Drugs and Alcohol Use: Parent s Guide to Navigating Prevention of Adolescent Drug and Alcohol Use Loralyn Taylor MS/MPH
Background UpValley Youth Who Used Marijuana Past 30 Days
Background UpValley Youth Who Used Alcohol in Past 30 Days
What does this mean? Parents need to be aware of what current youth substance use looks like Know what questions to ask What to look out for What resources they can access Ideally we prevent the start of substance use instead of treating use once it has already become an issue The earlier a child tries drug the more likely they are to develop substance abuse problems
Alcohol Most commonly abused substance in the US Advertised on TV, in music, billboards, movies- it is everywhere Legal for adults to use- children exposed to use and misuse from adults in their lives Teen get alcohol from older friends and sibilings who will purchase for them and by stealing Usually the first substance teens use
Marijuana Marijuna has changed- high THC, more ways to use, better access Perception of harm is low- (64% report no harm-slight harm using marijuana 2X a week or more) Marijuana can be consumed in many different and inconspicuous ways
Prescription Drugs- opiods, ritilain, anti-anxiety medications Use on the rise- in the US( not in St. Helena) Preception that it is safe due to being prescribed Highly addicitive( pain killers) Often given to treat an injury or illness and then abused when medication no longer needed because makes user feel good or high If your child is given prescription medication monitor their use, discuss side effects like euphoria Lock up your own medications Discuss with pediatrician how to introuduce and with draw pain killers if needed Other Drugs
Signs my Child is Using Kids will be kids and it may be difficult to see the signs of substance use Here are some things to look-out for: Declining school work and grades Abrupt changes in friends Abnormal health issues or sleeping habits Deteriorating relationships with family Less openness and honesty Carrying paraphernalia like rolling paper, pipes, vaporizers What it comes down to is that you know your chold best. If something doesn t feel right, it probably isn t.
Why do Teens Use? Brain Development- The part of the brain that helps reasoning and impulses(prefrontal cortex) is not fully developed until age 25 Teens may partake in more risky, impulsive behaviors, including experimenting with drugs and alcohol with little thought about possible consequences Self medicating/ Escape- Teens may be experiencing depression and or anxiety and using substamces as an escape/ self-medicating Misinformation-Due to media, legalization and social norms many teens do not consider Marijuana use risky. Only 50% of teens in Napa County saw marijuana use as moderately-greatly harmful Peer influence- 78% of teens report they have a close friend who uses marijuana Boredom- Teens want something to do and my not be occupied with other fun, healthy activities Instant Gratification- Drugs feel good. They work quickly and teens see them as a short cut to feeling happy Ease of Access- Alcohol is often the first sunstanc teens are offered. 41 % started using before age 15. (NIDA, 2015,Partnership for Drug-Free Kids,2015, CHKS,2014)
What Can I do to Help my Child? Strengthen the relationship!- create opportunities for children to be involved in the family- praise their effort and contribution Make your relationhip a priority- even scheduling 20 minuets of face to face alone time with each child helps! Stay Positive- Avoid scare tactics, they do not work Practice active listening Ask open ended questions, Repeat back what your child says, Ask their opinon on thought provking life decisions Share your thoughts about substance use with children starting when they are young- Give clear no-use messages until they are of age For alcohol there will be time they can use why not wait?.
What Can I do to Help my Child? Strengthen your teen s goals and skills Youth persuing meaningful goals are less likely to limit their future with early substance use Help your teen identify their dreams and prioritize their goals Actively helo your teen builf study skills, secure academic support for them Teach skills to your child needs for their responisbilities at home and in the community Regulate and monitor teen behavior. Get to know their friends and their parents. Encourage decision-making and autonomy Research shows that parents have the greatest influence on teens decisions about using drugs.
Active Listening Activity- Form pairs One will be parent one child Six senarios Practice asking open ended questions based on your scenarioremember your goal is to be a place of positive support and encouragement for your child
What do I do if my teen is using? If you suspect your teen is using alcohol or other drugs, you may think you need to catch them using, search their room, or control their activities and friends. Actually it is much more helpful to: Explain your concerns and listen to theirs keep the communication channel open Talk with them about the changes you have observed (compare their past and present behavior) Stay focused on the behavior ( you used to call when you were going to be late and I would like you to start doing so again. ) Be honest about how you feel Listen to their perspective and try not to judge them Get help and support for yourself and for your teen
What Can we do to Combat Youth Substance Use in our Community? Learn Parents visit theantidrug.com and sign-up for the Marijuana Talk Kit from Partnership for Drug Free Kids Teens get the facts about marijuana and other drugs at abovetheinfluence.com. Communicate Act Parents talk to your teens and pre-teens often about the harm of using marijuana. Don t be afraid to make your feelings about drugs known to your kids. YOU are the best prevention! Teens if you need help with a substance abuse issue, or if you have a friend who does, talk to a trusted adult or call the national help line at 800-448-3000. Join the UpValley Partnership for Youth and be a part of a group of concerned community members who are working to keep our children safe and healthy! Like us on Facebook Attend important city council meetings regarding marijuana and alcohol in our community
QUESTIONS? Contact: ltaylor@upvalleyfamilycenters.org