Understanding and Identifying Substance Abuse in Teens: What

Parents Need to Know

Stephanie Rago

Unity Chemical Dependency

Adolescent Community Engagement Specialist

Agenda

• Current Trends

• Prom and Graduation Parties

• Overview of Liability of Underage Drinking– Officer Marybeth Kowalski

• What Parents Can Do

Education is Key!

Test your Knowledge of Current Trends

Alcohol

Percentage of students ages 12-18 who reported drinking in their lifetime.

A: 20%

B: 82%

C: 64%

D: 12%

C: 64%

32% of HS seniors reported binge drinking in past month. How many drinks would classify as a binge episode?

A: 8 drinks

B: 3 drinks

C: 5 drinks

D: 12 drinks

C: 5 drinks

Alcohol Energy Drinks have recently been reformulated due to the health risks for teens and young adults. An example of an AED is:

A: Sparks

B: Joose

C: Four Loko

D: All of the above

D: All of the above

Sparks: 6%Tilt : 6-8%Joose: 9-10%Four Loko: 11-12%

Males were more likely to report driving after drinking. 10% reported driving under the influence of alcohol. What percentage admitted to riding in a car with an intoxicated driver?

A: 23%

B: 9%

C: 45%

D: 88%

A: 23%

Marijuana

You hear a conversation between your son and a peer about “420”. What could they be talking about?

A: Hitler’s birthday

B: A “pot” smoker’s holiday

C: Time of day to use marijuana

D: Both B and C

D: Both B and C

Percentage of students ages 12-18 who reported using marijuana in their lifetime.

A: 89%

B: 21%

C: 6%

D: 35%

D: 35%

Percentage of students who reported using marijuana before the age of 13.

A: 53%

B: 9%

C: 22%

D: 40%

B: 9%

A slang term for marijuana:

A: Kush

B: Chronic

C: Skunk

D: All of the above

D: All of the above

Spice, Salvia and Hookahs

Spice

• Marketed as incense

• Spice is synthetic THC, users experience a high similar to marijuana.

• Spice aka “K2” is illegal for purchase, however manufacturers have reformulated product to bypass legislation.

Salvia • Salvia is a hallucinogenic plant that is related to

the sage and mint families.• The New York State Senate passed a bill on

3/21/11 banning the sale of the legal hallucinogen salvia.

• The bill still needs to pass the Assembly to become law.

• Currently, salvia is legal and easily accessible. • The DEA has listed Salvia as a drug of concern

and is considering classifying it as a Schedule I drug, like LSD or marijuana.

Results of the YRBS27% report being offered, sold or given an

illegal substance on school property.

Students who ever used……

• Prescription meds: 10%

• OTC meds: 9%• Inhalants: 9%• Cocaine: 4%

• Ecstacy: 5%

• LSD, PCP or Mushrooms: 8%

• Steroids: 4%

YRBS: Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System

Underage Drinking

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=954o5i6fbj4&feature=related

• www.drawyourline.com

Legal Implications of Underage Drinking

Officer Marybeth Kowalski

Teens, Crime, Community Officer

Greece Police Department

What Parents Need to Know • Parents host a party and serve alcohol to minor

(clear violation )• No alcohol served but minors are allowed to

drink alcohol purchased off premise (clear violation )

• Alcohol consumed while parents away (parents are away, liquor on premise, strict order no parties allowed at location, older sister/neighbor asked to ensure compliance )

Safe Party Planning• Help your teen plan the party. Review

guest list to avoid an “open party”.

• Put your phone # on the invitation, welcome calls from parents.

• Set rules for no alcohol/drugs ahead of time.

• Plan activities such as music, games, etc.

• Secure all forms of alcohol in a safe place.

Safe Party Planning

• Tell guests if they leave they cannot return.

• Make regular visits to the party, keeping in mind your teen’s need for privacy.

• Invite some other parents to help chaperone.

What Parents Can Do• Create a safe, supportive environment to

discuss the risks of alcohol and drug use.• Use everyday “teachable moments” as

conversation starters. • Connect with teens to find out what they

know about drugs and alcohol and how they feel about the pressures they face.

• Communicate expectations clearly and what the consequences of use will be.

• Get to know your teen’s friends. • Monitor your teen’s whereabouts and

online activity. • Encourage community involvement and

productive activities. • Have family meals. • Educate yourself on current trends of

substance use. • Ask for help and support.

Unity Chemical Dependency 723-7740

Stephanie Rago M.Ed, NCC208-5743

For more information sign up for a weekly fact at

www.unitychemicaldependency.org

Thank you!