DRUGS & ALCOHOL

 Dangerous Effects:

• Drugs of any kind decreases teens' ability to pay attention.
• The younger a person is when they begin using drugs the more likely they are to develop a substance-abuse problem and the more likely they are to relapse into drug abuse when trying to quit.
• Substance use can cause or mask other emotional problems, like anxiety, depression, mood swings, or hallucinations (for example, hearing or seeing things). Depending on how the body takes in and processes each kind of drug, substances of abuse can affect virtually every one of the body's systems. Examples of this include permanent brain damage associated with inhalants, heart attack or stroke from stimulants, halted breathing from sedatives. Any of these problems can result in death.

Symptoms and Warning Signs

Some of the signs listed below may not indicate drug usage, but rather may be an indicator of other problems. Signs that indicate a person is intoxicated or "high" on a drug depends on the substance with which he or she is intoxicated and may include:

• Possession of drug-related  paraphernalia
• Possession of drugs or evidence of drugs, peculiar plants, or butts, seeds, or leaves in ashtrays or clothing pockets
• Odor of drugs, smell or incense or other “cover up” scents
• Drug-related magazines, slogans on clothing.
• Conversation and jokes that are preoccupied with drugs.
• Hostility in discussing drugs.
• Memory lapses, short attention span, difficulty in concentration.
• Poor physical coordination, slurred or incoherent speech.
• Unhealthy appearance, indifference to hygiene and grooming.
• Bloodshot eyes, dilated pupils.
• Distinct downward turn in student’s grades.
• Increased absenteeism or tardiness.
• Chronic dishonesty (lying, stealing, cheating).  Trouble with the police.
• Changes in friends, evasiveness in talking about new ones.
• Possession of large amounts of money.
• Increasing and inappropriate anger, hostility, irritability, secretiveness.
• Reduced motivation, energy, self-discipline, self-esteem.
• Diminished interest in extracurricular activities and hobbies.

 Ways to Say “No”

 

• Switch topics – “Hey, did you hear what Trena said in class today?”
• Use humor – “Yeah, I am chicken, and I don’t want to get in trouble when my parents find out.”
• State the facts – “No. I’ve read about what drugs can do to you.”
• Come up with another idea – “No, I was just on my way to get pizza. Would you like to come?”
• Walk away – Don’t say anything, just walk away.
• Use an excuse – “Can’t.  I’ve got basketball practice in 15 minutes.”
• Compliment the speaker – “You know, I always thought you were way too smart to use drugs.”
• Turn the tables – “Why do you ask?  Are you chicken to use drugs by yourself?”
• Don’t pay any attention – “Nice weather we’re having, isn’t it?”
• Be polite – “No, thank you.”

 

Information obtained and adapted:

Penn SAIC. How to Refuse Drugs. South Deerfield:  Channing L. Bete Co.,

     Inc. 1992.

 

 

Resources:

http://www.medicinenet.com/teen_drug_abuse/page2.htm accessed on 5/25/11.

http://www.samhsa.gov/

 Handout:

Drugs and Alcohol.doc
  

Red Ribbon Week 2012:

     Middle school students participated in variety of activities during Red Ribbon Week. Students signed the pledge to be drug and alcohol free and took part in the fun dress days that the student council members planned.