Howard County parents, like parents everywhere, want to believe that their children are NOT at risk for using alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. The truth is, ALL of our kids are at risk. But you can do something about it. Here's what you can do:

Know what to look for

Acting withdrawn, depressed, tired.
Has lost interest in hobbies, sports and other favorite activities.
A drop in school attendance and/or academic performance.
Hanging around with new group of friends.
Hostile and uncooperative behavior; breaks curfews.
Change in eating habits or sleeping patterns.
Red eyes and/or runny nose in absence of cold/allergies.
Coughing, wheezing, bruises, cuts or needle marks.
Sudden use of perfume, cologne, breath mints, incense.
Heightened secrecy about actions or possessions.
Alcohol or drug paraphernalia in room or car.

How You Can Make a Difference

Talk and learn. Talk to other parents, to your children, and to professionals who work with kids. Visit websites and attend programs for parents. Pick up brochures and newsletters about substance abuse education.
Eat meals together with your children and talk - as often as possible.
Make it clear that it is NOT OK with you for them to experiment with alcohol, tobacco, marijuana or other drugs.
Know where your child is at all times.
Discuss peer pressure to drink or try drugs. Practice ways to get out of situations.
Keep unsupervised time to a minimum.
Make sure an adult is home when your child goes to a friend's house.
Talk with your children about their hopes and dreams for their future and do fun things together, not just chores and errands.

You and your teen can discuss and sign the Responsible Behavior Contract. Teens often want and need structure and by you laying down the ground rules, it is more likely your teen will not engage in unwanted behavior.

Here is also a way to get a conversation started with your teen at home. This can help you find out their attitude about drugs and alcohol. Conversations.

Copyright © 2008 Howard County Drug Free
10451 Twin Rivers Rd., Suite 404, Columbia, MD 21044
Phone & Fax: 443-325-0040
hcdrugfree@yahoo.com

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