9 out of 10 people with a drug/alcohol problem started

using as a teen…

… a child who gets through her/his

teen years without abusing drugs or

alcohol is highly unlikely to develop a problem as an adult

In their world …• Stress from school

• Relationships

Friends

Romantic

• Family pressures & problems

• Transitions & fitting in

• Independence (Cars)

• Availability of drugs and alcohol

• Society promotes quick fixes

Special Vulnerabilities• Family history -- predisposition to drug

or alcohol problems

• Close friends who use drugs or alcohol

• Early first use

• Diagnosed or undiagnosed depression / other mental health disorders

• Problems in school / learning disabilities

video title goes hereDR. KEN WINTERS – TEEN BRAIN

National Drug & Alcohol Scene

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60%

5%

7%

9%

11%

12%

13%

17%

23%

44%

54%

Cocaine/Crack

Ecstasy

LSD

Heroin

Marijuana

Inhalants

Rx Drugs

Cough Medicine

Meth

Alcohol

The Partnership at Drugfree.org, Partnership Attitude Tracking Study, 2009

AlcoholDrug of choice among

teenagersRemains primary

gateway drugKills more young people

than all other drugs combined

Early use (before age 15) leads to increased risk.

Drinking Games.Alcoholic Energy Drinks.

TobaccoNicotine is powerfully addictive.Every day in the US, 6,000 young people try

smoking. More than 3,000 of them will become regular smokers.

Roughly 1/3 of teen smokers will eventually die from a tobacco-related disease.

Up to 90% of people who smoke had their first cigarette before the age of 20.

New ProductsE-Cigarettes.Teabag-like pouchesDissolvable candy-like tabletsHookahs

MarijuanaMost commonly

abused illicit drugPot, grass, weed,

Mary JaneMind-altering drug

made from the cannabis plant

Stronger today than in years past

Is it Medicine?

InhalantsAverage age of abuser is 10

to 12 years oldNot drugs but poisonsOver 1000 common

household chemicals used as inhalants

High derived from lack of oxygen to the brain

Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome

Actually causes braining atrophy

Synthetic THC (K2 / Spice)Developed in 1995 for

researching the effects of cannabinoids

Olive-colored plant material, can be laced with synthetic cannabinoid mimicking compounds.

Sold as an all-natural incense and “Not for human consumption”

Contains up to 800 % more THC than marijuana

Synthetic THC (K2 / Spice)K2SpiceSilver SpiceDiamond SpiceYucatan Fire SpicePEP SpiceFire n’ Ice

K3Heaven ScentSyn

13

Native to southern MexicoSmoked High lasts less than 1 hourSimilar to LSDCurrently legal for adults

to purchaseNo current long term

studies on dangersDoes not show on drug

screens

Contains the similiar properties as cocaine, LSD, Ecstasy, and meth combined

“Ivory Snow”, “ Ivory Wave”, “Bliss”, “White Lighting”, “Red Dove”, and “Vanilla Sky”

Snorted, smoked, injected Linked to multiple suicides No current long term studies

on dangers

Over-The-Counter DrugsOTC cough and cold remedies containing

Dextromethorphan (DXM)Cough-suppressing ingredient found in

more than 125 OTC productsRobitussin, Coricidin HBP, Vicks NyQuil

and Vicks Formula 44 are most commonMisuse of DXM produces a high and mind

altering effects.

Prescription Drugs

What You Can Do• You can help your child avoid the problem

(prevention)• You can help your child address the problem

(how to spot drug/alcohol use & what to do when you find it)

Parental InfluenceParents are the biggest deterrent to your

kids’ use of alcohol and drugs.75% of teens (13-17) cite their parents as

the primary influence in their decisions about whether they drink or not. (Roper Youth Report, 2004)

Kids who learn about drugs from their parents are:36% less likely to smoke marijuana.50% less likely to use inhalants.56% less likely to use cocaine.65% less likely to use LSD. (Office of National Drug

Control Policy)

Learn• Learn the facts about

drug/alcohol

• Be aware of what’s going on in your community

• Remember it is not the same world you grew up in

Communicate – 4 Tips to Help1. Clearly communicate the risks of drug/alcohol use2. Let your kids know you disapprove of any

drug/alcohol use – teens in grades 9-12 who believe their parents will be upset if they try marijuana are 47% less likely to do so

3. Use “teachable moments” to raise drug/alcohol issues.

4. Frequently talk AND LISTEN to your kids about how things are going in their lives

Even if you used in the past, don’t be afraid to talk!

The Partnership at Drugfree.org, Partnership Attitude Tracking Study, 2009

video title goes hereTHE TALK

Help Youth Recognize the TruthA majority of youth

do not use drugs or alcohol

Help them realize the importance of being an individual

Help them understand that very few things are a quick fix, especially how we feel.

Monitor – 6 Tips to Help1. Know who your child is with

2. Know what they’re doing

3. Know where your child will be

4. Know when your child is expected home

5. Know who your teen’s friends are – communicate with their parents

6. Establish and enforce rules – including a clear “no use” policy.

How To Spot Drug/Alcohol Use• Here are 5 changes to watch for…

1. Declining school work and grades

2. Abrupt changes in friends, groups / behavior

3. Sleeping habits/abnormal health issues

4. Deteriorating relationships with family

5. Less openness and honesty

• Be aware of special vulnerabilities

What to Do When You Spot Drug/Alcohol Use

5 ways to take action

1. Focus - You can do this

Don’t panic, but act right away

2. Start talking

Let your child know you are concerned - communicate your disapproval

3. Set limits – set rules and consequences

4. Monitor – Look for evidence, make lists, keep track

5. Get outside/professional help – you don’t have to do this alone

video title goes hereYOU MATTER!

*

TimeToTalk provides easy-to-use guides and tips to help you have ongoing conversations with your

kids to keep them healthy and drug-free

www.timetotalk.org

If you suspect or know your child is using drugs or alcohol, it is

important to take action right away. So don't give up. We're here to help

www.drugfree.org/timetoact

The Partnership at Drugfree.org now offers eBooks to help parents determine whether or not their child is using, what action to take if they are, understand what treatment is, and how to find the right program for

their specific needswww.drugfree.org/gethelp

Two New Resources from The Partnership at Drugfree.org

Your Local Prevention Coalition Needs You!

WE NEED YOUR HELP!!!!!!

Mike Wenger-mwenger@efr.org or 515 471-2395