Series: Meth: Shattering Lives In Northern Nevada

A three-month Reno Gazette-Journal investigation found that
methamphetamine's grip on the Truckee Meadows has become a stranglehold.

TIPS FOR PARENTS

What parents should look for

# Negative changes in schoolwork, missing school or declining grades.

# Increased secrecy about possessions or activities.

# Use of incense, room deodorant or perfume to hide smoke or chemical odors.

# Subtle changes in conversations with friends, being more secretive,
using "coded" language.

# New friends.

# Change in clothing choices -- new fascination with clothes that
highlight drug use.

# Increase in borrowing money.

# Evidence of drug paraphernalia, such as pipes and rolling papers.

# Evidence of inhaling products and accessories, such as hairspray,
nail polish, correction fluid, paper bags and rags, common household products.

# Bottles of eyedrops, which may be used to mask bloodshot eyes or
dilated pupils.

# New use of mouthwash or breath mints to cover up the smell of alcohol.

# Missing prescription drugs -- especially narcotics and mood stabilizers.

What to do and when

# Get educated.

# Have the talk. Let them know you know.

# Be specific about your concerns. Tell your child what you see and
how you feel about it. Make it known if you found drug paraphernalia
and how their behavior or appearance has changed.

# Don't make excuses.

# Try to remain calm.

Suggested things to

tell your child:

# You love him/her, and you are worried that he/she might be using
drugs or alcohol.

# You know that drugs may seem like the thing to do, but doing drugs
can have serious consequences.

# It makes you feel worried and concerned about him/her when he/she does drugs.

# You are there to listen to him/her.

# You want him/her to be a part of the solution.

# You tell him/her what you will do to help him/her.

# Know that you will have this discussion many, many times. Talking
to your kid about drugs and alcohol is not a one-time event.

# Be prepared for your teen to deny using drugs. Don't expect him/her
to admit he/she has a problem. Your child will probably get angry and
might try to change the subject.

Source: www.theantidrug.com

For parents

# A quiz on how well you know your teens, www.theantidrug.com Also
use this site to register for an e-mailed parent tip newsletter.

Source: www.theantidrug.com

# www.theantidrug.com is an online service of the National Youth
Anti-Drug Media Campaign that offers resources, information and facts
for parents.

# www.family.samhsa.gov is an online service of the Substance Abuse
and Mental Health Services Administration. If you know anyone who is
in need of alcohol or drug treatment, SAMHSA has a treatment locator
that can be found at findtreatment.samhsa.gov or you may call the
SAMHSA Referral Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.

# www.drugfreeamerica.org/Parents-Caregivers is an online service of
the Partnership for a Drug-Free America that offers tips and
information for parents and caregivers.