Substance Abuse Prevention

Drug addiction has become an ever greater menace to our communities, and while treatment can be effective, we aim to prevent drug abuse before it starts. We all hear stories of alcohol abuse in schools, kids finding prescription medication in the family medicine cabinets, and others experimenting just to see what it’s like. While it’s unreasonable to think that we can prevent every person from taking their first dip into addictive substances, we do believe that through education and effort, we can successfully work to keep people away from the substances that have become such a cancer in modern society. Each and every life we impact is important, and one by one we will work to reverse the trend of substance abuse.

Creating an Environment to Fight Substance Abuse:

In The Home

As parents we are on the front line in the battle against drugs and alcohol. This gives parents the most important responsibility of talking openly with their families about drug and alcohol abuse, and the effects it has on their bodies, their minds and those around them. Many parents grow weary, frustrated, thinking that kids aren’t listening. But the truth is, they do. They hear what you say. Open, honest discussion serves two purposes in this instance. First, it educates the ones around you, giving them the knowledge to stay away from addictive substances. Second, it creates a level of respect that will help you communicate more effectively should the day ever come when you are staring substance abuse in the face. So spend time with your family, have open and honest discussions often, set ground rules for drugs and alcohol, and lead by example.

At School:

It’s frightening for most parents to know their child is at school for many hours a day and there’s no way of making sure that they are not being influenced in the halls or playground. Even scarier is the fact that teachers have so much to do in a given day, that it is hard for them to make sure that every child is okay. To understand more about your child’s school life, ask them about their day, what they enjoy, who they hang out with and what they do. Though some parents fear they’re prying or being accusatory, it’s crucial to initiate this open dialogue, as the parents’ honest interest will engage the child and make it easier and more comfortable for them to open up should the need arise. You will learn more about your child’s attitudes, likes and dislikes. And it can strengthen the parent-child relationship overall. Also be sure to keep an eye on bullying – low self esteem, being ostracized from a peer group, and the need to numb reality can drive a child to addictive substances.

Things to look out for:

Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, someone close to you will succumb to substance abuse. It is imperative to recognize the "symptoms" quickly, because just like any other disease, substance abuse is more treatable the earlier it is caught. Here are some things to look out for:

1. When your child comes home, do they smell of chemicals, alcohol or smoke? Can you tell they are under the influence with strange behavior or bloodshot eyes? While they may claim casual consumption, it may be much more than that. Addicted individuals are good at hiding their addiction, so by the time you notice it, it may have already reached an advanced stage of addiction.
   
   
2. Has your loved one or friend changed their appearance, begun dressing differently, changing their hairstyle or letting themselves go? How about their eating and sleeping habits? Have those changed? Any of these factors may indicate something is wrong.
   
   
3. With whom does your child associate? Have they stopped hanging out with one group of friends and found another? And do their new "friends" seem to fit any of the warning signs?
   
   
4. Mood swings and erratic behavior. Kids having arguments with parents is common, but if you notice something "more" or "different" in your arguments, you should keep a close eye on the possibility of substance abuse.

We all worry about what substance abuse may do to our families and friends, but the disease is both preventable and treatable. We are here to empower you, to support you in recognizing some of the telltale signs of when your loved one may be within the influence of drugs or alcohol. It is our goal to help you become their way out, being armed with the knowledge and confidence that can stop a journey down the dark and difficult road of substance abuse before it begins.