Our legacy, Our NCADD roots…. Marty Mann: NCADD Founder 1905-1980.
Oconomowoc H.S./ Arrowhead Union H.S. January 2016 · talk to your Student Assistance Professional....
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January 2016 Oconomowoc H.S./ Arrowhead Union H.S. S A P Newsletter tudent ssistance rogram Preventing Substance Abuse in Teens Teens are faced with many challenges; However, very few have the potential to affect their life in a more significant way than the decisions they make about alcohol and drugs. These decisions influence their health, grades, relationships, career, and maybe even their freedom. So, what can you do to reduce their risk of alcohol and drug problems? Encourage them to say “No.” Sometimes, their fear of negative reactions from friends keeps them from doing what they know is right. It may seem like “everyone is doing it,” but you can assure them that they are not. Help them avoid negative peer pressure. Encourage them to hang out with other teens who are not drinking or using drugs, even if it means making new friends. (continued on p.2) Statistics show that 55% of teens tried drugs for the first time because they felt pressured by their friends. -Foundation for a Drug-Free World ® rosecrance.org Alcohol and Drug Facts Alcohol and drugs are the leading causes of crime among youth. Alcohol and Drugs are the leading factors in teenage suicide. Alcohol is the most widely used substance of abuse among America’s youth. Adolescents drink less frequently than adults, but when they do drink, they drink more heavily than adults (NCADD). 23.5 million people over the age of 12 are addicted to alcohol and other drugs but only about 11 percent actually receive treatment. (SAMHSA) 90% of Americans with a substance abuse problem starting smoking, drinking or using other drugs before age 18 (National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse).
Transcript of Oconomowoc H.S./ Arrowhead Union H.S. January 2016 · talk to your Student Assistance Professional....
January 2016Oconomowoc H.S./ Arrowhead Union H.S.
S A PNewsletter
tudent ssistance rogram
Preventing Substance Abuse in TeensTeens are faced with many challenges; However, very few have the potential to affect their life in a more significant way than the decisions they make about alcohol and drugs. These decisions influence their health, grades, relationships, career, and maybe even their freedom.
So, what can you do to reduce their risk of alcohol and drug problems?
Encourage them to say “No.” Sometimes, their fear of negative reactions from friends keeps them from doing what they know is right. It may seem like “everyone is doing it,” but you can assure them that they are not.
Help them avoid negative peer pressure. Encourage them to hang out with other teens who are not drinking or using drugs, even if it means making new friends.(continued on p.2)
Statistics show that 55% of teens tried drugs for the first time because they felt pressured by their friends. -Foundation for a Drug-Free World
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rosecrance.org
Alcohol and Drug FactsAlcohol and drugs are the leading causes of crime among youth.
Alcohol and Drugs are the leading factors in teenage suicide.
Alcohol is the most widely used substance of abuse among America’s youth.
Adolescents drink less frequently than adults, but when they do drink, they drink more heavily than adults (NCADD).
23.5 million people over the age of 12 are addicted to alcohol and other drugs but only about 11 percent actually receive treatment.(SAMHSA)
90% of Americans with a substance abuse problem starting smoking, drinking or using other drugs before age 18 (National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse).
Encourage them to make connections with their parents and follow their rules. As they grow up, having people to rely on and talk to about life is very important. The opportunity to benefit from someone else’s life experiences can help put things in per-spective and can be invaluable. Also, as teens grow up and want to assume more control over their life, having the trust and respect of their parents is very important.
Show them it’s possible to enjoy Life and do what they love without drugs or alcohol. Alcohol and drugs can change who you are, limit your potential and complicate your life. Encourage students to get involved in school and community activities. Giving back as a volunteer is a great way to gain perspective on life.
Educate them about alcohol and drugs. They can-not rely on the myths and misconceptions that are out there among friends and on the internet. Their ability to make the right decisions includes getting educated. You can visit rosecrance.org or teens.drugabuse.gov for more resources.
Be a Role Model and Set a Positive Example. Don’t forget, what you do is more important than what you say.
Ask for help. If you are concerned about a student, talk to your Student Assistance Professional.Information from NCADD
Ashleigh can be reached at:[email protected]
National Drug & Alcohol Facts Week links students with experts to bust the myths about drugs and alcohol that teens get from the internet, TV, movies, music, or friends. It was launched in 2010 by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) to stimulate educational events in communities so teens can learn what science has taught us about drug abuse and addiction. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism became a partner in 2016. NIDA and NIAAA are part of the National Institutes of Health. Check out https://teens.drugabuse.gov/nation-al-drug-alcohol-facts-week for more information.
Preventing Substance Abuse in Teens (continued)
Teen launches blog to promote positive health and wellbeing
bFITTEENS is a blog created by teens, for teens to find positive and reliable health, fitness, financial and mental health advice. Posts are written by experts and teens. Rosecrance will be a regular contributor posting stories and advice for teens. Topics will include stress, peer pressure, bullying, suicide prevention and more. Read this week’s post “Let’s Talk about Mental Health” written by Steve Smith, Director of the Rosecrance Berry Campus, at bfitteens.com.
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The teenage years are hard enough to navigate without the pressure to use drugs and alcohol. For teens who are in recovery from a substance abuse addiction, these pressures can be overwhelming. Being around other drug users, social isolation, stress, and boredom can all trigger a relapse. Parents and educators can take steps to help teens in recovery stay on the right track.
Parents should make sure alcohol, tobacco or other drugs are not accessible to their teen in their home. Prescription and over-the-counter medications should be locked up and properly disposed of. Students should be encouraged to get involved in hobbies and activities they enjoy without drugs or alcohol and befriend others who share the same interests. Educators should make students feel comfortable coming to them with any issues they are struggling with. Teachers should also make sure students are not overloaded with work or dealing with exces-sive amounts of stress from school or extracurricular activities. If you have concerns about a student please talk to your Student Assistance Professional.
Data from the 2015 University of Michigan Monitoring the Future Survey that shows most teens DO NOT use drugs.
Of 12th graders surveyed:
• 51.1% never used any illegal drug.
• 55.3% never smoked marijuana.
• 94.1% never did ecstasy.
• 94.3% never did inhalants.
• 95.7% never did LSD.
• 96% never did cocaine.
• 99% never did meth.
• 99.2% never did heroin.
Supporting Teens in Recovery
“Been There: Teens in Recovery Tell it Like it is” is a magazine written by residents of Rosecrance’s Marlowe and Hillman recovery homes and illustrated by Christine Nicholson, Experiential Therapies Supervisor at the Rosecrance Griffin Williamson Campus. The recovering teens share their experiences dealing with the pressure to use drugs or alcohol and offer answers that they hope with resonate with teens today and prevent them from ever knowing the pain of addiction. This and other re-sources for teens, parents and professionals is available at www.rosecrance.org.
