Preventing Substance Abuse

The Role of Family One of the most important social aspects impacting an adolescents decision to use alcohol is the family. (Bahr et al., 1995; Guo et al., 2001) There are several modifiable family factors related to later alcohol and substance use. Hawkins et al., 1992; Latendresse et al., 2008; Peterson et al., 1994; Reifman et al., 1998) http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=UTmIAK-Eaxc http://www.samhsa.gov/underagedrinking/subpagea.aspx

Ineffective Approaches “My son/daughter would never get addicted.” “I used alcohol/drugs and I turned out OK.” “In moderation – after all, teens will be teens.” “We’re getting along so well now.” “As long as I see good grades, then why not.” “I can’t stop them, they’ll just do it anyway.”

Effective Approaches Positive Parenting Helps Prevent Drug Abuse Communication Encouragement Negotiation Setting Limits Supervision http://www.drugabuse.gov/family-checkup

Prevention Campaign Start talking to your children early about the dangers. Ever wish you had a script? Use this demo to improve yours. http://www.samhsa.gov/underagedrinking/

Correct the Misperceptions Decreased Likelihood When perceived as being harmful, use will go down Pete’s Couch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODKz4fTXi4s When perceived as not being harmful, use will go up Increased Likelihood

Addiction Potential more factors to consider Parents with FAVORABLE ATTITUDES CONDONING USE of gateway drugs is opening the brain’s pathway for ANY drug. TRANSISITIONS from MS to HS and HS to college. INDIRECT INFLUENCE – By NOT discouraging alcohol/drug use, you’re still saying something.

Number of Adolescents Aged 12 to 17 Admitted to Publicly Funded Substance Abuse Treatment Facilities on a Typical Day

(ER) Visits for Drug Misuse/Abuse on a Typical Day for Patients Aged 12 to 17

I Wish My Parents… Stopped worrying about how my problem makes them look Saw that something was wrong, even when I pretend to be OK LISTENED! Tell me they loved me more often Were not so self-involved Noticed when I started to change for the worse Were not so naïve and ignorant Accepted me Asked me straight up “What’s wrong?” Don’t assume you know Followed through when they promised to get me help

Resources for Parents/Teens Saying NO Workshop | Guiding Good Choices Staying Connected with Your Teen 24-hour Help Line | (206) 722-3700 Washington Recovery Helpline | 1-866-789-1511 Family Checkup (NIDA) – Also check out NIDA for Teens http://www.drugabuse.gov/family-checkup TALK – They Hear You – (SAMHSA) http://www.samhsa.gov/underagedrinking Family Pledge http://www.snoqualmievalleycommunitynetwork.org