Drug and Alcohol Awareness

Introduction

Issues involving drug and alcohol use are common concerns among the general population, but especially for parents. Although alcohol and drug abuse can often be a complex issue to address, a basic understanding of the problem and where to turn for answers is always a good place to start.

Alcohol and Drug Abuse Among Youth

Alcohol and drug abuse by young people is extremely dangerous to themselves, family and friends, and society as a whole. Drug and alcohol use among our youth is directly related to traffic fatalities, violence, suicide, academic failure, unsafe sex and other high risk behaviors. Early use may also lead to a lifetime of dependency.

Know the Facts

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• Approximately 88,000 deaths are annually attributed to excessive alcohols use
• Alcoholism is the 3rd leading lifestyle-related cause of death in the nation
• Nearly 1/3 or traffic fatalities are alcohol related
• Almost 50% of all high school seniors have abused a drug of some type
• More teenagers die from taking prescription drugs than the use of cocaine and heroin combined
• The average age of a boy who tries alcohol is 11, and the average age of a girl who tries alcohol is 13

Prevention Is Key

Research has shown that prevention programs involving families, schools, communities and media are effective in reducing drug and alcohol abuse. The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence also likes to use the phrase, “talk early, talk often”.

Talking to your children early on is one of the keys to preventing drug and alcohol abuse. Although parents often struggle with having conversations with their children regarding these issues, it is highly encouraged and well worth the time for any parent.

Research has actually shown that parents who talk to their children about the dangers of drugs and alcohol use are 50% less likely to use these substances than those who do have such conversations.

 Possible Signs

Here are some indicators that someone you care about may be using or abusing drugs or alcohol.  The majority of these signs are geared toward children; however, depending on the situation, they can apply to everyone.  Also, please be mindful that there may be other reasons for people to display any of the following behaviors.  What is important to consider is a person’s pattern of behavior and the number of signs he/she may be exhibiting.  

Is this person becoming more: