How to Recognize and What to
Do About Drugs
Drugs, Alcohol, RX Use Prevention Workshop
Nancy L. Rose, MA, L.C.D.C.
Coordinator
Safe & Drug Free Schools and Communities
Cypress-Fairbanks I. S. D.
SESSION OBJECTIVES
• Understand developmental issues as they relate to
mental health
• Recognize the difference between healthy
behavior and those behaviors which require
intervention with trained specialists
• Identify causes, signs, and symptoms of
drug/alcohol use
• Explore strategies for responding to students who
may be involved in unhealthy or illegal behaviors
• Identify positive steps for helping students
maintain good mental health
What is the reality?
home b ac k n ex t
DEVELOPMENTAL ISSUES
• Coping with physical, emotional, and
intellectual changes
• Searching for own identity
• Critical of parents and authority
• Moody and self-centered
• Unpredictable; interested in new behaviors
• Strongly influenced by peer group and
media
NATIONAL STATISTICS
• Tobacco use. . .
– 4 million teenagers regularly smoke
– 25% of high school seniors smoke
– There is a link between smoking and drug/alcohol
use among students
• Alcohol and other drugs . . .
– Alcohol is America’s #1 drug problem among
young people
– Many students report that their first experience with
drinking took place at age 10
– 50% of automobile accidents, violence, suicide, and
sexual involvement are the result of alcohol use
PREDISPOSING FACTORS
For High-risk Behaviors
• Family history or alcoholism or other addictions
• Family stress or crisis with lack of social support
• Exposure at home to high-risk or unhealthy
behaviors such as drinking, smoking
• Behavior meets with peer approval and acceptance
• Concerns about sexual orientation and social
acceptance
• Poor performance in school or social isolation from
peers
• Intense pressure for performance, academic
achievement, athletic appearance, or other
accomplishments
• Need for stimulation and high-risk behaviors
Signs and Symptoms of
Alcohol or Other Drug Use
Changes in behavior
• Lying, anger, hostility, aggression, extreme
mood swings
• Indifference in appearance, withdrawal and
isolation
• Loss of interest in hobbies and activities
• Sleeping during class
• Deteriorating performance at school or work;
truancy/tardy
• Reluctance to discuss certain topics; changes in
music and friends
• Identification with drug culture, in conversation,
jokes, slogans on tee shirts, notebook graphics
– Physical and mental deterioration
• Short attention span
• Strange conversations, poor coordination
• Slurred speech, bloodshot eyes
• Persistent cough, runny nose
• Combination of hyperactivity and lethargy
• Stealing or constant need for money
• Pattern of rule violations at home and school
• Rumors of your teenager being involved in
partying
Strategies for Responding
to Drugs/Alcohol Use
• If you suspect a student is involved in
drug/alcohol use
– Establish rules and be consistent
– Be knowledgeable about effects of drugs and
school/local laws governing use
– Check for signs and symptoms of use on a
regular basis; follow protocol
– State your concern; follow procedures
established on your campus
– Document behavior
STRATEGIES FOR SUPPORTING
•
Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Have on-going conversations about rules and
expectations
• Set limits and enforce them consistently
• Praise for accomplishments
• Make your home an inviting place for teens
• Listen and acknowledge your child’s feelings
• Model and teach strategies for assertiveness
• Use current events to discuss health risks
• Encourage communication without judging
DID YOU KNOW?
This is the reality!
Supervision
Teenagers are more likely to be
involved with drugs and other
unhealthy behaviors between 3-6
p.m. when adults are not around.
Source: National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign
Meaningful Activities
If a child is involved in
positive after-school activities
with adult supervision, such as
sports, jobs, clubs, after-
school programs, they are 48%
less likely to get into trouble.
Source: National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign
Inhalants
Only tobacco and alcohol are
more popular than inhalants
among drug-using youngsters.
Source: National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign
Ecstasy
Club drugs such as ecstasy can lead
to depression, drug cravings,
paranoia (and in some cases
psychotic episodes), blurred vision
and dangerous increases in heart
rate and blood pressure.
Source: National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign
Prevention Tools
Classrooms with clear rules and
consequences, praising and
rewarding desirable behavior help to
prevent unhealthy behaviors.
Source: National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign
Illicit Drugs
• 53 % of young people have tried an
illicit drug by the time they finish
high school.
• If inhalant-use is included, 32%
have tried an illicit drug as early as
the 8th grade.
Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse
Tobacco
• 27% of 12th graders are current
smokers
• 57% of young people have tried
cigarettes by the 12th grade
• 31% of 8th graders have tried
cigarettes
Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse
Alcohol
• 78% of students have consumed
alcohol (more than just a few sips)
by the end of high school
• 47% have done so by the 8th grade
Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse
Marijuana
• 38% of all U.S. high school seniors
have used marijuana in the last 12
months.
• 89% say marijuana is “fairly easy”
or “very easy” to get.
Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse
YOU MAKE THE DIFFERENCE!
You are one of the most influential
adults a
student’s life.
Thank you for coming!
While we worry about the difficult
choices our students will make and the
tough decisions they face, with love,
support and encouragement they will
be armed with the ability to protect
and cherish their health.
The more information we have the
better guidance and direction
we can give.
