YOU COULD HAND A TROUBLED CHILD A LIFELINE FOR A LIFETIME

He could be your neighbor's child. She could be your little girl's
best friend. They look like regular, fun-loving kids. Behind those
sweet young faces they have a secret, one they're not talking about
- -- Mom or Dad uses illicit drugs or drinks too much.

When children grow up in a household with a substance-abusing parent
they can develop problems that last a lifetime. They are at risk for
depression and anxiety, often lack social and other skills and are
more likely to develop substance abuse problems than children who
don't have a drug-dependent parent.

Children of substance abusers also may feel isolated, embarrassed or
afraid to bring friends home. Experts say these kids need caring
adults to help them, maybe just to talk, to let them know they're not
being disloyal to their family by talking. Trusted adults (such as
relatives, friends, teachers, coaches or school nurses) can help
children of substance abusers feel less alone and unloved and
confused by their parent's actions. These caring adults can help kids
learn that their parent's drug use is not their fault, they can't
cure it or make it better.

Adults can spot troubled kids by being aware of signs like
withdrawal, tardiness at school, fluctuating academic or other
performance, and/or physical ailments such as headaches or
stomachaches with no apparent cause. Sometimes just talking about the
problem at home or school is enough for a child. Other times kids
need help through a support group such as Alateen. One 12-year-old
girl in a support program for children of substance abusers said,
"Group is like a family to me. I'm safe there and it's filled with
young people who understand. Each time they remind me that it's not
my fault and give me hope."

Adults who help a child of a substance abuser offer a lifeline that
can last a lifetime. For more information, including resources that
can offer adults information on assisting kids of substance abusers,
visit www.theantidrug.com or call 1-800-788-2800. If you would like
more information on local assistance, please contact the Salina Area
Prevention Partnership or the Regional Prevention Center of North
Central Kansas at (785) 495-0995.

- -- ANN M. RYAN

Salina

a.. Ann M. Ryan is director of the Salina Area Prevention Partnership.