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How to recognize teen drug use

As parents, we say that we want to know everything about our children but we are often uncomfortable or choose to ignore certain attitudes and behaviors in hopes of preserving peace in the family. We rationalize to ourselves that it is just a phase our teenagers are going through and will grow out of. By doing this we often overlook the warning signs that identify teen drug use.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>How to Recognize the Signs of Teen Drug Use</strong></span><br /><ol><li>Observe the appearance and personal hygiene of your teen. Consider whether it has changed. Drug abusers often stop caring about their appearance and personal hygiene.</li><li>Monitor school grades of your teen. Drug abusers lose the ability to focus and their grades begin to drop.</li><li>Question unexplained weight loss in your teen. Drug abusers often experience weight loss. Determine if your child has been ill or recently began a new physical activity or diet. If not, weight loss is certainly a cause for concern.</li><li>Discover who your teen is friends with. Drug abusers often change friends because their old friends don't understand or approve of their drug use.</li><li>Examine the spending habits of your teen. Ask yourself if your teen suddenly needs extra money for lunch, school activities and such. Drug abusers can never get enough and need more and more money to support their habit.</li><li>Scrutinize any sneaky, deceptive behavior of your teen, like lying about where she is going and who she is with. Drug abusers know that drug use in unacceptable, especially to parents so they try to hide any and all evidence.</li></ol><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Tips & Warnings:</span></strong><br /><ul><li>If any of these warning signs seem to apply to your teen it is time for you, as a parent, to take a closer look.</li><li>If several of these warning signs apply to your teen, intervention is necessary immediately.</li><li>Teen drug use often begins months, or even years, before parents actually become aware of it.</li><li>The consequences of teen drug use can be devastating, possibly even fatal.</li></ul>

How to recognize teen drug use

As parents, we say that we want to know everything about our children but we are often uncomfortable or choose to ignore certain attitudes a...

6:30 AM

Sleep, Lack of equals risk to your teen!

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgju-aPWD5G_JTjY3vS5_TVxZni50y87KcesPYv9rnNjmHn0HhIa44LCcZTZSWz1YBncygH-RF18pCqOj7mibnnKqRVlxM6zm7xKE6jc0BVcsp0Jj8WJy8n5YgQLBzw2v3sZZnM5A7aLz91/s1600/teensleep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgju-aPWD5G_JTjY3vS5_TVxZni50y87KcesPYv9rnNjmHn0HhIa44LCcZTZSWz1YBncygH-RF18pCqOj7mibnnKqRVlxM6zm7xKE6jc0BVcsp0Jj8WJy8n5YgQLBzw2v3sZZnM5A7aLz91/s200/teensleep.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>A <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2011/a0926_insufficient_sleep.html?s_cid=2011_a0926_insufficient_sleep.html">study </a>conducted by the Centers for Disease Control reported that two-thirds of adolescent students reported not getting enough sleep on school nights, which may possibly contribute to a number of risky health behaviors.<br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>The study was based on the information recorded in the <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/HealthyYouth/yrbs/index.htm">2007 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS),</a> just under 70% of students surveyed said they got less than eight hours of sleep nightly. The study researchers believe that the lack of sleep was associated with an increased risk of a number of unhealthy behaviors including drug and alcohol use, physical inactivity, and suicidal thoughts. This was revealed in the report released in the authors wrote in Preventive Medicine.</div><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6_my-yi2iDqzIozhPyJTal7KGqCaqONoTc4pQ31AcHOPx2IyF0iIBkEWFtIRtED9MwkAGh-2JuGuYt7mboeXpZJEqtsfwhEZfkPX2Vlk_sKvxbEab-Aqhtw1cervhZ_nF_lMTWKS0cxOi/s1600/A0023-Teens-and-Risky-behavior_leader.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" oda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6_my-yi2iDqzIozhPyJTal7KGqCaqONoTc4pQ31AcHOPx2IyF0iIBkEWFtIRtED9MwkAGh-2JuGuYt7mboeXpZJEqtsfwhEZfkPX2Vlk_sKvxbEab-Aqhtw1cervhZ_nF_lMTWKS0cxOi/s200/A0023-Teens-and-Risky-behavior_leader.jpg" width="200" /></a> </div>The cross-sectional survey included responses from 12,154 high school-age (grades 9 to 12) adolescents attending public or private high school from the 50 states and District of Columbia on health risk behavior and hours of sleep nightly.<br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>Of students who responded, 68.9% get less than the recommended eight hours of sleep a night.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Compared with students who slept eight or more hours a night, those who were sleep deprived were at higher odds for: </div><br /><ul><li>Current use of cigarettes (age-adjusted odds ratio 1.67, 95% confidence interval 1.45 to 1.93)</li><li>Current use of marijuana (AOR 1.52, 95% CI 1.31 to 1.76)</li><li>Current use of alcohol (AOR 1.64, 95% CI 1.46 to 1.84)</li><li>Current sexual activity (AOR 1.41, 95% CI 1.25 to 1.59)</li><li>Serious suicidal ideation (AOR 1.86, 95% CI 1.60 to 2.16)</li><li>Sad or hopeless feelings (AOR 1.62, 95% CI 1.43 to 1.84)</li><li>Getting in one or more physical fights in a year (AOR 1.40, 95% CI 1.24 to 1.60)</li><li>Less than one hour of physical activity daily for five or more days a week (AOR 1.16, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.29)</li><li>Use of computer for non-school activities for three or more hours a day (AOR 1.58, 95% CI 1.38 to 1.80)</li><li>Drinking soft drinks one or more times a day (AOR 1.14, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.28)</li></ul><br /><div>McKnight-Eily and colleagues attributed the higher likelihood of risky behaviors in the sleep-deprived adolescents to a lowered ability to comprehend consequences of their actions or higher susceptibility to peer pressures.</div><br /><div></div>The authors also noted that the combination of lack of sleep and substance use can be detrimental to concentration, alertness, vigilance, and coordination, which may lend itself to further risky behavior. Parental control, or lack thereof, and psychiatric problems are also associated with heightened risk, the researchers wrote.<br /><br /><div></div>The 2007 survey had an 81% school response rate, 84% student response rate, and a 68% overall response rate. Of the total responding student population, 13% failed to submit a response to the hours-of-sleep-nightly question.<br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>The authors noted that the study was limited by the cross-sectional design and that the results represented students who attend private or public school only</div><div></div><div><br />source: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0091743511002878 <br /><br /><br /><br /></div>

Sleep, Lack of equals risk to your teen!

A study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control reported that two-thirds of adolescent students reported not getting enough sleep on sc...

8:30 AM

Drug Related Suicides - Up for Men!

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAjwWBm0uT8-xCisBaqbwZFZC8FFXVhwU9zTUyA-BoCZXqbWi92BSnK-adYe-w94t0cq2Wi-SRRlQRL6AoYYbuA62i-hRm9eP7tdoGlWRrOyNg55CNJXxcqD_RT99IQcTws5qf51NaBCod/s1600/teen+drug+addict.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" /></a></div>A recent study was released that showed a 55% increase in emergency room visits for drug-related suicide attempts for men aged 21-34 from 2005-2009.  The study was conducted by the Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA).  <br /><br /><div></div>The study found that in 2005 there were 19,024 ER visits for drug-related suicide attempts among men 21 to 34. The number jumped to 29,407 visits in 2009. <br /><br />Antidepressants increased over 155% among men aged 21 to 34, while suicide attempts involving anti-anxiety and insomnia medications increased by 93.4%.  In addition ER visits for suicide attempts among males 35 to 49 that involved narcotic pain relievers nearly doubled from 2005 to 2009 and these numbers almost tripled among men aged 50 and older.<br /><br />In the last several years there have been several high-profile deaths in the media where the cause of death or injury is an accidental overdose, suicide attempt, or suicide, which at times may blur the lines between the two.<br /><br />The growing problem of prescription drug abuse of painkillers, anti-depressants, anti-anxiety drugs and sleep aids. Because of the pervasiveness of the abuse the need for due diligence is imperative. According to Dr. Peter J. Delaney, the Director from SAMSHA who oversaw the study said that, "These drugs are effective, important treatments for pain, insomnia, and or depression, so we don't want to throw the baby out with bath water." Delaney said, "But we need to restrict access to prescription drugs, and keep them in safe, restricted places in homes." The latter helps prevent the medications from falling into the wrong hands. <br /><br />Suicide warning signs in teens or adults who may be considering suicide: <br /><ul><li>change in eating and sleeping habits </li><li>withdrawal from friends, family, and regular activities </li><li>violent or rebellious behavior, running away </li><li>drug and alcohol use </li><li>unusual neglect of personal appearance </li><li>persistent boredom, difficulty concentrating, or a decline in the quality of schoolwork </li><li>frequent complaints about physical symptoms, often related to emotions, such as stomachaches, headaches, fatigue, etc. </li><li>not tolerating praise or rewards </li></ul><br /><div> Be alert to suicide warning signs such as those detailed above. If you see these signs, try to get the person help and if you believe them to be a danger to themselves, call 9-1-1. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 800-273-TALK.</div>

Drug Related Suicides - Up for Men!

A recent study was released that showed a 55% increase in emergency room visits for drug-related suicide attempts for men aged 21-34 from 20...

9:31 AM

Underage Binge Drinking Tips for Parents

<m:smallfrac m:val="off">    <m:dispdef>    <m:lmargin m:val="0">    <m:rmargin m:val="0">    <m:defjc m:val="centerGroup">    <m:wrapindent m:val="1440">    <m:intlim m:val="subSup">    <m:narylim m:val="undOvr">   </m:narylim></m:intlim> </m:wrapindent>  </m:defjc></m:rmargin></m:lmargin></m:dispdef></m:smallfrac><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">A report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that 45 percent of teenagers drink alcohol, and of those who drink, 64 percent admit to binge drinking.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">What the CDC report found was that <span> </span>consuming five or more drinks in a row a dangerous practice itself, the CDC found that teen binge drinking is strongly associated with other risky behaviors, such as sexual activity and violence.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">Parents Do Have Influence</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">As a result of the CDC report, New York University Child Study Center developed and released five tips for parents to use to curb teen binge drinking by augmenting the influence they have over their children's decision-making.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Dr. Richard Gallagher, Ph.D. and Director of the Parenting Institute and the Thriving Teens Project at the NYU Child Study Center, states that "Contrary to popular belief, parents remain the greatest influence over their children's behavior," Dr. Gallagher also stated that "Though media and peers play a role, parental influence is critical and there are ways parents can maximize that influence to reduce the likelihood that their children will engage in binge drinking."</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 13.5pt;">Tips for Parents</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Dr. Gallagher suggests these five tips to help parents curb teen binge drinking:</span></div><ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Clearly state what actions you expect your teen to take</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> when confronted with substance use. Teens who know      what their parents expect from them are much less likely to use      substances, including alcohol.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Talk about the alcohol use that your children observe</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">. Parents need to make it clear how they want their      children to handle substances, such as alcohol and tobacco. Children need      to have controlled exposure to learn the rules of acceptable use.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Help your teen find leisure activities</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> and places for leisure activities that are      substance-free. Then, keep track of where, with whom, and what your teen      is doing after school and during other free times.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Limit the access your children have to substances</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">. Teens use substances that are available. They report      that they sneak alcohol from home stocks, take cigarettes from relatives,      and obtain marijuana from people that they know well.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Inform teens about the honest dangers</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> that are associated with alcohol use and abuse.      Although teens are not highly influenced by such information, some      discussion of negative consequences has some impact on the decisions they      make. Especially emphasize how alcohol clouds one's judgment and makes one      more likely to be harmed in other ways.</span></li></ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">According to the CDC, binge drinking is associated with unintentional injuries (such as car crashes, falls and burns), intentional injuries (firearm injuries and sexual assault), alcohol poisoning, sexually transmitted diseases and unintended pregnancy, among other health problems.</span></div>

Underage Binge Drinking Tips for Parents

A report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that 45 percent of teenagers dr...

8:00 AM

Inhalant Abuse: Know the facts

<m:smallfrac m:val="off">    <m:dispdef>    <m:lmargin m:val="0">    <m:rmargin m:val="0">    <m:defjc m:val="centerGroup">    <m:wrapindent m:val="1440">    <m:intlim m:val="subSup">    <m:narylim m:val="undOvr">   </m:narylim></m:intlim> </m:wrapindent>  </m:defjc></m:rmargin></m:lmargin></m:dispdef></m:smallfrac><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt;"></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Some products that you have lying around the house, stored in the closet, or in school classrooms could potentially . . . </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Some products that you have lying around the house, stored in the closet, or in school classrooms could potentially be used in ways that they are not intended and have deadly consequences. Products like glue, paint, lighter fluid, deodorants, and permanent markers are not legally classified as drugs, however, they can be used as deadly chemicals and poisons.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Inhalant abuse can kill</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">According to the a National Institute on Drug Abuse report, nearly 23 million Americans have abused inhalants at least once in their life, and 17% of eighth-graders report abusing inhalants. There's no fooling around when it comes to inhalants. A first-time user can suffer severe brain damage, respiratory problems, or even death. In the short term, inhalant abuse can make you sick, forgetful, and unable to see clearly. Long-term consequences include permanent brain damage, hearing loss, liver and kidney damage, increased heart rate, and arm or leg spasms. There is a potential for "Sudden Sniffing Death" for those who use inhalants, even first-time users.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">How can I tell if someone I know is abusing inhalants?</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Signs of inhalant abuse include:</span></div><ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">unusual breath odor or chemical      odor on clothing</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">slurred or slowed speech</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">paint or other products on face      or fingers</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">red or runny eyes or nose</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">nausea and/or loss of appetite</span></li></ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">What can I do to prevent inhalant abuse?</span></b></div><ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Education is your best weapon.      By knowing the facts and being aware of the dangers you can educate others      and hopefully deter teens from trying different inhalants.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Get together a group of      concerned community members (teens, church leaders, law enforcement, store      owners, school administrators, teachers, parents, etc.) to address the      issue. Coordinate education efforts so that you can reach as many youth as      possible. </span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Remember that inhalants can be      abused by young children -- it is not a problem only affecting teens. Be      sure to provide information and education to all age groups.</span></li></ul>

Inhalant Abuse: Know the facts

Some products that you have lying around the house, stored in the closet, or in school classrooms coul...

9:00 AM

Girls and Drug Abuse

<m:smallfrac m:val="off">    <m:dispdef>    <m:lmargin m:val="0">    <m:rmargin m:val="0">    <m:defjc m:val="centerGroup">    <m:wrapindent m:val="1440">    <m:intlim m:val="subSup">    <m:narylim m:val="undOvr">   </m:narylim></m:intlim> </m:wrapindent>  </m:defjc></m:rmargin></m:lmargin></m:dispdef></m:smallfrac><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Your daughter may only be eight or nine, but she needs to know about drugs, alcohol, and tobacco and . . . </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Your daughter may only be eight or nine, but she needs to know about drugs, alcohol, and tobacco and what to do if she is offered them. You may think that your daughter is too young to experiment with these substances, and you're probably right. However, she'll most likely come into contact with them before you expect her to.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Young girls are drinking earlier and more than they have in the past. Recent studies show that young girls are drinking and using tobacco and drugs at a higher rate than boys their age, although all underage use is decreasing.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The best and most trusted source of information for young girls is their parents and other caring adults involved in their lives. When adults start talking to children early about the dangers of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco and how to say no, they are more likely to be heard and to be listened to.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">What You Can Do:</span></b></div><ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Start early. Talk about the dangers of drugs, alcohol,      and tobacco early and often.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Set an example. Don't abuse substances or let anyone      else do so in front of your daughter.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Help build your daughter's self-confidence. Praise her      strengths and accomplishments and be careful with your criticisms.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Teach her healthy ways to manage stress, such as      exercising or talking about problems with you or with a friend.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Be aware that the media often glamorizes alcohol, drug,      and tobacco use in movies, programs, and songs geared to teenagers and      young children. If you see any examples of this, talk to your daughter and      explain the consequences of that behavior.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">When talking about drugs, alcohol, and tobacco with      children, focus on the immediate consequences. Most children aren't      concerned with the possibility of lung cancer in the future but will worry      about having yellow teeth, stinky clothes, and not being able to run as      fast or as far. Explain that alcohol can cause you to get sick, act dumb      in front of friends, and gain weight.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Teach her your values. The more she knows how you feel      about drugs and alcohol, the more likely she will be to listen to your      advice.</span></li></ul>

Girls and Drug Abuse

Your daughter may only be eight or nine, but she needs to know about drugs, alcohol, and tobacco and . . ...

7:46 AM

Tips for Parents: Preventing Your Teen from Joining a Gang.

<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Parents are the most powerful influence in preventing gang membership, drug use and other risky behaviors in their teens. By <a href="http://www.theantidrug.com/advice/advice_more_involved.asp"><span style="color: blue;">being involved</span></a> in your teen’s life and staying alert to <a href="http://www.theantidrug.com/ei/signs_symptoms.asp"><span style="color: blue;">signs and symptoms</span></a> of risky behavior you can help your teen seek out positive relationships and stay away from gangs and drugs.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Specific ways to help are:</span></b></div><ul type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Talk to your teen about high risk behavior like involvement with gangs and drugs.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Let your child know that you don’t want to see him or her hurt or arrested. Explain to your child that he or she should NOT: </span></li><ul type="circle"><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Use illicit drugs under any circumstances, and to do so will result in serious consequences.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Associate with gang members.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Attend parties or social events sponsored by gangs.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Use hand signs, symbols or language that is meaningful to gangs.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Intentionally wear clothing, including specific colors, which may have meaning to gangs in your area.</span></li></ul><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Monitor your teen.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><br />Know who your teen’s friends are and make a point to meet their parents. Know where your teen is and what he/she is doing during unsupervised time. <span style="color: black;">Set clear rules </span>about what teens’ are allowed to do, where they are allowed to go and who they are allowed to go with. If your teen has a cell phone, have him/her check in periodically with you.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Identify risk factors for delinquent behavior, violence and gang involvement for your teen.  </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The following risk factors have been found to predict delinquent behavior like violence and gang membership. The more risk factors in a youth’s background the more likely he/she is to engage in these types of behaviors. However, getting teens involved in after school activities, such as sports and volunteer opportunities, is an excellent way to reduce the likelihood of them falling into negative behaviors. </span></li><ul type="circle"><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Individual factors: early delinquency (especially violence, very early marijuana use and other drug use), as well as early dating and sexual activity.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Family factors: other gang-involved family members, non-two-parent family structure and poverty. </span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">School factors: low achievement, commitment and aspirations; absenteeism; negative labeling by teachers; and lack of a sense of safety in school.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Peer factors: associations with delinquent or aggressive peers.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Community factors: poverty, drug availability, lack of structured activities, gang presence, lack of a sense of safety and attachment.</span></li></ul><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Recognize warning signs indicating your teen may already be involved with a gang.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><br />Parents should familiarize themselves with local gang symbols and look for multiple signs to indicate possible gang involvement because some of these indicators alone, such as clothes or musical preferences, are also common among youth not involved in gangs. </span></li><ul type="circle"><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Has unexplained cash or goods, such as clothing or jewelry.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Carries a weapon.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Has been in trouble with the police.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Exhibits negative changes in behavior such as: withdrawing from family; declining school attendance, performance or behavior; staying out late without reason; displaying an unusual desire for secrecy; exhibiting signs of drug use; breaking rules consistently; and speaking in gang-style slang, especially when certain letters of words are substituted (like "flue" for blue, in Blood slang).</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">They “hang out” with kids who are obviously in gangs.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Shows an unusual interest in one or two particular colors of clothing or a particular logo.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Has an unusual interest in gangster-influenced music, videos, movies or Web sites.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Uses unusual hand signals to communicate with friends.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Has specific drawings or gang symbols on school books, clothes, walls or tattoos.</span></li><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Comes home with unexplained physical injuries (fighting-related bruises, injuries to hand/knuckles).<sup>3</sup></span></li></ul><li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">If you suspect that your teen is involved with a gang - ACT QUICKLY.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><br />As with drug use, parents are encouraged to seek help early. Many of the same strategies for intervening with drug use apply. For additional assistance, parents can also consider contacting school personnel, local law enforcement, faith leaders and community organizations.</span></li></ul>

Tips for Parents: Preventing Your Teen from Joining a Gang.

Parents are the most powerful influence in preventing gang membership, drug use and other risky behaviors in their teens. By being involved ...

8:00 AM

Mentoring: It's Power in You!

Mentoring has always played an important role in prevention. But a recent study has shown that mentors, particularly those who teens consider “natural” mentors are extremely influential in impacting positive risk taking and good decision making skills.<br /><div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAAlDVObJxpWtqFUkdnxp6WmoPousHvRfsxA4UVQh-vLA9GihIN0SnbbO6cfHDWPBoCkSNqpAqWtxJeWrCyxu7HzHF2d_u9x7J7A5af_xIvK5Caftyq3iZ9HwEXzWB4uHtfxXjIhX3Cfr4/s1600/mentor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAAlDVObJxpWtqFUkdnxp6WmoPousHvRfsxA4UVQh-vLA9GihIN0SnbbO6cfHDWPBoCkSNqpAqWtxJeWrCyxu7HzHF2d_u9x7J7A5af_xIvK5Caftyq3iZ9HwEXzWB4uHtfxXjIhX3Cfr4/s320/mentor.jpg" width="320" /></a>Mentoring fosters a strong sense of self . But what mentoring also fosters is “challenge” in teens. Teens who are mentored tend to challenge themselves more frequently.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">“Natural” Mentors include family members, parents, aunts, uncles etc, other adults, such as teachers, guidance counselors, coaches, neighbors and clergy. </div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Mentoring is important in that it fosters the formation of identity, independence and peer relationships. Teens with a high sense of self are more likely to avoid alcohol and drug use. When compared with teens who do not have a high sense of self are more likely to try drugs and alcohol and cite boredom and depression as reasons to have sex. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> In addition the depths of mentoring that a youth receives relates directly to decision making. These teens are less likely to drive a car under the influence of alcohol.</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div>  </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong><u>What do teens look for in mentors?</u></strong></div><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">They rank family members, friends, teachers, counselors and coaches among the most influential people. They look for characteristics such as trustworthiness, caring, understanding, respect, helpfulness, dependability, fun, compassion, and responsibility. In addition being a good listener and offering good advice were also seen as key skills of a successful mentors. </div><div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>How to facilitate mentoring.</strong></div><br /><ul><li>Parents play the most influential mentoring role in the lives of their children, it is also clear that peers and other adults play a role as well.</li><li>Stay involved.</li><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Encourage teens to communicate with and seek advice from adults in their lives.</li><li>Get to know your teen’s other mentors.</li></ul><br /><div></div>

Mentoring: It's Power in You!

Mentoring has always played an important role in prevention. But a recent study has shown that mentors, particularly those who teens conside...

10:00 AM

Disadvantaged neighborhood does not equal disadvantaged kids!

A recent study by the University of Colorado at Boulder revealed that children growing up in bad neighborhoods are doing better than expected.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYpYZdKmvcMp9dmRtDcUfGNg3pB8B7SzZ253CZfVr6xDObLUXFKe15sSb1g3V7-Vilh0dLJORgXdtfkpncnAXYoIvpWrmzum8xtDwLwT4tspAFIA7wTJJ6Mqzy725TfCNHVEVZJlDdKEk8/s1600/disadvantage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYpYZdKmvcMp9dmRtDcUfGNg3pB8B7SzZ253CZfVr6xDObLUXFKe15sSb1g3V7-Vilh0dLJORgXdtfkpncnAXYoIvpWrmzum8xtDwLwT4tspAFIA7wTJJ6Mqzy725TfCNHVEVZJlDdKEk8/s320/disadvantage.jpg" width="212" /></a>Professor Delbert Elliot conducted the study over an 8 year period in different neighborhoods of Denver and Chicago. The research showed that the rate of successful development for children in the best neighborhoods was 63 percent while the rate for children living in high poverty, disadvantaged neighborhoods was 52 percent.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The study was part of a four part integrated study of the MacArthur Foundations Network on Successful Adolescent Development. </div><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The study examined the combined effects of neighborhood, family, school and peer group. The study revealed that success in any of these areas buffered the kids from the negative effects of living in a bad neighborhood. The results would suggest that conditions in all four contexts would not all have to improve at once in order to make a difference in children’s lives.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><br /><br />For positive development, the family and the school are the two most critical contexts. But for issues of delinquent behavior, drug use and early sexual activity, the peer group is critical.<br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><br /><br />The family influence begins to falter around age 15 when the school and peer group gain importance. But because society has better early intervention techniques for parents, they can in turn pass this on to their children, especially in disadvantaged neighborhoods.<br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><br /><br />A key finding in the study was that parents in disadvantaged neighborhoods are doing a much better job of parenting. The quality of parenting was not linked to the type of neighborhood a family lived in.<br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Source: www.colorado.edu</div>

Disadvantaged neighborhood does not equal disadvantaged kids!

A recent study by the University of Colorado at Boulder revealed that children growing up in bad neighborhoods are doing better than expecte...

7:00 AM

Resilency: What Every Parent Should Teach A Child!

<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqch-lyozRvOixI37ho5rmSfcv2p9LzvzCZulqoNG4Gni9oWt8ttyxGUs5k7xSsliOf2SXvnCOE7VLWH_wjzVK6OcxDdnJe0wODbSafkAVjafMkKjzZ7QtZCbfEjyLCJQQWWFUy_vP4D48/s1600/resilience.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqch-lyozRvOixI37ho5rmSfcv2p9LzvzCZulqoNG4Gni9oWt8ttyxGUs5k7xSsliOf2SXvnCOE7VLWH_wjzVK6OcxDdnJe0wODbSafkAVjafMkKjzZ7QtZCbfEjyLCJQQWWFUy_vP4D48/s320/resilience.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Dr. Kristy Hager a child psychologist at Children’s Medical Center Dallas says it is important to nurture a child’s resiliency so the stress, pressure and adversity he or she experiences during childhood does not have a negative impact later in life. <rect fillcolor="white [7]" filled="f" id="_x0000_s1027" insetpen="t" o:cliptowrap="t" o:preferrelative="t" strokecolor="black [0]" stroked="f" style="height: 85.5pt; left: 643.5pt; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 2.88pt; mso-wrap-distance-left: 2.88pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 2.88pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 2.88pt; position: absolute; top: 528.75pt; width: 76.7pt; z-index: 1;"><fill color2="black [0]"></fill><stroke color2="white [7]"><left color2="white [7]" color="black [0]" insetpen="t" joinstyle="miter" v:ext="view"></left><top color2="white [7]" color="black [0]" insetpen="t" joinstyle="miter" v:ext="view"></top><right color2="white [7]" color="black [0]" insetpen="t" joinstyle="miter" v:ext="view"></right><bottom color2="white [7]" color="black [0]" insetpen="t" joinstyle="miter" v:ext="view"></bottom><column color2="white [7]" color="black [0]" v:ext="view"></column></stroke><imagedata o:title="family-crop" src="file:///C:\Users\Bob\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image001.jpg"></imagedata><shadow color="#ccc [4]"></shadow><path o:extrusionok="f"></path><lock aspectratio="t" v:ext="edit"></lock></rect></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div>“Resilient children posses a view of the world that enables them to meet challenges and pressures. Resilience conveys a sense of optimism, ownership and personal control,” she explains in her book Seven Steps to Improve Your Child’s Social Skills, “Resilient children can translate this view into effective action. “<br /><br />Too often a news story details an adult with a troubled childhood that influenced his/her actions decades later. According to Dr. Hagar resilience is not acquired from a pill or a class, but rather is taught and nurtured by parents. <br /><br />“Parents who possess an understanding of important principles, ideas and actions contribute to the formation of a resilient mindset in their children.”<br /><br />Dr. Hager offers the following tips for nurturing resiliency in kids.<br /><ul><li>Make your child feel special and appreciated.</li><li>Love unconditionally.</li><li>Celebrate your child's skills and competences.</li><li>Teach your child how to learn from mistakes.</li><li>Cultivate your child’s sense of responsibility, compassion and social conscience.<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=gateamerica&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1600374840&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></li></ul>

Resilency: What Every Parent Should Teach A Child!

Dr. Kristy Hager a child psychologist at Children’s Medical Center Dallas says it is important to nurture a child’s resiliency so the stress...