2. Mrs. Vogel Senior Health
Living Drug-Free
Mrs. Vogel
Senior Health

3. Resisting Pressure to Use Drugs
Peer Pressure can be intense during the teen years
When the subject of drug use comes up; you may be told “Everybody’s doing it” THAT’S NOT TRUE
Most teens never experiment with illegal drugs
Almost 62% of high school students never tried marijuana
More than 90% have never tried cocaine

4. Committing to Be Drug-Free
Choose friends who share your attitude about drug use
Avoid places where drugs may be available
Even a teen who has used drugs in the past can choose not to use drugs in the future
Use refusal skills and think of refusal statements in advance:
“No thanks, I don’t do drugs”
“I can’t. I’m on medication”
“I’m not interested. That stuff makes me sick”
“No. I have to be in great shape for tomorrow’s game”

5. Healthy Alternatives Hobbies Sports Community Service Activities
School Organizations
Get involved in school functions

6. Drug Prevention Efforts
Schools and communities are working together to support students in their effort to be drug-free

7. School Efforts
Drug-Free School Zone- areas within 1,000 to 1,500 feet of schools are designated by signs, within which people caught selling drugs receive especially severe penalties.
Penalties are often double what they might be for the same offense committed elsewhere.
Other effort in school
Education classes
Zero-tolerance policies
Expulsion of students using drugs
Locker searchers

8. Community Efforts
Drug Watches- organized community efforts by neighborhood residents to patrol, monitor, report, and otherwise try to stop drug deals and drug abuse.
Anti drug programs in your community can help protect your family and friends from drug abuse

9. Becoming Drug Free
Once someone begins using drugs, addiction can occur rapidly.
Warning Signs of Drug Use
Lies about the drugs he or she is using , constantly talks about drugs
Stops participating in activities that once were an important part of his or her life
Changes eating or sleeping habits, shows rapid weight loss
Takes unnecessary risks, participates in unsafe behaviors
Gets in trouble with authorities such as school administrators or police

10. Becoming Drug Free Warning Signs of drug Use
Seems withdrawn, depressed, tired, and cares less about appearances
Has red-rimmed eyes and runny nose not related to colds or allergies
Has blackouts and forgets what he or she did under the influence
Has difficulty concentrating

11. Becoming Drug-Free
These steps can help guide you in helping a friend or family member under the use of drugs
Identify sources of help in your community
Talk to the person when he or she is sober. Express your affection and concerns and describe the person’s behavior without being judgmental
Listen to the person’s response. Be prepared for anger and denial
Offer to go with your friend or family member to a counselor or support group

12. Getting Help
Rehabilitation- the process of medical and psychological treatment for physiological or psychological dependence on a drug or alcohol.
Drug users often need help from family, friends, and counseling to end their addiction
Drug treatment centers can offer a safe place to withdraw from drug use. Many of these centers provide medications to help with the physical and psychological effects of withdrawal

13. Types of Drug Treatment Centers
Outpatient drug-free treatment
Usually do not include medication and often use individual or group counseling
Short-term treatment
Can include residential therapy, medication therapy, and outpatient therapy
Maintenance Therapy
Intended for heroin addicts, this treatment usually includes medication therapy.
Therapeutic Communities
Residence for drug abusers. Highly structured programs that may last from 6-12 months

14. Getting Help
Drug counselors can help people adjust to a life without drugs. May use behavioral change strategies:
Avoid people who supply the drug or do the drug
Recalling negative consequences of doing the drug
Practicing refusal skills
Filling free time with planned healthy activities
Former drug users may attend support groups.
Gatherings of people who share a common problem
Provide long-term support that the recovering user needs to remain drug-free