Tips for Middle School Aged Youth on Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs

<br /><br /><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/AVvXsEhZyYD0KPXxApjZzAD99XzeuASmaLltBWr7rYXSS4RKWHOQ18qSRIq7GqUgfBCMrYScZW_X9YCQBZAocE4ivR18hkkR6bH8GcZe0M9KmDLIX4EV9zZBUqYgtYOc_YN97ZlzdLy_OH5WWvwF/s1600/article-page-main_ehow_images_a07_iv_4o_reasons-drug-testing-middle-schools-800x800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZyYD0KPXxApjZzAD99XzeuASmaLltBWr7rYXSS4RKWHOQ18qSRIq7GqUgfBCMrYScZW_X9YCQBZAocE4ivR18hkkR6bH8GcZe0M9KmDLIX4EV9zZBUqYgtYOc_YN97ZlzdLy_OH5WWvwF/s200/article-page-main_ehow_images_a07_iv_4o_reasons-drug-testing-middle-schools-800x800.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>The year your child enters middle school or junior high school is both an exciting and a challenging time. They are little fish in a big pond and often want desperately to fit in. Because your children may now see older students using alcohol, tobacco and other drugs and may think they are cool and self-assured, your children may be tempted to try drugs too.<br /><br /><div> </div>Drug use goes up dramatically in the first year of middle school or junior high.<br /><br /><div> </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>To help your children make good choices during this critical phase, you should:</strong></div><br /><ul><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> Make sure they are well-versed in the reasons to avoid alcohol, tobacco and drugs;</li><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Get to know their friends by taking them to and from after-school activities, games, the library and movies (while being sensitive to their need to feel independent);</li><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Volunteer for activities where you can observe your child at school; and</li><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Get acquainted with the parents of your children’s friends and learn about their children’s interests and habits. If it seems that your child is attracted to those with bad habits, reiterate why drug use is unacceptable.</li></ul><br /><div> </div><strong>To make sure that your child’s life is structured in such a way that drugs have no place in it, you should:</strong><br /><ul><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">If possible, arrange to have your children looked after and engaged in the after-school hours if you cannot be with them. Encourage them to get involved with reputable youth groups, arts, music, sports, community service and academic clubs.</li><li 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/AVvXsEjmVjFb2g1Kke3PWLJ9aGDCyqsa5_sZdfwf_7WyKEyktczf1L-O1dG1AtAQS0bNb6IrDoYBiX8IRkKvMgW3XFYY9kWLRB8iNCNm4uONTFMkNDsPG2ytjT8qZvoYiWcqp_xz9REVpyCZVWPO/s1600/young-boy-w-pills-having-lunch-at-school.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="113" ida="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmVjFb2g1Kke3PWLJ9aGDCyqsa5_sZdfwf_7WyKEyktczf1L-O1dG1AtAQS0bNb6IrDoYBiX8IRkKvMgW3XFYY9kWLRB8iNCNm4uONTFMkNDsPG2ytjT8qZvoYiWcqp_xz9REVpyCZVWPO/s200/young-boy-w-pills-having-lunch-at-school.jpg" width="200" /></a>Make sure children who are unattended for periods during the day feel your presence. Give them a schedule and set limits on their behavior. Give them household chores to accomplish. Enforce a strict phone-in-to-you policy. Leave notes for them around the house. Provide easy-to-find snacks.</li><li>Get to know the parents of your child’s friends. Exchange phone numbers and addresses. Agree to forbid each others’ children from consuming alcohol, tobacco and other drugs in their homes, and pledge that you will inform each other if one of you becomes aware of a child who violates this pact. </li><li> Call parents whose home is to be used for a party. Make sure they can assure you that no alcoholic beverages or illegal substances will be dispensed. Don’t be afraid to check out the party yourself to see that adult supervision is in place. </li><li>Make it easy for your child to leave a place where substances are being used. Discuss with your child in advance how to contact you or another designated adult in order to get a ride home. If another adult provides the transportation, be available to talk to your child about the situation when he or she arrives home. </li><li>Set curfews and enforce them. Weekend curfews might range from 9 p.m. for a fifth-grader to 12:30 a.m. for a senior in high school. </li><li>Encourage open dialogue with your children about their experiences. Tell your child, “I love you and trust you, but I don’t trust the world around you, and I need to know what’s going on in your life so I can be a good parent to you.”</li></ul>

Tips for Middle School Aged Youth on Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs

The year your child enters middle school or junior high school is both an exciting and a challenging time. They are little fish in a big pon...

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Finaly some good Prevention News

<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/AVvXsEiiuy7B7NwZb0ZpKDWXhKoDsy2CZ_FMY5idINPZ4jWhp1pngdavvM92NABjn7s9c3bPAcD-oyDKsopMkevnC9lV910hQXSv2iyfd3qiR80EJG9M3h5pZo5fVRx48cHPDXuJ4VAL0499ttXj/s1600/crystal-meth-pipe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" nba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiuy7B7NwZb0ZpKDWXhKoDsy2CZ_FMY5idINPZ4jWhp1pngdavvM92NABjn7s9c3bPAcD-oyDKsopMkevnC9lV910hQXSv2iyfd3qiR80EJG9M3h5pZo5fVRx48cHPDXuJ4VAL0499ttXj/s320/crystal-meth-pipe.jpg" width="320" /></a>The National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators (NADDI) – a nonprofit organization that facilitates cooperation between law enforcement, healthcare professionals, state regulatory agencies and pharmaceutical manufacturers in the prevention and investigation of drug diversion – today released the following statement in response to a survey by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) showing the number of past-month methamphetamine users declined from 731,000 in 2006 to 353,000 in 2010:</div><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">"News that the number of methamphetamine users across the nation has declined so substantially demonstrates that the real-time, stop-sale system enacted in 19 states is working. With only two states having put in place prescription-only mandates, it is clear that electronic technology is stopping criminals from obtaining safe and effective medicines containing pseudoephedrine, which in turn is dramatically dropping the number of meth users," said Charles Cichon, executive director of the National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators (NADDI). "As state leaders consider policies that impact the access law-abiding citizens have to popular and reliable medications, they should consider this newly-released data as it validates that a common sense yet effective approach can be implemented to combat meth production and abuse."</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div>About NADDI - The National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators (NADDI) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that facilitates cooperation between law enforcement, healthcare professionals, state regulatory agencies, pharmaceutical manufacturers in the investigation and prevention of prescription drug abuse and diversion. NADDI also sponsors and conducts specialized educational seminars and conferences.<br /><br />SOURCE National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators

Finaly some good Prevention News

The National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators (NADDI) – a nonprofit organization that facilitates cooperation between law enforce...

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Parent Tips: Competing with your child's friends!

How as a parent can you compete with what “cool” friends dictate? Peer pressure can impact many areas of your child’s life, from how to dress, what brand of clothes to wear, or what new electronics are must haves. The potentially harmful peer pressure such as drug, alcohol, gang activity and other criminal activities is something everyone from teen to parent will have to deal with.<br /><br /><br /><div></div>Complications to the experience for parents can occur when they do not understand the depths to which these pressures go.<br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><strong>The use of Cigarettes and Alcohol</strong><br /><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Cigarettes and alcohol will most likely be some of the first areas in which a teenager will face peer pressure. The constant exposure facing teens through media which glamorizes smoking and drinking in movies and television can cause a desensitization of the stigma associated with smoking and drinking. Because of this imagery bombardment many teenagers are shown only the more enjoyable, sometimes fun sides of these habits, rarely are they exposed to the negative sides of alcohol and tobacco. 40% of high school students have tried cigarettes.</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/AVvXsEi2dZkpDKXkYA_i-MEk7JPBdlAbD_W_n65pWyS5-pxg8f5J4kojv6zGcNx_N0rfMrF6Nd7GgRxNQPWnlZpafKUNJOvUVgRtAiSz1w6R7VasaUH5DU_qyRZE9KGxAXYN0B0rdmca9ZyxbStL/s1600/teenager-smoking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2dZkpDKXkYA_i-MEk7JPBdlAbD_W_n65pWyS5-pxg8f5J4kojv6zGcNx_N0rfMrF6Nd7GgRxNQPWnlZpafKUNJOvUVgRtAiSz1w6R7VasaUH5DU_qyRZE9KGxAXYN0B0rdmca9ZyxbStL/s200/teenager-smoking.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div></div>High school years are very competitive and where your teenager stands on the “it” scale with the rest of his/her peers is very important to any teen. To be considered a “loser” is one of their biggest fears.<br /><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/AVvXsEj6VOjAcyvncs9eYeGw0QCoYurAh6AwKJJEtTAC09Rh901iStKaYxSBSRQyx1zpWd6ftNnvisNRBJatUoFt_RbPUjVh0Qi1rU7TTsdhuAlCLOotvrl3bBRtO4wRUTD4JEPhAuyCc6j8d2nn/s1600/teen-drinking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="143" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6VOjAcyvncs9eYeGw0QCoYurAh6AwKJJEtTAC09Rh901iStKaYxSBSRQyx1zpWd6ftNnvisNRBJatUoFt_RbPUjVh0Qi1rU7TTsdhuAlCLOotvrl3bBRtO4wRUTD4JEPhAuyCc6j8d2nn/s200/teen-drinking.jpg" width="200" /></a>To avoid this label, teens sometimes will portray an image of being tough, rebellious, and uncontrolled by their parents, and smoking and drinking are the easiest ways to declare their independence.</div><br /><strong>Sexual Activity</strong><br /><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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0N4RwCDTgxNKfQUK1cxVMyYQ3BAwxlNgHp4C9WOPkiXmQ-bnmqn9t6nkNGhrjLuB5qXEpAUtR3C6qh-_yWR1q3VBXojlH8lcKQMvYITFOcrFWX1c_oXYjhDrjKNJyOhySxMMHS7NNOTzc/s1600/sex_ed5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0N4RwCDTgxNKfQUK1cxVMyYQ3BAwxlNgHp4C9WOPkiXmQ-bnmqn9t6nkNGhrjLuB5qXEpAUtR3C6qh-_yWR1q3VBXojlH8lcKQMvYITFOcrFWX1c_oXYjhDrjKNJyOhySxMMHS7NNOTzc/s200/sex_ed5.jpg" width="200" /></a>Every year the age at which teenagers begin having sex gets younger and younger. A recent report released by the <a href="http://www.suntimes.com/news/7280420-418/survey-has-disturbing-stats-about-suburban-teens.html">Cook County Department of Public Health</a>. Showed just how active sexual activity is in teens, some 37% of teens say they have tried sex. Of that number 61 % were African Americans, 49% were Hispanic and 24% were Caucasians. What is even more shocking is that 7% report that they were physically forced to have sex against their will. Some girls feel pressured into having sex in order to be popular or liked by boys. Boys who are not willing to have casual sex with several girls are considered weak.</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;">Oral sex has become very popular among teens due to their belief that oral sex isn’t serious because there is no risk of pregnancy.</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;">Be open with your teenager about all forms of sexual intercourse. Explain that there are other reasons not to become sexually involved too early. Besides worrying about pregnancy and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases and AIDS, remind your teenager that he/she also needs to consider pride and self-respect.</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>Drugs</strong></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;">A more dangerous and potentially life-threatening pressure teens face is drugs. Teens have recently been bombarded with the issue of Marijuana. The question of Medical Marijuana has created a state of ambiguity amongst teens. If it is safe why can’t they try it? In fact, in the last two years that this debate has occurred over Medical Marijuana it directly coincides with two years of flat reduction in Marijuana use by teens. Marijuana is an inexpensive drug in today’s society, and most teenagers do not consider it harmful. Some believe it does not cause addiction, and teens don’t realize that it is the gateway to other drugs like cocaine, heroin, or methamphetamine. </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/AVvXsEiZnduwIR7Nhh6K16MG9Ihyphenhyphenlc-yGZRMB5_2eRuRE4U1NRAXp0pXTEXIUaZcwEdEX5_Gu4PFmJ_Rn3rylYy2EeIvGM80TJqmf3EoWNvs_6sImE7ckaw01FNM1I8eagqJDH-R9bVGfiOu90UX/s1600/s-TEEN-DRUG-USE-large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZnduwIR7Nhh6K16MG9Ihyphenhyphenlc-yGZRMB5_2eRuRE4U1NRAXp0pXTEXIUaZcwEdEX5_Gu4PFmJ_Rn3rylYy2EeIvGM80TJqmf3EoWNvs_6sImE7ckaw01FNM1I8eagqJDH-R9bVGfiOu90UX/s200/s-TEEN-DRUG-USE-large.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">One of the biggest issues facing teens when . Teens don’t understand that one does not have to be a regular user in order to become addicted, especially when it comes to cocaine.</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;">Parents need to be able to recognize signs of drug use in order to protect their child from becoming addicted to drugs, or to intervene if necessary. The longer a teen is using drugs, the harder it will be to stay sober after treatment.</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;"> Reasons that put your teen at higher risk to give into peer pressure:</div></div><ul><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Low self-importance</li><br /><li>Lack of confidence</li><br /><li>No particular interests or hobbies</li><br /><li>Feeling isolated from family</li><br /><li>Curiosity</li><br /><li>The need to “Fit In”</li><br /><li>Being made fun of or called a “loser”</li><br /></ul><br /><div>  <strong>Combating peer pressure</strong></div><br /><div></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/AVvXsEjBSZMbHXNoUIEBLLidHlHRyrS8gZcmKLveehx9Pzmmetbf76Kf2QUpTyBlbwjRGGcHa1bqghatdumwzk-0CXYigrh7ZFjMRXJUQz8ZqmQk7b5CodKyZ3HDjSjH2VX1hUOpPKVAZW7vHTsn/s1600/imagesCADL1VJ9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBSZMbHXNoUIEBLLidHlHRyrS8gZcmKLveehx9Pzmmetbf76Kf2QUpTyBlbwjRGGcHa1bqghatdumwzk-0CXYigrh7ZFjMRXJUQz8ZqmQk7b5CodKyZ3HDjSjH2VX1hUOpPKVAZW7vHTsn/s200/imagesCADL1VJ9.jpg" width="200" /></a>Teenager’s may need encouragement to get involved in activities where he/she can find friends whose outlook and character are in line with your family's values. Do not be afraid to suggest activities or groups to them. Many teens are hesitant because they are not sure that they will enjoy it, sometimes they need coaxing.</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div></div><br /><div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Together, your teen and his/her friends can give moral support to each other which will make it much easier to resist negative peer pressure. Helping your teen learn to stand up for themselves and saying "no," will give them the courage to do the same thing and help others.</div></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;">  </div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Discuss events, actions and their consequences often. Taking the time to help your teen work through these events will help your child to make the right choices when the situation arises.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div></div><br /><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/AVvXsEhyVtUp7oQ92e9Rn3GphTgd2cE8jSi_ksgkZUZ6hOvgivQR7iu6tyNuOcNLcIzB_ErhZIc7xGLrZBqyMwabZp-u6eet9rLbwl4lo2q0ZEl4lWrCzTTDO1-jiu3uIl_0GF4PoqaIGczOZR_A/s1600/peer_pressure.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="143" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyVtUp7oQ92e9Rn3GphTgd2cE8jSi_ksgkZUZ6hOvgivQR7iu6tyNuOcNLcIzB_ErhZIc7xGLrZBqyMwabZp-u6eet9rLbwl4lo2q0ZEl4lWrCzTTDO1-jiu3uIl_0GF4PoqaIGczOZR_A/s200/peer_pressure.jpg" width="200" /></a>As parents we sometimes do not believe our children value our opinion, but the opposite is true, they do place a high value on it, however, how we apply it is usually where the message gets missed. Your teen is well aware of what you consider acceptable behavior, your value system, and the rules and limits you have set for your teen.</div></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;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">  </div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Telling your teenager not to give into these peer pressures will have little or no effect. Threats and punishment by parents put additional pressure on teenagers. </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;">  </div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>Tug-of-War</strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div></div><br /><div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Teens are faced with a constant tug of ware between parents and peers. This can be a harrowing time for a teen. As a parent try to avoid or ease the stress of this tug of war by conveying to your teen that you understand the pressures he/she is facing. Offer open discussions about situations and incidents - without the threat of punishment or judgment. </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;">Telling your teen you care about them is paramount. You should try to foster a strong relationship based upon trust and respect. It is important that if your teen feels uneasy or unsure about doing something their friends suggest, he/she is probably about to do something that is wrong, maybe illegal and could possibly have a lasting negative effect on their life.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div></div><br /><div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> Helping your teen realize that the desire to fit in and not being called a loser is important and you understand that, but that they need to set a limit to how much influence his or her friends will place on your teens actions and potentially their future.</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div></div>

Parent Tips: Competing with your child's friends!

How as a parent can you compete with what “cool” friends dictate? Peer pressure can impact many areas of your child’s life, from how to dres...

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Teen Presentations for PALS camp in Tippecanoe

<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/AVvXsEiBigW_g4qlpkeM0Tu43oJMMMVdOYFzzYO23KDKNKaiX8LLK0CNr4XEd6ML8zQjGIDJv2pUoeN4inWaNvM-avtTsCVV8ptZqnnf252M4SHUPbickixcbloxXW1XHda-pfOSsloguROQSCLn/s1600/imagesCA86241V.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq659gZqvDMPwg66WsRhWF0h4ICfu_wjk8_hCdwQqWJxrli1WLQKrmIqBaFf9v5aznXFLn6O6ELQHScDeZMJd0oQ0DK-dfhVk1IgNH0QWFLc3y95StbndBfE6t5sQSORjsbZssJtQ5OFn6/s1600/purdue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="66" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We will be in Tippecanoe County in Indiana near Purdue University to present to teens in the PALS Camp. Our topic will be on Addiction, consequences and actions, that face today's teens. Twitter feed on this starting at 8 am tomorrow.</div>

Teen Presentations for PALS camp in Tippecanoe

We will be in Tippecanoe County in Indiana near Purdue University to present to teens in the PALS Camp. Our topic will be on Addiction, cons...

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Inhalant Abuse: Know the facts

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line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}</style> <![endif]--> </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...

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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 . . ...

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Children and Drugs

By Dr. Richard Wilmot<br /><br />Whenever a politician wants to rouse the public to champion a policy all he or she has to do is invoke the name of children: "it's all about the children"; "it's for our children,"   "it's to protect the children." There is a lot of hypocrisy and disingenuousness attached to such an invocation, as poverty and the lack of health care - two of the most manifest endangerment to children - seem to be perennially ignored.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Likewise, if one wishes to provoke intense public scrutiny all one has to do is mention children and drugs in the same sentence. If they are so juxtaposed, then the link between them had better emphasize their contrast and conflict. There is nothing good to say about the use of drugs by children ... except by children themselves and only when adults are not present. Perhaps we should put down the Ritalin and simply listen to them. <br /><br />Of course children know better than to say anything to an adult that could in anyway be construed as favorable towards drugs. Although among themselves, they will reveal their true feelings. It is too dangerous to talk frankly with an adult about drugs. There are sanctions. There is pain and punishment ... hurt feelings. Why bother? And it is just such a conspiracy of silence and self-censorship that places us in the position we are today: awash with drugs and drug problems with only cliches to say out loud about them.<br /><br /><br /><br />We are now engaged in yet another war - a civil war (for the children) against drugs, except it appears that the "enemy" is becoming a little more devious, a little more stealthy, and is hiding in common, ordinary household products and personal grooming aids such as finger nail polish and nail polish remover, spray paint, marking pens, spray on solvents, and whip cream dispensers. These are the products used in inhalant abuse, and although one does not necessarily need to be a child to use them, it is understood that a troublesome percentage of both adolescents and preadolescences do so.<br /><br /><br /><br />Who is this enemy in these products that threaten our children? NIDA director Nora Volkow, MD, identified the enemy in her article "Youth and Inhalant Abuse" - the enemy is the "quick high" (Volkow, 2006). <br /><br />Tell us more about this "quick high" threat to our children. But alas, throughout the remainder of the article, "quick high" is never mentioned again. Perhaps that is because of the profane reputation of the word "high" itself. It is really a "quick (& dirty) high".<br /><br /><br /><br />Be that as it may, now that the "enemy" has been identified, let us bring on the war! What should be our weapons to keep children off inhalants? Aerosol sprays, propellants, and solvents are not good things to inhale; on that we can all agree. However to ban such products because of their possible abuse would be absurd. It is incredulous to consider the makers of glue, shoe polish, paint thinner or gasoline as drug pushers. So the weapon of prohibition seems out of the question. What about propaganda? Perhaps if children knew just how bad it was for both their mental and physical health, they would cease and desist. Yet, as Volkow points out, studies indicate that users report that they "abuse inhalants in spite of known negative consequences." And after a lengthy description of just how negative those negative effects can be, Dr Volkow concludes with this prevention tip: "A solution to this problem ... aims to educate children and others about the dangers and risks involved." In other words: more propaganda about the negative effects of "huffing," "snorting" and "bagging" that children, as Volkow reports, do not listen to anyway (Volkow, 2006).<br /><br /><br /><br />How can we get the children to listen?  Perhaps we should listen to them, and if not through words, at least from a different angle - through their actions (i.e., behaviorally).<br /><br /><br /><br />Dr. Volkow made the comment:  "It is difficult to understand why anyone would stuff a solvent-soaked rag in their mouth, and begin huffing the concentrated vapors." Perhaps the reason has to do with that "quick high" mentioned at the beginning of her article.<br /><br /><br /><br />When Sigmund Freud first proposed "infantile sexuality" his conjecture was considered absurd. Nowadays, childhood erotica is viewed as a normal part of psychological development and genital manipulation is observable behavior in infants. Our knowledge about psychoactive drugs and particularly drug use by children seems to be at a similar parochial stage of understanding as was sex at the turn of the last century.<br /><br /><br /><br />However, just as Freud postulated sex as a universal drive, many experts in the field of drug studies are beginning to recognize that "getting high" is also a universal drive. Ronald Siegel, Andrew Weil, Stuart Walton and others have observed that "getting high" or altering one's consciousness is an evolutionary inevitability having to do with our human biology.  To paraphrase Siegel: "getting high" is as natural as falling in love (Siegel, 1989).<br /><br /><br />Weil also calls our attention to the natural orientation of children to alter their consciousness:<br /><br />The desire to alter consciousness is an innate psychological drive arising out of the neurological structure of the human brain.  Strong evidence for this idea comes from observations of very young children, who regularly use techniques of consciousness alteration on themselves and each other when they think no adults are watching them.<br /><br /><br />These methods include whirling until vertigo and collapse ensue, hyperventilating and fainting.  Such practices appear to be universal, irrespective of culture, and present at ages when social conditioning is unlikely to be an important influence (two and three years old).  Psychiatrists have paid little attention to these activities of all children.<br /><br /><br /><br />Freud noted them and called them 'sexual equivalents' which they may be, although that formulation is not very useful. (Weil, 1972).<br /><br />In his book Out of It (2002), Walton describes the death of a 15-year-old boy at Eton College resulting from a game of recreational asphyxiation, which had been all the rage in Britain's famous public school. In this asphyxiation game, intelligent adolescents from functional homes choked each other into unconsciousness by tying cloth cords around each other's necks and tightening them until one's playmate collapsed. When asked to explain the reason for such behavior one of the participants said: "The attraction was that it was something different. It makes you feel abnormal."<br /><br /><br /><br />Spinning until dizzy or asphyxiating until close to passing out and experiencing the disorientation and hilarity that such an altered state can produce are the same motivational triggers for doing drugs, whether it be inhaling nitrous oxide from an empty whip cream dispenser or smoking marijuana. The need to alter one's consciousness is a perfectly natural drive. When children attempt to "get high" they are doing something natural. They are playing. Adults who use spinning to promote spiritual mysticism (Sufi Dervishes) or enhance their sexual foreplay through erotic asphyxiation are using a child's game to do the same thing: alter their consciousness.<br /><br /><br /><br />If we can view a child's motivation for getting "high" as part of a universal desire to alter consciousness, we will have a better understanding of how to deal with abuse. What the child is doing is natural, but the tools he or she may be employing may be dangerously inappropriate. Approached in this way, we will have a better rapport with the child, and on that basis, be better informed as to what our children are doing.  No longer do we have to threaten the child by saying: "What in the hell are you doing that for or why in the hell are you taking that stuff." Such a prohibitive reaction simply 'shouts' down further communication. We can bypass the inquisition because we will already know. We can then say: " I know how you feel when you do this or take that ... this is natural ... I'm just concerned you might hurt yourself. Here is why."<br /><br /><br /><br />In conclusion, it should be noted that one of main propellants used in aerosols is nitrous oxide, considered the most abused of all other gases. William James, the father of modern American recovery psychology, used nitrous oxide himself in his experiments on human consciousness. He titrated his dose and created for himself a uniquely religious experience that he wrote about in his now classic work The Varieties of the Religious Experience.<br /><br /><br />Do children have such experiences themselves when they ingest such drugs as nitrous oxide? Perhaps it is time that we ask them. Maybe the answer to childhood drug abuse is to begin a dialogue with children on drugs that recognizes the fact that what they are doing is natural (not necessarily pathological or immoral) but also can be dangerous, and that our concern is over the danger and not about the alteration of consciousness itself.

Children and Drugs

By Dr. Richard Wilmot Whenever a politician wants to rouse the public to champion a policy all he or she has to do is invoke the name of chi...

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7 Tips For Parents On Teen drug Use!

<div align="right" 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/AVvXsEibEZATKEU282VnXU_BNVGXb_BsN-1SOhZNTDa8zCLVXBzC-0YAa5RCuoFApVrysKcofFmnq77jZBUJO6ZfVHUam3dU7NkdcPqWQDkClKTAS9iXosHYYe7mLKvdPhKijQoTeIdlgvo6upCn/s1600/teens201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; height: 225px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; width: 200px;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibEZATKEU282VnXU_BNVGXb_BsN-1SOhZNTDa8zCLVXBzC-0YAa5RCuoFApVrysKcofFmnq77jZBUJO6ZfVHUam3dU7NkdcPqWQDkClKTAS9iXosHYYe7mLKvdPhKijQoTeIdlgvo6upCn/s200/teens201.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Having an open caring relationship with an adult role model is a critical piece of preventing drug abuse in children. <br /><br /><div></div>Parents and primary care givers have a critical role in preventing children’s in involvement with drugs and alcohol. It is a virtual dead certainty that your child will come in contact with drugs and alcohol sooner rather than later. How they handle it can be largely determined by parental involvement and preparation. Please do not ignore this problem and hope it will simply go away. Here is why. <br /><br /><br /><strong>Some facts on child drug use. (Office of National Drug Control Policy)</strong> <br /><ul><li>The single leading cause of death among youth is driving under the influence. </li><li>The second leading cause is suicide. Drugs are present 60% of the time. </li><li>The average age of first use of alcohol is 11 years old. ?Of children who use alcohol or drugs before age 15, 40% are later classified with an addiction. No parent wants to see their child involved with drugs. The likelihood of a child associating with drug-using friends is reduced by a close relationship with their parents There are some specific steps you can take to help your child be properly prepared to meet the challenge of drugs and alcohol. Here they are: </li></ul><ol><li> Give clear messages and expectations that using drugs is not OK. Don’t assume your child knows your views, state them and make them clear as a bell. </li><li>Be a good, active listener. Be alert to both spoken and implied messages when you or your child is speaking about drugs. Have discussions not arguments. </li><li>Help with your child deal with peer pressure to use drugs. Review possible scenarios or listen to what has happened. Work out the possibilities both the pros and the cons of the situation as well as expected or potential outcomes. Help to plan appropriate actions and empower your child to act. </li><li>Get familiar with your child’s friends and parents. Meeting your children’s friends will give you a sense of their personalities, what they are “into”,” and their family situations. Don’t be too quick to judge a child’s friends, though. Radical styles and unconventional appearances may be nothing more than a badge of identity. </li><li>Know your child’s whereabouts. Children who had the least amount of monitoring or ‘latchkey’ kids are at greater risk of drug use and at earlier ages. Check up on your child’s whereabouts. </li><li>Supervise activities. Unsupervised parties or activities are an open invitation to drug use. </li><li>Have open, honest and sincere conversations with your child about using drugs and alcohol and the consequences. </li></ol><br /><div>These tips are just the tip of the iceberg on proactive steps you can take as parents in protecting and preparing your child for exposure to drugs and alcohol use. More information and resources are freely available.</div>

7 Tips For Parents On Teen drug Use!

Having an open caring relationship with an adult role model is a critical piece of preventing drug abuse in children. Parents and primary ca...

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What is GATE?

GATE is a school based gang, drug and violence prevention program for grades K through high school. It is one of the fastest growing prevention and intervention programs available to law enforcement, educators and prevention specialists today.<br /><br />It boasts three main curriculum's, GATE Kids K-4, GATE grades 5-8 and RADICAL, which covers high school level. The curriculum's are easy to teach, designed to be age appropriate, with lesson plans cover, anger, diversity, self-esteem, bullying, gangs awareness, dating violence, racial intolerance, team building, civic pride, law, internet safety, dating violence, driving safety and community service.

What is GATE?

GATE is a school based gang, drug and violence prevention program for grades K through high school. It is one of the fastest growing prevent...

Read more »