Teens and Alcohol and Other Drug Use AIS/Dhaka Middle School Parent Night

Objectives To develop an awareness of teen use of alcohol and other drugs in the AIS/D community. To present and share ideas and strategies to help your child make intelligent decisions about alcohol and drug use.

Agenda Self Reflection Personal Experience Panel Middle School Health Program/Data Common Language Signs to look out for Developing and sharing strategies Workshop Debrief

Self Reflection When do you first remember being exposed to mind altering substances?

Personal Experience Panel: Purpose Purpose: To hear the stories and experiences related to a particular issue(s). To increase the listener’s understanding of an issue(s). To help us attach personal significance and commitment to a particular issue

Personal Experience Panel: Guidelines Guidelines: Each person is given equal time to talk. The listener does not interpret, paraphrase, analyze, give advice or break in with a personal story. Confidentiality is maintained.

Introducing Personal Experience Panel Julia Koczot- gr. 11 Michino Hisabayashi- gr. 12 Zaraif Hossain- gr. 11 Ishaba Haque- gr. 11

Middle School Health Program/Units Tobacco Alcohol OTC`s Prescription Drugs Illicit Drugs

MS [Gr 7/8] Use, misuse and abuse of drugs. Effects drugs have on our bodies, minds and on society. Alternatives to drug use, treatment programs available for those addicted to drugs. Refusal skills, situations to avoid “wise decision making”

US Public School Data Tobacco use... There is a link between smoking and drug/alcohol use among students Alcohol and other drugs... Alcohol is the #1 drug problem among young people 50% of automobile accidents, violence, suicide, and sexual involvement are the result of alcohol use

Alcohol 78% of U.S. high school students have consumed alcohol (more than just a few sips) by the end of high school 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

Illicit Drugs 53 % of American young people have tried an illicit drug by the time they finish high school. Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse

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

DRUG SITUATION IN BANGLADESH Bangladesh is not a major producer of narcotics, but is a trans-shipment point. Use and addiction rates among the local population have increased. Illegal substances are easily available at a very low cost.

WHAT IS READILY AVAILABLE? low grade heroin (brown sugar) (smoked) Marijuana Hashish phensidyl (codeine-based cough syrup) PCP (angel dust)

Where are drugs sold? Drugs can be bought anywhere at drug houses in Mohammadpur, tea stalls, Banga Bazaar, from rickshaw drivers, restaurant back doors, Nuton Bazaar, Kalachanpur and Badha behind Baridhara. The cough syrup, imported from India, can be bought at most pharmacies.

Common Language- A Continuum of Use Abstinence Experimental Use Social Use Regular Use Problem Use Chemical Dependency

Common Language- A Continuum of Use Abstinence: No use Experimental Use: “I heard about it.” “I want to find out how it feels.” “I want to try it out” Social Use: Strictly for social use with friends. Will drink or use other drugs with friends. Regular Use: Continual access to supply. Ritualized. Routine. Every night at dinner or almost every time hanging out with friends. Problem Use: Begin having problems with school, work, and/or family resulting from use. Problems with competence or with meeting challenges. Chemical Dependency: See next slide

Continuum of Use Chemical Dependency Creates problems for an individual, and he or she continues to use anyway. Afraid to talk about his/her chemical use, is hiding it, or is defensive when others bring up the subject. When a person uses alcohol or other drugs to achieve a feeling of normal well-being. Chemical controls the person rather than the person controlling the chemical. When a person craves alcohol or drugs for no good reason. When a person is in love with a chemical and their primary relationship is with his/her drug of choice.

Signs to look for Mood Swings & Attitude New Friends Bad Performance in school Physical Health “Evidence” Increased Secrecy Little Things - fashion, hairstyle, breath mints, untidy room Overt Signals

Parenting Strategies Set appropriate limits: based on your child’s needs, capabilities, age, and trust. Enforce limits: establish clear, specific limits and follow through with consequences. Continue relationship building: approach your children with a sense of love and trust. Expect the best not the worst. Team parenting: be predictable and work as a team. Modeling: demonstrate healthy and appropriate behaviors at home and in social settings. Communicate/Face it head on: talk openly to your teens about drugs and alcohol. Teach refusal skills.

Resources/Websites

Resources/Books Parenting for Prevention by David J. Wilmes Choices and Consequences: What to Do When a Teenager Uses Alcohol/Drugs by Dick Schaefer Teens Under the Influence: The Truth About Kids, Alcohol, and Other Drugs- How to Recognize the Problem and What to Do About It by Katherine Ketcham Teens Under the Influence: The Truth About Kids, Alcohol, and Other Drugs- How to Recognize the Problem and What to Do About It Marijuana - What's a Parent to Believe? (Informed Parent) by MD Timmen L. Cermak Marijuana - What's a Parent to Believe? (Informed Parent) The Big Deal About Alcohol: What Teens Need to Know About Drinking (Issues in Focus) by Marilyn McClellan The Big Deal About Alcohol: What Teens Need to Know About Drinking (Issues in Focus)Marilyn McClellan

Debrief- Exit Cards I learned… I wish… In the future, I would like to learn about…