1. Safe & Drug Free Schools and Communities Cypress-Fairbanks I. S. D.
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.

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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 16

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. Source: National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign
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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse
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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. YOU MAKE THE DIFFERENCE!
You are one of the most influential adults a
student’s life.