R X. North Harris County Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition (NHCSAPC) Overview. Harris County. Who are we? Who do we serve? Our vision: Our goals:

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1 (NHCSAPC) Overview Who are we? NHCSAPC is a group of residents and agencies who share a common goal of preventing youth drug and alcohol abuse in communities. Who do we serve? Youth and young adults in the communities of Acres Homes, Greenspoint, Trinity Gardens, East Little York, and Aldine (zip codes: 77088, 77016, 77060, 77039, 77037, 77093). Harris County Our vision: -free youth in! Our goals: Limit access to addictive prescription drugs and prevent prescription drug misuse. R X BEER Reduce the number of Harris County youth and young adults under the age of 21 who are using alcohol. How can you help us? January Get involved with the! Come to monthly coalition meetings on the third Thursday of every month Share important information with your family, friends, and other organizations any ideas for events/activities to Alyssa.Ryan@phs.hctx.net If you see something, say something Visit our website: WWW Follow us on

2 (NHCSAPC) Resource List Education and Resources: Change Happens: Communities in Schools: 1235 North Loop West Suite 300 Houston, TX (713) DePelchin Children s Center: 4950 Memorial Drive Houston, TX (713) Teen and Family Services Greenbay Street Houston, TX (713) Buckner (Aldine) Family Hope Center: 4700 Aldine Mail Route Road Houston, TX (281) Positive Perspective Mentors and Educational Services: (832) Resource Center (Region 6): 303 Jackson Hill Street Houston, TX (713) LinkUp Greater Houston: Treatment and Recovery Resources: Phoenix House: 501 Garden Oaks Boulevard Houston, TX (844) The Council on Recovery: 303 Jackson Hill Street Houston, TX (713) Lifeway International: West Sam Houston Parkway South Suite 110 Houston, TX (877) Cates Academy (Sober High School): 9920 West Sam Houston Parkway South Suite 410 Houston, TX (281) UT Physicians/Psychiatry Outpatient Clinic Center for Neurobehavioral Research on Addictions: Dr. Michael Weaver, MD, DFASAM 1941 East Road, Suite 2100 Houston, TX (713)

3 Prescription Drug R X Prescription drugs are an important and often necessary aspect of medical care. However, some are addictive and dangerous when misused. When is taking a prescription medication considered abuse? Prescription medication should only be used as directed by a licensed physician, and only by the person it was prescribed to. There are varying levels of prescription drug abuse, including: Taking medication prescribed for someone else, even a family member Taking a higher dose of medication than recommended by the prescribing physician Continuing to take medication when it is no longer needed for medical care and without a physician s direction Taking prescription medication in order to get high Taking prescription medication for any reason other than that intended by the prescribing physician What is the Harm? Although some people see prescription drugs as a safe alternative to illegal substances, there are many risks associated with abusing medication. The majority of fatal overdoses involve a prescription drug. Risk of overdose is increased when mixing prescriptions with other medications and alcohol. Prescription drugs, especially opioids, pain relievers, muscle relaxants, and benzodiazepines can be addictive, leading to a lifetime of dependence. Risky drugs include: opioid pain killers like Oxycontin, and benzodiazepines like Xanax and Valium. What can parents do to prevent prescription drug abuse? Educate yourself about prescription drug abuse Talk to your children about prescription drugs, including the risks associated with abusing them Set a good example for your children by making sure that you are properly using prescription medication Store your medication in a secure place Take your unused or outdated prescriptions to a safe medication drop-off location

4 No r ty un Harris Co th Co (NHCSAPC) a liti o n Prescription Drug Disposal Medication disposal boxes are a safe, free way for individuals to dispose of their unwanted, unused, or expired prescription drugs. The following locations conveniently provide prescription drug disposal boxes in : Walgreens 6610 Tidwell Road Houston, TX West Road Houston, TX Medications Accepted: Medications NOT Accepted: Prescriptions drugs Needles and other sharp objects Ointments and creams Inhalers Liquid medication Aerosol cans Lotions Hydrogen peroxide Pet medications Thermometers Prescription patches Illicit substances Over-the-counter medications Vitamins 77016

5 BEER Alcohol As children approach their teen years, they begin to experience many emotional and physical changes, and these changes are not always easy. During this challenging time, some children may experiment with alcohol. For most children, it is not just one thing that influences them to drink, but rather a combination of factors. Factors: Stress: When children worry about things like grades, fitting in, and physical appearance, they may use alcohol as a way to escape their problems. Peer Pressure: The age range between 11 and 18 is an impressionable period when youth are especially susceptible to outside influences such as peers, family members, and the media. Transitions: Life events such as transitioning from middle school to high school, breaking up with a significant other, moving, or divorce can cause children to turn to alcohol. Environment: If children grow up in an environment where their parents or peers drink a lot and/or view drinking favorably, they may be more likely to drink themselves. Genetics: Children who come from a family with a history of alcoholism are at an increased risk for becoming alcoholics. What you can do: Encourage your child to get involved in sports or other extracurricular activities as a healthier way to cope with his or her problems. Help boost your child s confidence by helping him or her learn different ways to say no and reminding him or her that real friends would not pressure him or her to drink. Reassure your child that things will get easier, and make sure he or she knows that drinking is not a solution. If you choose to drink, set a good example by drinking in moderation, and make sure your child knows that underage drinking is not acceptable. If alcoholism runs in your family, have an honest discussion with your child to make sure he or she understands the seriousness of the disease.

6 Warning Signs: Although the following signs may indicate a problem with alcohol or other drugs, some also reflect normal growing pains. Experts believe that a drinking problem is more likely if you notice several of these signs at the same time, if they occur suddenly, or if some of them are extreme in nature. Mood changes: flare-ups of temper, irritability, and defensiveness School problems: poor attendance, low grades, and/or recent disciplinary action Rebellion against family rules Friend changes: switching friends and a reluctance to let you get to know the new friends A nothing matters attitude: sloppy appearance, a lack of involvement in former interests, and general low energy Alcohol presence: finding it in your child s room or backpack or smelling alcohol on his or her breath Physical or mental problems: memory lapses, poor concentration, bloodshot eyes, lack of coordination, or slurred speech Finding Help: Do not play the blame game It is hard for most parents to believe that their child might be caught up in underage alcohol use and in need of professional help. Do not feel bad if you did not see the warning signs until your child was in trouble or until someone told you about the problem. When most parents find out about their child s underage drinking, they feel shocked and stunned and wonder where they went wrong. In getting help for a child who drinks, the first thing to do is to try not to blame yourself or your child. The important thing is to act now to find the best available services to help your child stop using alcohol and begin building an alcohol-free future. Talk with people you know If you are seeking treatment for a child s mental health or substance abuse problem, you can start by talking with people you know such as family members, friends, schoolteachers, counselors, clergy, and your doctor. Your health insurance company can give you a list of mental health and substance abuse providers. If your employer has an employee assistance program, you can get a referral there. Your child s school may suggest a good substance abuse treatment program. If not, the school district is likely to have a substance abuse prevention and counseling program. Contact them for help. Find a local resource The and Mental Health Services Administration s Treatment Facility Locator ( includes a Quick Search feature ( to help you find details about drug and alcohol abuse treatment programs in your area. Information from this page was adapted from SAMHSA and the Talk. They Hear You. campaign. For more information visit