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Drug Abuse
Here’s a daily mantra for keeping your teen drug-free from SAMHSA's National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information:
 I Will Talk to My Teen About Drugs
Only a third of parents talk to their teens about the risks of using drugs, alcohol
and tobacco, despite research showing that kids are less likely to use if parents have these conversations.
I Will Set Clear “No-Drug” Rules
Telling your teen that drugs and alcohol are not allowed — and outlining the consequences for breaking the rules — is an important part of keeping your child drug-free.
I Will Be More Involved
Teens whose parents are involved in their lives are less likely to use illicit drugs or alcohol, or to be involved in other risky behaviors. Talk to other parents about their rules and level of involvement, too.
I Will Ask the Right Questions
Know what your children are doing when they are away from you, where they go and who their friends are. Know what they do on and offline. Monitor activities such as Internet usage, text messaging and social networking.
I Will Stay on Top of Emerging Drug Threats
Keep up with what new drug trends teens might be into, such as using prescription drugs to get high (or even, in some cases, to improve physical or mental performance). Track quantities of medications in your own home; dispose of old pills safely and properly, and ask other family members and guests to do the same.
For more advice, and to connect with other parents like you, visit:
- Parents. The Anti-Drug.
Yes, it’s a web site from the group that produces those engaging TV spots about teens’ finding their drugs in the family medicine cabinet. An associated
web site, aimed primarily at teens, is freevibe.com.
- NIDA for Teens
Do you know how many ways there are to say “ecstasy”? Learn what teens really are talking about with a glossary and let them test their knowledge with “brain games.” Check another NIDA site at steroidabuse.gov.
Local Resources
- Stewart-Marchman Center Juvenile Assessment Center (JAC)
386-226-0220; Director, 386-226-0224
Parents can contact the center for a free substance abuse and mental health screening to include urine drug screening and treatment recommendations. If needed, more in-depth assessment may be recommended.
- Stewart-Marchman Center Residential Adolescent Program (RAP)
386-947-1334; Unit Supervisor, 386-947-1337
Program uses a treatment team approach with the client and family combined with educational programming by Volusia County Schools. Approximately four months residential with eight months continuing care.
- Stewart-Marchman Center Adolescent Outpatient Program (ADOP)
(West Volusia) 386-668-3570
Program permits youth to receive treatment in a less-restrictive environment to address problems related to substance abuse. Focus is on maintaining current support systems while encouraging abstinence and a drug-free lifestyle.
- The PLUS Program, Volusia County Schools
386-255-6475, ext. 60164, or 386-734-7190, ext. 20512
Prevention and early-intervention program provides alcohol and drug education, resources and support to identified middle and high school students in Volusia County Schools. Students and families are linked with community agencies when it is determined that further assessment and/or intervention may be needed.
- How To Drug-Proof Your Kids
For workshop information, contact Michael Shannon in Deltona at
407-430-9874.
The workshops are recommended by Victoria Kress, Keep Kids Drug Free Regional Prevention Director.
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