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SUBSTANCE ABUSE
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WHAT IS SUBSTANCE ABUSE?
Teenagers can experiment with a variety of drugs, both legal and illegal. Legally available drugs can include alcohol, inhalants (fumes from glues, aerosols and solvents), prescription medications, and over-the-counter cough, cold, sleep and diet medications. The most commonly used illegal drugs are marijuana (also known as pot or weed), stimulants (cocaine, crack and speed), LSD, PCP, opiates, heroin and Ecstasy. The use of illegal drugs is increasing, especially among young teens. In Johnson County, the average age of first marijuana and alcohol use is 14 years old (Communities that Care Survey, 2010).
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SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
- demanding more privacy, locking doors, avoiding eye contact, sneaking around
- changes in school performance
- declining interest in activities your teen once enjoyed
- change in friend groups
- unusual borrowing of money from friends or parents
- loss of motivation
- change in sleep patterns: difficulty falling asleep, sleeping too much or too little, or difficulty staying asleep
- poor hygiene
- frequent use of strong cologne/perfume, eye drops, breath mints, air fresheners, or mouthwash
- sudden personality changes that include abrupt changes in school attendance, work output, grades, discipline
- unpredictable mood swings that seem to be more than just teen hormones
- nervous: excessive nervousness, irritability, restlessness, anxiety
- demanding more privacy, locking doors, avoiding eye contact, sneaking around
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GETTING HELP
Utilize outside help and support: "outside help" is not always rehab. Outside help could involve talking to your teen's school counselor, family doctor or sports coach. There are several methods that professionals can use to determine how to help your son or daughter, including:
- Drug and Alcohol Assessment- An assessment can be done over the phone or a face-to-face visit with a professional. This is usually done at a treatment facility with a doctor or counselor.
- Drug tests: Although at-home drug tests are available, some can be unreliable. Having a doctor perform a drug test can yield more accurate results.
Juvenile Substance Abuse - Initial Evaluation Information
- Drug and Alcohol Assessment- An assessment can be done over the phone or a face-to-face visit with a professional. This is usually done at a treatment facility with a doctor or counselor.
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ALCOHOLEDU COURSE FOR PARENTS
In addition, research has shown that parents have the greatest influence on the decisions teens make about alcohol. Because of this we strongly recommend parents to take AlcoholEdu for High School Parents. In this 15-20 minute module you will find:
- Information regarding Social Host Laws
- The latest research on underage drinking
- Tips and tools for talking to your teen about alcohol
- Strategies for setting rules and monitoring your teen
- Information regarding Social Host Laws
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ALCOHOLEDU COURSE ACCESS
- Visit: http://www.brainshark.com/everfi/AlcEduHSParents
- Enter your name
- Enter your child's school and district
- Click "submit" to start the course
- Click play to advance the slides
- Visit: http://www.brainshark.com/everfi/AlcEduHSParents
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DRUG DISPOSAL OPTIONS
VAPING
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FAMILY RESOURCES FOR CONVERSATIONS AND QUESTIONS
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MD ANDERSON ASPIRE
- ASPIRE website
- 8 Modules, each about 45 minutes
- Currently being used at MS and HS level as a consequence to encourage cessation
- ASPIRE website
RESOURCES
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JOHNSON COUNTY SUBSTANCE ABUSE RESOURCES
Johnson County Mental Health
(913) 826-4200
Johnson County OneAssist(913) 715-8989
M-F 8:30-4:30
*Answered by social worker
Johnson County Adolescent Center for Treatment (ACT)(913) 826-4200
*Residential treatment program
Clinical Associates(913) 677-3553
United Way 211Dial 211 or (816) 472-4289
*Available 24/7 and can be accessed nationwide
The Crossroads Program(816) 941-4000
*Intensive outpatient and aftercare programs
Full Circle(913) 310-0101
*Outpatient treatment program
First Call(816) 361-5900
*Offers 24/7, confidential evaluations for adolescents by phone and referrals to appropriate care/resources -
DR. CHRIS JENSON
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GALE-CENGAGE HEALTH AND WELLNESS RESOURCE CENTER
- Health & Wellness Resource Center is a comprehensive, consumer health resource providing authoritative information on health-related issues from current disease and disorder information to in-depth coverage of alternative medical practices. This webinar covers topic group navigation, search options, document tools, and best practices for sharing.
- Webinar tutorial
- Health & Wellness Resource Center is a comprehensive, consumer health resource providing authoritative information on health-related issues from current disease and disorder information to in-depth coverage of alternative medical practices. This webinar covers topic group navigation, search options, document tools, and best practices for sharing.