Alcohol or other drug Abuse

Alcohol Or Other Drug Abuse

A Guide For Concerned Persons

What To Do When Someone
You Care About
Has A Problem With Alcohol
or Other Drug Use

Things to know:

Facts
How Can I Know?
What Can Parents Do?
How Can I Get More Information?

Facts

According to the 1995-96 survey of substance use among Chico youth;

17% of eighth graders and 26% of 10th graders reported smoking cigarettes one or more times during the past thirty days.
33% of eighth graders and 50% of 10th graders reported using alcohol one or more times during the past month.
15% of eighth graders reported using alcohol one or more times during the past month.
8th grade cigarette smokers, compared with 8th grade non-smokers, were:
- nearly 11 times more likely to report smoking marijuana
- 17 times more likely to report using other drugs such cocaine, LSD, PCP.
Among 10th graders, alcohol drinkers, compared with non-drinkers, were:
- nearly 3 times more likely to report carrying a weapon.
- 7 times more likely to report smoking marijuana.
Both 8th and 10th grade marijuana smokers, compared with non-smokers were:
- more than 15 times more likely to use other illegal drugs such as cocaine, LSD or PCP.

How Can I know?

Indicators of Possible Substance Use or Abuse:

Changes in performances in school or at work. For example, a drop in grades, work not completed
Absenteeism/Truancy. Excuses may be forged.
Attitude changes and/or mood swings
Change in personnal appearance
Change in eating or sleeping habits
Avoidance of responsibilities
Withdrawal from family contacts
Change in health (frequent illness, coughing)
Apathy, lack of motivation
Paraphernalia-pipes, bottles, chewing tobacco containers, rolling papers, small hand-held mirrors, etc.
Defensive about drugs or drug use
Association with others who have substance use or abuse problems
Money, alcohol, presription or possessions missing from the home or work place

What Can Parents Do?

Communicate clear opposition to teen use of cigarattes, alcohol and illegal drugs, as well as clear rules regarding other expected behaviors.
Talk with your child about alcohol and other drugs - learn to really listen to what your child has to say. Work to keep the lines of communication open.
Be a good role model or example. Your habits and attitudes may strongly influence your child's ideas about alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.
Encourage healthy activities. Hobbies, school events and other activities may prevent your child from using drugs out of boredom or because of peer relationships with substance using peers.
If you do suspect drug use, share your concerns with your child when he or she is not under the influence. Approach your child with facts. Don't accuse. Discuss the things you have observed.
Take action! Contact the Counselor, At-Risk Advisor or School Psychologist at your child's school, and/or seek professional help and advice.
Also, try to get your child interested in clubs like Friday Night Live and Club Live. These clubs try to emphasize the uselessness of drugs, alcohol and violence by setting up various activities and parties. At these activities students are shown how much more fun you can have without the use of alcohol and drugs. Leadership in the community is also emphasized in these clubs. For more info call Danelle Duffy at 891-2891 at the Butte County Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health Services.

How Can I Get More Information

Chico Unified School District
891-3011

Butte County Achohol & Drug Services
891-2784

Parent Education Network
891-0391

Chico Community Counseling Center
891-2898

Your neighborhood school

Chico Police Department-Youth Services
895-4917