A GUIDE TO HELP YOUR CHILD LEAD A HEALTHY, DRUG-FREE LIFE

You Are Not Alone

A problem with drugs or alcohol doesn't discriminate; it can happen to
anyone anywhere - even a child in the most loving home. It cuts across
race, gender and economic lines, and occurs in every region of this
country.

It's a health issue for you, your child, and your family. Tobacco,
drug and alcohol abuse is one of the most important and preventable
adolescent health problems today.

There are many ways you can protect your kids and talking with them is
one of the most effective. Communicating with your son or daughter on
a daily basis helps them feel connected to you - and research
indicates that is what matters most when a child chooses to turn down
drugs.

KNOW WHAT DRUGS KIDS FACE TODAY

While you may be aware of the types of drugs that were around when you
were a teenager, there is a new array of substances that kids today
may misuse to get high. They include household products,
over-the-counter and prescription medication that can be found in your
own home.

Kids who use drugs tend to use alcohol, tobacco and marijuana
first.

TOP TWO REASONS WHY KIDS USE DRUGS OR ALCOHOL

Recreation: Teens may experiment with or regularly use drugs or
alcohol just to get high. Restless, bored or risk-taking teens may
smoke a joint or have a few drinks simply to fill their time.

These actions also provide a way to instantly bond with a group of
like-minded kids. Soon drugs define their existence and they spend
increasing amounts of time seeking ways to get high.

Self-medication: Teenagers may turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with
problems and pressures, or as an antidote to unhappy feelings or
uncomfortable situations. If a teen is using drugs or alcohol for
self-medication, it could also point to other, broader emotional or
psychological problems.

HOW TO SPOT DRUG OR ALCOHOL USE

Mood swings and unpredictable behavior are sometimes evidence of
teenage "growing pains," but can also point to use of drugs or
alcohol. Be aware of any unexplained changes and know the potential
warning signs:

She's withdrawn, depressed, tired, or careless about her personal
grooming.

He's hostile, uncooperative, and frequently breaks
curfew.

Her relationships with family members have deteriorated.

He's hanging around with a new group of friends.

Her grades have slipped and she's missing school.

He's lost interest in hobbies, sports, and other favourite
activities.

Her eating and sleeping patterns have changed; she's up at night and
sleeps during the day.

He has a hard time concentrating.

Her eyes are red-rimmed and her nose is runny, but she doesn't have
allergies or a cold.

Household money has been disappearing.

You have found any of the following in your home: pipes, rolling
papers, small medicine bottles, eye drops, butane lighters, homemade
pipes or bongs (pipes that use water as a filter) made from soda cans
or plastic beverage containers.

A PARENT'S DILEMMA: "SHOULD I SNOOP?"

Many parents struggle whether to search their kid's room for evidence
of drug or alcohol use. "Should I snoop?" is a difficult question
because there are so many factors to weigh:

Should you warn your kid first?

Exactly what should you search?

Should you ask her directly if she's using drugs instead of
snooping?

Deciding whether to "snoop" is your choice - but it should be a
decision that you can defend. If you notice any change in your child's
behaviour or identify odours such as pot, cigarette smoke or scents to
mask other smells (incense or Lysol spray, for example) coming from
his room, you may have a good reason to find out what's going on.

If you snoop and your kid finds out, he might hold it against you as a
violation of his privacy. Counter this argument by telling him that
his behaviour is raising questions, and you are concerned there may be
a problem.

Consider regularly checking your medicine cabinet.

Research shows that teen abuse of prescription and over-the-counter
medications to get high is increasing. Many kids view the medicine
cabinet - in their own home and at friends' homes - as a convenient
source of those medications. Be sure not to leave 'leftover'
prescription drugs in your medicine cabinet, and keep an eye on the
medications you are using.