A person under the age of 21 may not purchase or consume alcohol. A person under the age of 21 may not order or purchase beer or liquor in any public or private place (unless accompanied by a parent, guardian, or spouse). A person under the age of 21 may not use false identification in…
Since 2007, unintended drug overdoses have exceeded car crashes as the lead- ing cause of accidental death in Ohio. More than 25% of Ohio high school students reported using a prescription drug without a doctor’s prescription at least once. 70% of those who reported using prescription drugs non–medically got them from friends or relatives. Keep…
While it is difficult to distinguish typical adolescent behavior from drug-induced behavior, parents should consider possible drug use if they notice several of these changes in their child: Changes in Physical Appearance Lack of personal cleanliness, messy appearance Red eyes and frequent use of eye drops Runny nose, congestion, coughing Wearing dark glasses when not…
Tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana are the drugs that young people use most often. Each of these is destructive in its own right. Plus, the use of any one of them seems to “open the door” to involvement with other drugs. Tobacco Smoking, chewing, and dipping all involve the use of nicotine. The nicotine in tobacco…
After going through the preceding checklist, if you are concerned that your child may be using alcohol or other drugs, you must share your concerns with your child. Don’t discuss use with her/him while she/he is high. Select a time when interruptions will be minimal. Be very specific about the behavior you have observed. Share…
Your child’s attitudes and behaviors about drugs are being developed and shaped right now. As a parent you can do a lot to prevent your child’s possible future use. The time to begin is now. TALK WITH YOUR CHILD ABOUT ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS Become knowledgeable and then talk with your child about how alcohol…
The drug teens are most likely to use and abuse is alcohol. Today’s marijuana is 10-20 times stronger than the marijuana used in the 1960s. Adolescents become addicted to alcohol in only 6-18 months: for adults this usually takes 5-15 years. Of the 76 percent of high school students who have used tobacco, alcohol, marijuana,…
Set the ground rules ahead of time. Let your teen know what you except of her/him as a host. Rules for the party should include the following: Adult supervision No drugs, including alcohol No smoking No leaving the party and then returning No gate crashers allowed Lights should be left on Certain rooms of the…
Call the host parent. Call to verify the party and offer assistance. Make sure the parent will be present and that alcohol and other drugs will not be permitted. Know where your child is going and with whom. Have the telephone number and address of the party, and ask your teen to call you if…
Questions for Parents to Ask Themselves As a parent, you need to be aware of your attitudes and behaviors regarding the use of alcohol and other drugs because these are what your children are likely to copy. The following questions will help you take an honest look at these attitudes and behaviors. When you are…