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September 14, 2001
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Raising drug-free
kids
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| The
Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse has developed eight key points to
remember in helping raise drug-free kids: • Talk to your children. • Listen to your children. • Set standards of right and wrong. • Remember they learn by example. • Love, support, and praise them so they will have a sense of self-worth. • Keep them busy. • Be involved with, and on top of, their lives. • Educate yourself about drugs. These are wonderful general principles that all parents should keep in mind. But we all know that young people do not always follow the “scripts” we parents have conjured for their future. Young people are individuals, with unique talents and challenges and stresses. Many parents have asked how they can know, in time to be helpful, whether their children are involved with drugs. The Council has gathered some warning signs for parents to look for that could signal involvement with drugs. Remember that other factors might contribute to these symptoms. But it is best to be wary and informed about the possibilities. Signs of possible drug use include: • Drop in academic performance • Lack of interest in grooming • Withdrawal, isolation, depression, fatigue • Aggression, rebellious behavior • Excessive influence by peers • Hostility and lack of cooperativeness • Deteriorating relationships with family • Change of friends • Loss of interest in hobbies and sports • Change in eating or sleeping habits • Evidence of drugs and paraphernalia, such as pipes, rolling papers, medicine bottles, eye drops, butane. Five phone numbers might prove helpful for those looking for help: The Council’s Drop-In Center - 962-6195 Fighting Back’s parent program - 963-1433, ext. 104 Santa Barbara Alcoholics Anonymous - 962-3332 Daniel Bryant Youth and Family Treatment Center adolescent program - 730-7575 Council’s Adolescent program in Santa Maria - 928-0993. |
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