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Resource TopicsEducational Issues |
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Alcohol and Drug Use and AbuseAlcoholism and drug addiction are taking a toll on the American family. The Department of Health & Human Services estimates that one in four children under the age of 18 lives in a home where alcoholism or alcohol abuse is a fact of daily life. In addition, far too many children are exposed to illegal drug use in their families. Yet despite these challenging circumstances, children can find help to cope effectively with the support of a healthy parent or grandparent, teacher or other significant adult in their lives. Alcohol and drug use by children and teens is another serious concern. Children must be taught to make sensible choices, with the love and support of the adults in their lives. This can be done through communicating both directly and indirectly: by bringing up topics for discussion, by setting a good example, or maybe even by just doing things together as a family, or praising a child to build their self-confidence. Just as with adults, youth experimentations with drugs and alcohol can develop into serious addictions that need to be addressed and treated. What are some warning signs that our kids are using alcohol and/or drugs?Family: Poor communication, sneakiness, lying, not taking part in family events Personality: Angry outbursts, bad attitude, lazy, unreliable, sluggish, tired, putting things off Moods: Major mood swings, nervous and jumpy, laughing a lot, manic, being nasty Friends: Change in friends, friends are troublemakers, constant sleep-overs School: Grades dropping, skipping school, dropping out of sports, sleeping in class Cover-up: Isolating, wearing sun glasses, chewing gum, using eyedrops, coming home late Health: Persistent nasal drainage, cotton mouth, dilated pupils, appetite loss, bloodshot eyes Other: Using a lot of lighters, faucet screens missing, rolling papers, cut up straws, pipes What can we do about it?It's not pestering, it's parenting! It is important for us to:
Local Resources Cook County Public Health & Human Services Lakeview Memorial Hospital State & National Resources Alcoholics Anonymous Al-anon/Alateen Alcohol & Drug Treatment Referral Center for Alcohol and Drug Treatment Children of Alcoholics Foundation Drug Abuse Information and Treatment Referral Hotline Hazelden National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism www.niaaa.nih.gov Parents. The Anti-drug US Department of Health: Alcohol & Drug Information www.health.org Disclaimer: Listing of resources and websites is for informational purposes only. Inclusion does not indicate endorsement of any resources or website. |
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top | Resource Guide | Kinship Mentor North | Events | Services | About the Collaborative | Home 421 Seventh Street • Two Harbors, MN 55616• 218.834.8221 x 8445 • info@northshorechildren.com | |
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