Warning Signs of Substance Abuse

IN THE HOME
·       Loss of interest in family activities

·       Disrespect for family rules

·       Withdrawal from responsibilities

·       Verbal or physical abuse of others

·       Sudden increase or decrease in appetite

·       Disappearance of valuable items or money

·       Not coming home on time

·       Not telling adults where they are going

·       Constant excuses for behavior

·       Spending a lot of time in their room

·       Lying about activities

·       Possessing the following:  Cigarette rolling papers, pipes, roach clips, small glass vials, plastic baggies, remnants of drugs (seeds, etc.)

AT SCHOOL
·       Sudden drop in grades; truancy

·       Loss of interest in learning

·       Poor work performance

·       Not doing homework; sleeping in class

·       Defiance of authority

·       Poor attitude towards sports or other extracurricular activities

·       Not informing adults of teacher meetings, open house, etc.

·       Change of friends

·       Drastic weight loss or gain

·       Unhappy and depressed

·       Smell of alcohol or marijuana on breath or body

·       Over-reacts to criticism; acts rebellious

·       Inexplicable mood swings or behavior

Recognizing the Warning Signs of Suicide

Talking about suicide (killing oneself)

Constantly talking or thinking about death

Sudden changes in behavior after losing a loved one

Making comments about being hopeless, helpless, or worthless

Saying things like “It would be better if I wasn’t here,” or “I want out”

Depression (deep sadness, loss of interest,     trouble sleeping or eating) that gets worse

A sudden, unexpected switch from being very sad to being very calm or appearing to be happy

Having a death wish...tempting fate by taking risks that could lead to death, such as driving fast through red lights

Losing interest in things one used to care about

Sudden change after “break up” with a special friend

Visiting or calling people to say goodbye

Putting affairs in order, tying up loose ends, changing a will

Suicide Prevention:  1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433)

Signs that your child may be at risk online:

Your child spends large amounts of time online, especially at night

You find pornography on your child’s computer

Your child receives phone calls from men or women you don’t know, or is making calls, sometimes long distance, to numbers you don’t recognize

Your child receives mail, gifts, or packages from someone you don’t know

Your child turns the computer monitor off or quickly changes the screen on the monitor when you come into the room

Your child becomes withdrawn from the family

Your child is using an online account belonging to someone else

Your child has a password and refuses to give it to you

You don’t know what your child does on the computer

Your child has secret email addresses

What Parents Can Do For Computer Safety:

Communicate —  Talk to your child

Spend time with your child online

Keep the computer in a common room

Utilize parental controls

Always maintain access to your child’s online accounts

Randomly check your child’s email

Be up front with your child about your access and the reasons why

Be aware of “chat rooms”

Computer Safety Is Just A Click Away.  Helpful Online Articles for Parents:

http://www.netlingo.com/top20teens.cfm

http://www.familyeducation.com/