds and eventually eats away at the septum inside the nose. ƒ Finally, if there are strange burns on their lips or fingers, they may be smoking a substance through a hot glass or metal pipe. ƒ Sores or spots around the mouth along with paint stains on the body or clothing, a chemical odor or a runny nose can also indicate inhalant use, the practice of inhaling the fumes from household chemicals for a high. ƒ Ecstasy causes involuntary teeth clenching, increased affection and a loss of inhibitions. ƒ Also look for a fascination with sights and sounds, excessive water consumption and child-like toys . ƒ Mood Changes

ƒ How is he/she acting? ƒ Is he/she loud and obnoxious, or laughing hysterically at nothing? ƒ Is he/she unusually clumsy to the point where he/she is stumbling into furniture and walls, tripping over his/her own feet and knocking things over? ƒ Is he/she sullen, withdrawn, and unusually tired and slack-eyed for the hour of night? ƒ Does he/she look queasy and stumble into the bathroom? ƒ These are all signs that he/she could have just been using some kind of illegal substance: alcohol, marijuana, or something else. You shouldn't read too much into a slight mood change after he/she gets home from being with his friends, but you should be on the lookout for unusual or extreme behavior. ƒ You should also pay attention to your teenager's behavior over time. If your teenager has become silent, angry, withdrawn, and uncommunicative, and this has lasted for at least a few weeks, something else is going on. He/she may get angry if you try to reach out to him, and insist that you leave them alone, but you need to find out what's going on. ƒ While there are a number of reasons for a child to be moody, you should certainly consider the possibility that he has formed a habit of substance use. ƒ Car Accidents:

ƒ For many older teens, their cars are their lives. If you suspect your teenager has been using illicit substances recently, see if the car has any clues to offer. ƒ Maybe his/her driving is noticeably more reckless when they are coming home after being with friends. ƒ She/He might whip into the driveway at eighty miles per hour, run over sections of lawn, hit things, or park carelessly. ƒ Maybe there's a new dent in the front of the car and claim they know nothing about it. ƒ If you're suspicious, examine the inside of the car too; most teens are pretty sloppy about cleaning the inside of their car. ƒ Does it smell like marijuana smoke or alcohol fumes? Are there any bottles, pipes, bongs, or other drug paraphernalia rolling around on the floor or hidden in the glove box? If you find anything, challenge him/her on it immediately: be forthright, and tell them exactly what you've discovered and why you're concerned. ƒ Deceit or Secretiveness

ƒ You find your normally honest child lying to you all the time. ƒ His/Her evening and weekend plans are starting to sound a little fishy; their either vague about where they’re going or their alibis don't work (they can't describe the movie they supposedly just saw; or the friend they’re supposed to be out with just called looking for them). ƒ He/She says that parents will be at the parties their going to but can't give you a phone number, and comes home acting intoxicated. ƒ He/ She gets in way past her curfew or estimated time, and has got a seemingly endless string of excuses to justify their behavior. ƒ Even if you find evidence of substance use -- drunken or high behavior, a beer can or a marijuana rolling paper in his/her room – they have got someone or something else to place the blame on. ƒ When excuses fail, they'll respond to your inquiries and concern by telling you that it's none of your business. ƒ Something is wrong, and you need to figure out what they are really up to. ƒƒ DecreasedDecreased MotivationMotivation

ƒ Your child's grades start falling and there's no obvious reason for it. ƒ They give you a weak explanation and assures you they can handle the situation, but doesn't. ƒ They may be skipping school and spending less and less time on his homework. And appears to be losing interest in other activities as well. ƒ You're getting calls from teachers, coaches, principals, all saying the same thing: that your teenager has been skipping his/her classes, activities, or practices, and when they are there, they are not putting forth any effort. ƒ This could be a sign of a real substance abuse problem, where the desire to get drunk or high has taken top priority in his life. ƒ Missing Alcohol, Cigarettes, Money or Valuables

ƒ For the teen who's looking to get drunk or buy drugs, their parents' house can be a gold mine of resources. Nearly all parents keep some sort of alcohol in the house, whether it's six-packs of beer, a rack of wine bottles, or a cabinet featuring an assortment of liquor. Teens will start stealing this alcohol, hoping their parents won't miss it, or filling liquor bottles back up with water to bring them to the original level. ƒ If one or both of their parents smokes cigarettes, they can always take some from the pack (or take the whole pack). If they need money to buy drugs, then they'll start going through their parents' wallets, stealing bills, or else will steal valuables like jewelry and heirlooms to pawn for money. ƒ You should always keep track of the alcohol in the house. If you notice anything missing or your liquor tastes suspiciously watery, you should lock it up so your teen can't get to it. ƒ If your child is stealing cigarettes and you don't approve of him smoking, don't leave packs out where he can get to them. ƒ And in all these instances, particularly when money or valuables are being stolen, you need to confront him immediately. Let him know that you're aware of what goes on and that you won't tolerate him stealing from you. ƒƒ CashCash FlowFlow ProblemsProblems

ƒ You know something is going on when your money starts disappearing. There are other money-related ways to detect this sort of problem too. Obviously, drugs and alcohol cost money, and even seemingly inexpensive substances add up over time. Your child may work a part-time job after school, but he's probably not earning much more than minimum wage. So if you find that he is increasingly concerned about getting more money but volunteers no explanation as to why, you should wonder what he's spending it on, especially if he doesn't turn up with any new clothes, CDs, or other material items. It may be that he's using his money -- allowance, wages, handouts, whatever -- to support his substance use. On the other hand, if he suddenly seems to have a whole lot more money for clothing, CDs, or other coveted items, way beyond what he reasonably should in his circumstances, consider that he could be dealing drugs. ƒ Under these circumstances, a room search may be justified. ƒ Change in Friends

ƒ You notice that your teenager is hanging out with a different peer group. ƒ It’s normal for teenagers to make new friends, but these friends worry you for some reason. ƒ Perhaps these new friends are older and seem to be more promiscuous and independent, with less parental supervision and less interest in school. ƒ They might be making poor choices and getting involved in questionable activities. ƒ Maybe you’ve even suspected they were high or drunk when you were talking to them. ƒ Whatever the case, your teen will probably defend her new choice in friends, saying her new friends are more fun and understanding. ƒ If you’ve got a feeling they’re up to no good, keep your eyes and ears open, and go with your instincts. WhatWhat toto dodo ifif youryour ChildChild isis usingusing alcoholalcohol oror otherother drugs:drugs: ƒ Use Drug Screens Drug screens are particularly helpful for marijuana smokers. The active ingredient in marijuana, THC, stays in the bloodstream for up to thirty days. It can be detected through a urine test that can be done in your pediatrician's office or in a local laboratory that runs such tests (you can get a referral from your doctor) and also they are sold at chain drug stores. All you need to do is call them and arrange to have your teen's urine sample taken. ƒ You should inform your child that you'll be doing a random drug screening to find out if she's getting high. Tell her that you are taking this tough measure as a supportive tool to help her change her behavior. Explain that drug use can easily become habitual and compulsive.

ƒ Even if she honestly tries to stop taking drugs, she may relapse several times as struggles to quit using. This does not make someone a bad person, and repeated effort pays off. The drug test can show where more effort is needed and also will show her progress. Emphasize that your motivation is caring. The test will tell the story, and then you can hold her accountable for her actions. In the event that your child refuses to take a drug screen, tell her that you'll assume she's using and proceed accordingly. Teens often try to find a way to fool these tests. I've heard about kids drinking excessive amounts of water, spraying Lysol in their urine samples, or drinking herbal tea. The best way to ensure they don't try is to not give them advance notice of when they'll take the test.

ƒ Watch them closely during the testing to make sure they don't try to swap their urine for a clean sample from a friend. To test for alcohol, some parents buy Breathalyzer tests. Requiring that children take such tests for alcohol, or even just threatening to do so when things are getting out of control, sends a no-nonsense message. ƒ Set Clear Limits In no uncertain terms, tell your child you won't tolerate any further use of alcohol or marijuana. You'll expect her to tell you where she's going, with whom, and when she'll be home.

ƒ You should certainly restrict her privileges on Friday night and Saturday night, which are, I would say, the most likely times she'll be in a drug- or alcohol-related situation, like a party or informal get- together.

ƒ Your child may insist she doesn't have a problem with drinking and doesn't deserve to be restricted. This plays right into your hands. You can then ask her to prove she can stay sober or straight by abstaining for a specified time period. If she honors this contract, her privileges can be restored. If she doesn't, you'll have to decide what type of treatment program is best for her.

ƒ Never confront your teenager when she's drunk or stoned, because she won't be able to engage in a rational discussion. If you press the matter, you'll probably wind up in a meaningless argument that you'll both regret afterward. So please, wait until the morning or afternoon after, when you'll have a relatively alert, captive, and probably scared audience to discuss consequences. ƒ Of course, when you define the bottom line, there's always the chance that your teenager will flagrantly disregard your limits. What if your child is adamant that you can't tell her what to do? If she refuses to be grounded or abide by rules you impose, ignore her threat. Just assume she hasn't said this and proceed accordingly. It may be that her protests are all talk -- she's just venting her anger at you, and deep down she does respect your authority. But if she continues her illicit activity -- in effect, daring you to try and stop her -- you'll need to show her you mean business by moving to the next stage of severity. If the drug problem is serious, consider using outside support to help you with this problem. This is a hard step for many parents to take, but you often need the support of others to take a stance against drug abuse. Dealing with a child who is a serious substance abuser is a terrible situation that can make home life a living hell -- lies, broken promises, screaming fights, constant worry or even violence -- with no apparent way out. There are many resources in your community, including drug treatment programs, mental health clinics, self-help groups, and law enforcement agencies. They can direct you to more specific help and provide information about further options. Knowing that others are behind you can lighten your burden. The many other parents who have survived similar situations can be a great comfort as well as an invaluable resource. Seek out local support groups for yourselves. Remember that your child’s alienating behavior obscures the love he feels for you so that you are not struggling with your child as much as with his overriding compulsion to take drugs. There are times when teenagers run away home because they feel trapped and see no way out of their situation. Their substance habit has become the most important thing in the world to them, and you're trying to get between them and their drug. When this occurs, you'll need to take immediate action. If they've run away from home for more than twenty- four hours, notify the police, who can often track down a runaway and bring her home. And when she returns, seek professional assistance immediately. Make an appointment to see a mental health professional who specializes in substance abuse. And tell your child if she doesn't attend the appointment, you'll have to make important decisions about her future without her present. If your child still refuses to cooperate (and this is not unusual), you can contact the juvenile court system or inform his school that he has a serious drug problem and ask for their support. They'll advise you on the most prudent course of action. In an extreme situation (if, for instance, your child is deeply rooted in the addiction phase of alcohol or drug use), you'll need to consider placement in a residential drug treatment program. The problem is too great to handle on your own. DrugDrug GuideGuide byby ““SlangSlang”” NameName

ƒ Date rape drug ƒ 7th heaven Date rape drug ƒ Death ƒ 7-up Death ƒ Dex ƒ Acid Dex ƒ Dexedrine ƒ Adam Dexedrine ƒ DipDope ƒ Adderall ƒ DopeDoses ƒ Angel Dust DopeDoses ƒ EEmbalming ƒ Aunt Mary Fluid ƒ ƒ Beautiful ƒ Fags ƒ Big C ƒ Fire ƒ ƒ Big H ƒ Flake ƒ ƒ Big O ƒ Freebase ƒ Black stuff ƒ GGangster ƒ ƒ blackstrap ƒ Ganja ƒ Block ƒ Georgia ƒ ƒ Blow ƒ Home Boy ƒ ƒ Blue Mystic ƒ Glass ƒ ƒ Boom ƒ Grass ƒ ƒ Booze ƒ Grievous ƒ Brand names for herbal ecstasy products ƒ Bodily Harm include: Cloud 9Brown sugarBusinessman's Bodily Harm tripButtonsCactusCapsCatCat ƒ Hash ValiumChalkChewChronic (Marijuana alone or ƒ Herb with crack) ƒ Hits ƒ Codeine ƒ Horse ƒ Coke ƒ Ice ƒ Crank ƒ Juice ƒ Croak ƒ Junk ƒ Crypto ƒ KKibbles and bits ƒ Crystal ƒ KifKiller ƒ WeedKillers ƒ Liquid ƒ Magic mushrooms ƒ Shrooms ƒ Mary Jane ƒ Sinsemilla ƒ Mebaral, Quaaludes ƒ Ska Pastora ƒ Mesc ƒ Skag ƒ Meth ƒ Skittles ƒ Microdot ƒ Skunk ƒ Mitsubishi ƒ Smack ƒ Double Stack, often sold asEcstasy ƒ Smoke ƒ MudMushrooms ƒ Snow ƒ Nose Candy ƒ Snowbirds ƒ OCOXY ƒ Special-K ƒ OxyContin ƒ Sugar cubes ƒ Oxycotton ƒ Supergrass ƒ Percocet andVicodin ƒ Tabs ƒ Pineapple ƒ The forget pill ƒ Pot ƒ Triple C ƒ Psilocybin & Psilocyn ƒ Trips ƒ R2 ƒ Tripstasy ƒ Rave Energy ƒ Tussin ƒ Reefer ƒ Tweek ƒ Rhoids ƒ Ultimate ƒ Rib ƒ Xphoria ƒ Ritalin ƒ Vitamin ƒ Roach ƒ KWeed ƒ RoboRock ƒ White Crack ƒ RocketFuel ƒ White Cross ƒ Roll ƒ XXanax and Valium (benzodiazepines), ƒ Roofenol ƒ Nembutal ƒ Roofies ƒ XTC ƒ RopeRophies ƒ Yaba ƒ Ruffies ƒ Shepherdess's Herb PostPost--Test:Test: DrugDrug AbuseAbuse inin AdolescenceAdolescence please complete and turn in to your Program Consultant 1: Name 2 Trends to look for in children who may have a substance abuse issue: ______

2: Why is it important to “Keep Watch”?

3: List 3 warning signs that may give you some clue as to a child using/abusing illegal substances:

1: 2: 3:

4: Name 2 ways you can get a urine sample from your child to test for illegal drugs in their system:

______

5: Name 5 “slang” names for illegal drugs: 1: 2: 3: 4:

5:

Name: ______Date: ______