When we asked a group of kids ages 13 through 17 about their concerns, they said they wanted to be able to communicate with their parents in healthy, positive ways. Can you believe it? Your teen wants a connection with you as much as you want one with them! Our kids want to talk to us! So where’s the breakdown?

Some kids just need an invitation. Others need more time to open up. Still others, though, are like the girl who said, “Every time I attempt to talk to my parents, they either yell at me before I tell my whole story or lecture me. If they’d be more open to talk with me and let me do some more talking, I’d talk with them a lot more.”

Wherever you and your teen are on that spectrum of speak­ing, things can get better. And they will, when you take advantage of some tools parents and youth workers and counselors have been using with the kids they care about. Let’s help you and your teen get to a deeper level by stocking your com­munication toolbox.

Listening Tools

Here are seven ways to make sure you really hear your teen — and to make sure he or she knows it.

1. Give him your full attention. I know you’re so busy that you hardly have a moment to yourself. But now isn’t the time for mul­titasking. Turn off the TV, your cell phone or computer — what­ever’s competing for your ears.
2. Reflect her emotions; don’t mock them. Teens love to see their feelings reflected in your face. It tells them you understand how they felt when the coach yelled at them today. If their emotions seem over-the-top or the reasons for them seem trivial, remember that their world is smaller than yours — which makes each event look bigger.
3. Restate in your own words what you heard him say. Let’s say your son is dating a girl named Jen. One day he comes home and tells you about Jen flirting with his best friend. You might say, “So, what I’m hearing you say is that it really hurt when Jen looked at Brian with the look she usually gives you.” Restating helps ensure that you’re truly hearing your teen. If you restate the situation incorrectly, it gives your teen a chance to re-explain, too.
4. Display attentive body language. Skip the eye rolling, sighs, arms crossed tightly against the chest, and looking over your shoulder or into the distance. Sit cross-legged on the floor or sofa, or turn a chair around and sit with your arms resting on the back. Lean forward slightly, nodding as appropriate.
5. Decide to be interested in what she’s saying. This can be hard after a long day at work, coming home to a teen who wants to chatter about things that seem insignif­icant to you. The more you pay attention and ask clarifying questions, the more you’ll find yourself interested in her life. It may help to remind yourself that what you’re really interested in isher.
6. Listen to actions.How do you do that? You notice whether your teen is slamming doors or leaving incriminating notes from a boyfriend or girlfriend around the house. Is something wrong at school? In a relationship? Pay attention to their behaviors.
7. Be alert for moments of honesty and vulnerability.Teens will, on occasion, break down and spill what’s on their hearts. When they do, give them all the time they need to share. Be supportive. Then ask, “Do you want me to give suggestions or help? Or do you just want me to listen?”

Location Tools

Where you communicate with your teen is important. Here are four things to keep in mind about the places in which you talk:

1. Pick a place that provides an “out.”Kids say it’s easier to talk with their parents if there’s something else to focus on when things get awkward. Examples of “safety valves”: traveling in the car, eating ice cream or a meal, playing a game, walking in the park, putting a puzzle together, painting a wall, going to a museum, riding bikes. Teens want to talk, but don’t want the pressure of having to do it without a break.
2. Avoid distractions.A safety valve (see #1) is a relief; a dis­traction grabs attention whether you want it to or not. Is that restaurant a good place to talk, or is the music always too loud? Have you turned off your cell phone? If you talk in the living room, will you hear little brother bouncing that tennis ball against the garage door? One teen found that even car conversations didn’t work in her family: “Sometimes [my parents] are too concentrated on driving or whatever they are doing and don’t pay attention to what I am saying.”
3. Choose a safe place.Kids want a place where they feel at ease sharing the scary parts of their hearts. Where is that for your teen? In his room? In yours? On a jogging path? If you don’t know, it’s okay to ask.
4. If you find a place that works, stick with it.Try taking your teen to breakfast or lunch once a week. Establish a habit like this and your kids may get comfortable enough to open up, even asking hard questions about life. Try not to bring your own list of hard ques­tions, though; your teen may begin to shy away from those meal­times if they turn into interrogations or preaching practice.

Talbot Partnership encourages parents to be aware of the signs and symptoms of drug abuse so they can intervene early to help prevent their children from starting or continuing to use alcohol/drugs.

For more information on the Prevention of Substance Abuse please contact Talbot Partnership @410-819-8067. We are Caring for our Community by providing information, resources and support to prevent substance abuse.  

 

By Joe White and Lissa Halls Johnson

Please also visit our website at www.talbotpartnership.org or find us on Facebook.

Drug use is common among teenagers. By late adolescence, a recent study published in the Archives of General Psychiatry showed that as many as 78 percent of teens have abused alcohol and over 40 percent have used other drugs. Although these statistics are daunting, millions of teens are not using drugs. Which group does your teen belong to? How can you know?

Addiction has no single cause, but rather often results from a number of biological, social and psychological risk factors. Here are the top 10 risk factors for teen drug addiction:

#1 Family History of Addiction

Addiction has a strong genetic component. If a parent, grandparent, sibling or other blood relative has struggled with some form of addiction (drugs, alcohol, gambling, food, sex), your child is at greater risk as well. For example, children of alcoholics are two to four times more likely than other children to become alcoholics themselves. In addition to the many genes involved in addiction, there are a number of environmental influences that play a role including parenting style and family dynamics.

A new generation of children being born already addicted to opiates and other powerful drugs will likely face a greater risk of addiction later in life.

#2 Impulsive Personality

Early problems with impulsivity (the inability to control actions) and sensation-seeking (the need for high levels of stimulation) are associated with a higher risk for later drug and alcohol problems. People who tend to overlook the potential negative effects of a specific action are also at increased risk.

#3 Stress

High levels of stress put teens at greater risk for drug use. According to a survey by The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University, high stress teens are twice as likely as their peers to smoke, drink and use illegal drugs. The opposite problem — frequent boredom — also put teens at risk for drug use.

Abuse of stimulants such as Adderall and Ritalin, commonly prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, has become an issue among students competing to get into top colleges. Recent stories show teens are actually snorting ADHD drugs rather than taking them orally to get a faster effect.

#4 Having a Mental Health Condition

Research increasingly shows that teens use drugs to find a solution to negative feelings or moods. Those who have depression, anxiety, personality disorders or other mental health conditions are at greater risk for self-medicating with drugs. Some of the disorders most commonly associated with addictions include attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, depression and anxiety disorders.

#5 Lack of Parental Supervision or Involvement

Teens who do not have a close relationship with their parents, or who receive little parental monitoring or supervision, have an increased risk of addiction. Other related risk factors include low or unrealistically high parental expectations, inconsistent or severe punishment, and high levels of family conflict.

#6 Having Friends Who Use Drugs

Peer pressure is a strong factor in the initiation of teen drug use. In an effort to fit in, look cool or just to satisfy their curiosity, teens are more likely to use drugs if their friends are using or have favorable attitudes toward drug use. Teens who have friends that use marijuana or other drugs are at nearly three times the risk of becoming regular marijuana users themselves, according to a study by scientists from Cardiff University and the National Institute on Drug Abuse. The earlier a teen starts drinking or using drugs (often by age 10-12), the greater the risk of later addiction.

#7 Childhood Trauma

Early childhood abuse, neglect and other forms of trauma are highly predictive of later addiction. Research shows that early life experiences program the brain for what to expect later in life. Kaiser Permanent’s Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) study found a clear relationship between severe childhood stress and all types of addictions. Adverse childhood experiences can include emotional, physical and sexual abuse, neglect, having a mentally ill or addicted parent, losing a parent to death or divorce, living with domestic violence and having one or both parents in prison. The more adverse experiences a child has the higher the chance of drug or alcohol problems.

#8 Perceptions About Drugs

A teen who believes that drugs and alcohol aren’t very harmful or that their parents approve of their drug use is far more likely to become addicted to drugs. Prescription drug abuse has been rising among teens, and they often believe these drugs are inherently safe because doctors prescribe them. Most teens get prescription drugs from the medicine cabinet in their home or the homes of friends.

#9 School Problems

Teenagers who struggle in school are more likely to become involved with drugs or alcohol, particularly if their academic difficulties begin as early as elementary school. Warning signs include having a learning disability, poor grades, skipping school, low motivation and poor bonding with classmates and teachers.

#10 Lack of Community Support

Living in a low-income community or one where drugs are easily accessible and alternative activities, such as parks, community centers and sports programs are unavailable has been associated with higher levels of drug use.

Your teen’s probability of becoming addicted to drugs or alcohol depends on how many of these risks they’re exposed to and their stage of development. The good news is that each risk factor can be combated with protective factors, such as a strong parent-child relationship, opportunities for social involvement, academic support and clear standards for behavior. Even in the adolescent years, parents are extremely influential. By taking steps to shift the balance in favor of protection rather than risk, you can help your teen avoid a lifetime struggle with addiction.

David Sack, M.D., is board certified in psychiatry, addiction psychiatry and addiction medicine.

For further information on the dangers of alcohol and other drugs, contact Talbot Partnership-Caring for our Community @ 410-819-8067. Please also visit our website at www.talbotpartnership.org or find us on Facebook.

With school out for holiday break, some teens may be tempted to turn to parties and alcohol for entertainment. As the demands and distractions of the holiday season approach, it is important for parents to be aware of the dangers of underage drinking.

Underage drinking causes both destructive consequences and tragic outcomes. Many teens don’t drink alcohol. However, some teens say that for those who do the primary setting is at home or a friend’s home.

Teen drinking can damage areas of the developing brain that shape memory, learning, impulse control, reasoning and decision-making. Twenty percent of the alcohol consumed in the United States today is consumed by underage drinkers.

More than 90 percent of that alcohol is consumed in “binge drinking” – five or more drinks in a few hours. This type of drinking also increases risk of injury and death, sexual assault and other violence, as well as alcohol dependence. It increases the risk of high blood pressure, some mental illnesses and liver disease.

Alcohol plays a key role in accidents (including vehicle crashes, drowning and falls) as well as homicides and suicides, which are the leading causes of death among youth.

With so many serious consequences, parents may want to consider taking steps to protect their children during unsupervised time.

First and most importantly, talk to your teen about alcohol. Do not assume they know how destructive it is or what your expectations are. Spend time with your teen doing things together such as watching a movie, shopping, walking, playing a game or going out to eat. Or better yet ask them what they would like to do.

Know what alcohol you have in your home. However keep it monitored and safely locked away.

Do not leave teens home alone overnight. Have your child stay with a family member or family friend if you need to be away.

When it’s an option, have family, friends or neighbors check in on your teens during the day if you are working.

When your teenager is invited to a friend’s home, check with the parents to ensure they have rules about not drinking.

And finally, have your teen call you periodically when he or she is out to ensure their safety.

Always remember despite what parents might think, teens do value their advice and involvement.

Michelle Gazzigli contributed to this article

When Your Friend or Someone Else Overdoses

Intentional or accidental overdoses can occur when you or your friend or someone else takes too much of a drug—even if it’s the first time taking the drug, and whether the drug is illicit, prescription, or over the counter. Should an overdose happen to your friend or someone else, you have to think about your responsibilities to that person.

A drug overdose can be hard to identify, because overdose symptoms vary based on the drug and the person taking it. Depending on the drug, symptoms can include trouble breathing, convulsions, vomiting, or unconsciousness.

In addition to being unsure about you’re the person’s condition, you may also be scared because:

“I don’t want my parents to know I was around drugs.”

“I wasn’t even supposed to be at this party.”

“I was the one who gave them the drugs and I don’t want to get into trouble.”

“But what if they just needs to sleep it off?”

The truth is, even if you’re going to get into trouble, if you don’t do the right thing your friend could be critically injured or die. If you know something is wrong, get help. Call 911, or ask your friend’s parents or a responsible adult for help. Doing nothing is the worst thing you can do!

 

What should you do in the case of a drug overdose?

If you suspect a someone has overdosed, getting medical attention can save his or her life! Immediately Call 911, give accurate details about what happened, and make sure you provide first responders or emergency medical personnel with as much information as possible.

• What drug(s) did your friend/person take?
• How long ago were they taken?
• How much was taken?
• Who else should be contacted immediately?

Be honest with the medical professionals who ask questions about your friend/person. Withholding even one piece of information or lying could have serious consequences. The medical staff must know as much as they can to treat your friend/person properly. It can be the difference between life and death!

Calling 911 during an overdose can often mean the difference between life and death. The chance of surviving an overdose depends greatly on how quickly a person receives medical assistance.

At least 17 states and the District of Columbia have already enacted Good Samaritan Laws, which provide limited immunity from arrest or prosecution for minor drug law violations for people who get help at the scene of an overdose. More states are considering similar measures.

Good Samaritan laws do not protect people from arrest for other offenses, such as selling or trafficking drugs. But they do protect the caller and overdose victim from arrest and/or prosecution for simple possession, possession of paraphernalia, and/or being under the influence.

You would want someone to call for help if you were the overdose victim. Getting help is the right thing to do any time someone’s life is at risk.

Just Think Twice contributed to this article.

Talbot Partnership encourages parents to talk to your children about the dangers of someone overdosing on drugs or alcohol.  

For further information on the dangers of alcohol and other drugs, contact Talbot Partnership Caring for Our Community at 410-819-8067. Please also visit our website at www.talbotpartnership.org or find us on Facebook.

 

In light of the new law that decriminalizes the possession of small amounts of marijuana in Maryland that took effect Wednesday October 1, 2014 teens maybe more at risk for marijuana abuse.

Senate Bill 364, will replace the penalty for possession of up to 10 grams of marijuana with a civil fine instead of a criminal offense.

Instead of arrest and a potential 90 day jail sentence under the current law, starting on October 1, 2014, offenders will be issued a fine, the amount of which varies from $100 for a first offense to $250 for a second and $500 for any subsequent offense.

The new law, however, does not decriminalize the possession of paraphernalia, including pipes, papers, vaporizers or bongs, meaning that a person caught smoking a joint technically could be arrested for the rolling paper but not the marijuana inside.

However a new study of teens treated at an outpatient substance abuse clinic found many showed symptoms of marijuana withdrawal. Marijuana was the substance used most often by 90 of the 127 teens in the study, HealthDay reports. Of those teens, 84 percent were considered to be dependent on marijuana, and about 40 percent experienced symptoms of withdrawal when they stopped using marijuana—a sign of drug dependence, the authors said.

“As more people are able to obtain and consume cannabis legally for medical and, in some states, recreational use, people are less likely to perceive it as addictive or harmful,” study co-author John Kelly of Massachusetts General Hospital’s Center for Addiction Medicine, said in a hospital news release.”But research shows that cannabis use can have significant consequences, and we know that among adolescents it is second only to alcohol in rates of misuse.”

Teens that had marijuana withdrawal symptoms were more likely to experience negative consequences, such as problems with school, work, relationships or finances. They were also more likely to meet criteria for marijuana dependence and mood disorders, the researchers wrote in the Journal of Addiction Medicine.

Teens that recognized and accepted that they had a substance abuse problem related to their marijuana use were more likely to make progress toward becoming abstinent, compared to those who did not think they had a problem.

“The importance of understanding the addictiveness, risks and harms associated with cannabis use is a major theme of this study’s findings,” said Kelly. “Recognizing those risks is known to reduce the likelihood that someone will start to use drugs, and better understanding of the role of substances in the problems experienced by patients may help them cut down on future use. Unfortunately, the general trend in attitudes in the U.S. is to minimize the risks and not recognize the addictiveness of cannabis which this new law may lead teens to think marijuana is not harmful or addictive.

TJ Baker with the Daily Chronic and JOIN TOGETHER STAFF with Partnership for Drug Free Kids contributed to this article.

For further information on the dangers of alcohol and other drugs, contact Talbot Partnership at 410-819-8067. Please also visit our website at www.talbotpartnership.org or find us on Facebook.

 

Talbot Partnership agrees there is no single reason for teenage drug use and alcohol use. Dr. Neil I. Bernstein in How to Keep Your Teenager Out of Trouble and What to Do if You Can’t, details some of the core issues and influences behind teenage drug and alcohol use. It’s important that you, as a parent, understand these reasons and talk to your kids about the dangers of drinking and using drugs.

1. Other People — Teenagers see lots of people using various substances. They see their parents and other adults drinking alcohol, smoking, and, sometimes, abusing other substances. Sometimes friends urge one another to try a drink or smoke something, but it’s just as common for teens to start using a substance because it’s readily available. In their minds, they see drug use as a part of the normal teenage experience.
2. Popular Media — Forty-seven percent of teens agreed that movies and TV shows make drugs seem like an OK thing to do, according to a 2011 study. Not surprisingly, 12- to 17-year-olds who viewed three or more “R” rated movies per month were seven times more likely to smoke cigarettes, six times more likely to use marijuana, and five times more likely to drink alcohol, compared to those who hadn’t watched “R” rated films (Amy Khan 2005).
3. Escape and Self-Medication — When teens are unhappy and can’t find a healthy outlet for their frustration or a trusted confidant, they may turn to chemicals for solace. The often rough teenage years can take an emotional toll on children, sometimes even causing depression and anxiety, so when teens are given a chance to take something to make them feel better, many can’t resist.
4. Boredom — Teens who can’t tolerate being alone, have trouble keeping themselves occupied, or crave excitement are prime candidates for substance abuse. Not only do alcohol and marijuana give them something to do, but those substances help fill the internal void they feel. Further, they provide a common ground for interacting with like-minded teens, a way to instantly bond with a group of kids.
5. Rebellion — Different rebellious teens choose different substances to use based on their personalities. Alcohol is the drug of choice for the angry teenager because it frees him to behave aggressively. Marijuana, on the other hand, often seems to reduce aggression and is more of an avoidance drug. LSD and hallucinogens are also escape drugs, often used by young people who feel misunderstood and may long to escape to a more idealistic, kind world. The reasons for teenage drug-use are as complex as teenagers themselves.
6. Instant Gratification — Drugs and alcohol work quickly. The initial effects feel really good. Teenagers turn to drug use because they see it as a short-term shortcut to happiness.
7. Lack of Confidence — Many shy teenagers who lack confidence report that they’ll do things under the influence of alcohol or drugs that they might not otherwise. This is part of the appeal of drugs and alcohol even for relatively self-confident teens. Alcohol and other drugs tend not only to loosen your inhibitions but to alleviate social anxiety. Not only do you have something in common with the other people around you, but there’s the mentality that if you do anything or say anything stupid, everyone will just think you had too many drinks or smoked too much weed.
8. Misinformation — Perhaps the most avoidable cause of substance abuse is inaccurate information about drugs and alcohol. Nearly every teenager has friends who claim to be experts on various recreational substances, and they’re happy to assure one another that the risks are minimal. Educate your teenager about drug use, so they get the real facts about the dangers of drugs from you.

For further information on the dangers of alcohol and other drugs, contact Talbot Partnership at 410-819-8067. Please also visit our website at www.talbotpartnership.org or find us on Facebook.

Teen drug abuse: 14 mistakes parents make

Talbot Partnership wants parents to know that they can do a lot more than some realize to help protect teens from drugs or alcohol. One key is avoiding simple mistakes, like these 14 cited by addiction specialist Dr. Joseph Lee, a spokesman for the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and medical director the Hazelden Center for Youth and Family, an addiction treatment facility in Minneapolis.

1. Failing to set expectations

Teens who know their parents disapprove of drug use are less likely to use – and vice versa. Dr. Lee says it’s

best to let your kids know how you feel about drugs before they hit their teenage years.

2. Ignoring mental health issues

More than two-thirds of young substance abusers suffer from mental health problems, such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, and eating disorders. As a rule, substance abuse and mental health issues come together in young people. If your child undergoes an evaluation for drug abuse, make sure it includes a thorough mental health screening.

3. Assuming experimentation is no big deal

Experimentation doesn’t necessarily lead to addiction, and some parents figure that there’s nothing especially

worrisome about a child trying drugs or alcohol. In fact, even dabbling in substance abuse can cause big

problems, such as car accidents, sexual assault, and serious overdoses. It’s not a normal rite of passage.

4. Being dishonest about your drug use

Parents often feel uncomfortable discussing with their children their own experiences with drugs or alcohol.

There’s certainly no reason to wax nostalgic about the “glory days,” but Dr. Lee recommends being honest if

kids ask. “I am not aware of research indicating that an informed discussion with kids about your drug use

leads to them to use drugs,” he says.

5. Blaming yourself (or your spouse)

There’s no such thing as a perfect parent, and there’s no use in shouldering all the blame (or blaming your spouse) if a child has a drug or alcohol problem. Feeling guilty isn’t just unpleasant, it can complicate substance abuse treatment – by dividing the family just when it’s important to pull together as a team.

6. Setting a bad example

Think teens simply don’t pay much attention to their parents? Research suggests otherwise. Parents should remember the power they have to positively influence their teen’s choices through their own behaviors.

7. Being judgmental

Being firm is one thing, but “laying down the law” in a moralistic way can close off lines of communication.

Try not to be judgmental or to jump to conclusions. Do all you can to make your child feel comfortable about

coming to you for help, if it’s needed.

8. Failing to consider risk factors

Just as obesity is a risk factor for diabetes, smoking is a risk factor for teen substance abuse. Other substance abuse risk factors include early aggressive or disruptive behaviors, depression, ADHD, and anxiety. If your child has any risk factors, get help.

9. Confusing intelligence with maturity

Just because a child is smart doesn’t mean he/she is mature enough to have good judgment about drugs and

alcohol. The brain region responsible for judgment – the prefrontal cortex – doesn’t fully mature until a person

is in his/her mid-20s.

10. Not locking the medicine cabinet

Prescription drug abuse is a huge problem in the U.S. The CDC says one in five teen’s experiments with prescription drugs at some point, and most teens obtain the drugs not from drug dealers or the Internet but from friends and family. Be sure to keep track of all drugs in your home. If you no longer need pills, get rid of them. And pay attention to other substances around the house that have the potential for abuse, including solvents, aerosols, etc.

11. Failing to consider family history

Like many diseases, addiction can run in families. If it runs heavily in yours, it might be a good idea to adopt

a strict no-drinking policy in your home. There are no hard and fast rules for what is acceptable for all families, Dr. Lee says. And a teen can develop a substance abuse problem even in the absence of any family history of addiction.

12. Not noticing changes in your teen

Changes in sleep, mood, friends, activity level, academic performance, weight, personal hygiene, etc. can all

signal a substance abuse problem. So pay attention. Monitor your child’s welfare with particular care at times

of transition – moving to a new school, onset of puberty, breakups with boyfriends or girlfriends, etc.

13. Putting off getting help

Two million children between the ages of 12 and 17 need treatment for a substance abuse problem, according to a recent survey. But only about 150,000 get the help they need. If you think your teen may have a problem,

have him/her assessed by a child psychiatrist, pediatrician, or another expert. Remember, prevention and early intervention are key.

14. Not talking about driving

The top three causes of teen death in the U.S. are accidents, homicides, and suicides. Each of these problems

is linked to substance abuse. Make sure your teen knows about the dangers of driving under the influence –

and pay attention to his/her whereabouts.

Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/2300-204_162-10007444.html?tag=page

For further information on the dangers of alcohol and other drugs, contact Talbot Partnership at 410-819-8067. Please also visit our website at www.talbotpartnership.org or find us on Facebook.

 

According to CASA Chairman and President and former U.S. Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare Joseph A. Califano, Jr “Two of the most common questions regarding teen drug use and addiction are: how can it happen to my child, and how can it happen to young boys or girls who seem to be typical teens?” said Califano. “These questions are often asked where the drug-abusing teen does not exhibit one of the usual warning signs of drug abuse – being physically or sexually abused, having a learning disability or eating disorder, suffering from serious depression or another mental health condition. The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University’s teen survey suggests that for many teens, the answers to these questions can be found in high stress, frequent boredom and too much spending money.”

Parental Pessimism

Parents are likelier than teens to view teen drug use as a fait accompli.  More than four out of 10 parents said teens are “very likely” or “somewhat likely” to try drugs, compared to only one of 10 teens.  Teens whose parents believe that future drug use is “very likely” are more than three times likelier to become substance abusers than teens whose parents say future drug use is “not likely at all.”

“Many parents think they have little power over their teens’ substance use and a disturbing number view drugs in schools as a fact of life they are powerless to stop,” noted Mr. Califano. “How parents act, how much pressure they put on school administrators to get drugs out of their teens’ schools, their attitudes about drugs, and how engaged they are in their children’s lives will have enormous influence over their teens’ substance use. Talbot Partnership agrees with Mr. Califano that “Parent Power is the most underutilized weapon in efforts to curb teen substance abuse.”

Five Ways Parents Can Reduce Teen Risk

• Be sensitive to the stress in your children’s lives and help them cope.
• Understand when and why your children are bored and help relieve their boredom.
• Limit the amount of money your children have to spend and monitor how that money is spent.
• Know who your children’s friends are.
• Be engaged in your children’s lives: help them with their homework, attend their sports events, participate in activities together, and talk to them about drugs.

Source: CASA News Release Part 2

For further information on the dangers of alcohol and other drugs, contact Talbot Partnership at 410-819-8067. Please also visit our website at www.talbotpartnership.org or find us on Facebook.

 

 

Talbot Partnership encourages the community to identify problems related to substance use with our teens by understanding the risk factors. According to The National Survey of American Attitudes on Substance Abuse VIII: Teens and Parents, an annual back-to-school survey conducted by The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University, the risk that teens will smoke, drink, get drunk and use illegal drugs increases sharply if they are highly stressed, frequently bored or have substantial amounts of spending money.

This was the first time in its eight-year history that the survey measured the impact of these characteristics on the likelihood of teen substance abuse.

Among CASA’s survey findings:

• High stress teens are twice as likely as low stress teens to smoke, drink, get drunk and use illegal drugs.
• Often bored teens are 50 percent likelier than not often bored teens to smoke, drink, get drunk and use illegal drugs.
• Teens with $25 or more a week in spending money are nearly twice as likely as teens with less to smoke, drink and use illegal drugs, and more than twice as likely to get drunk.
• Teens exhibiting two or three of these characteristics are at more than three times the risk of substance abuse as those exhibiting none of these characteristics.
• More than half the nation’s 12-to-17 year olds (52 percent) are at greater risk of substance abuse because of high stress, frequent boredom, too much spending money, or some combination of these characteristics.

Furthermore Talbot Partnership agrees with CASA Chairman and President and former U.S. Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare Joseph A. Califano, Jr that “High stress, frequent boredom and too much spending money are a catastrophic combination for many American teens.”But it is a catastrophe that can be avoided through parental engagement. Parents must be sensitive to the stress in their children’s lives, understand why they are bored and limit their spending money.”

 

Source: CASA News Release Part 1

For further information on the dangers of alcohol and other drugs, contact Talbot Partnership at 410-819-8067. Please also visit our website at www.talbotpartnership.org or find us on Facebook.