Parental
responsibilities when hosting a teen party
or gathering:
• Be a visible host throughout the duration
of the party/gathering by supervising both
inside and outside of your home. Being
"home" but out of sight is the same at not
being home.
• If you become aware of someone at the
party/gathering that is under the influence
of drugs or alcohol, do not allow them to go
home alone or drive. Call their parents.
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December, 2009 – April, 2010 Word DocPDF
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We're glad you've decided to find out as much as you can
about how to help keep your child from using substances. Parents play a
critical role in their child's decision-making process, and the more you
know, the more you can help.
We parents are the most
important role models in our children's lives. And with children
experimenting with illegal substances at younger ages than ever, there
is crucial information you need to know, even if your child is still in
elementary school or younger.
While we may not have realized it 30 years ago,
adolescent drug and alcohol use is associated with serious health
consequences. According to recent research, teens who choose to use
illegal substances may face:
The brain goes through dynamic change during adolescence,
and alcohol can seriously damage long- and short-term growth
processes. Frontal lobe development and the refinement of
pathways and connections continue through the late teens or
early twenties.
Damage from alcohol at this time can be long-term and
irreversible. In addition, short-term or moderate drinking
impairs learning and memory far more in youth than adults. (From
the American Medical Association web site)
The feelings and impaired behavior that signal intoxication
in the adult brain are delayed in the adolescent brain. This can
lead to over consumption and even alcohol poisoning which is
potentially fatal.
An adolescent brain that is exposed to alcohol and other
chemicals is more susceptible to depression and other mental
illnesses.
Every day that teenagers choose not to use illegal
substances improves their chances of avoiding alcohol, drug or
tobacco addiction and helps to prevent many irreversible
consequences of using chemical substances.
Although it is common for teens to experience frequent
mood swings, your teen may be experiencing a form of depression if
clusters of the following thoughts, feelings, and behaviors persist
for two weeks or longer.
Prompt identification and
treatment of depression can reduce its durations and severity. Look
for the following signs:
Sadness that won’t go away
Sullen, silent, withdrawn behavior
Persistent “boredom”
Frequent vague, non-specific physical complaints such as
headaches, muscle aches, stomachaches or tiredness
Frequent absences from school or poor performance in school
Outbursts of shouting, complaining or crying
Unexplained irritability, anger, hostility; reckless or
rebellious behavior
Alcohol or substance abuse
Extreme sensitivity to rejection or failure
Feelings of hopelessness/worthlessness
Changes in eating or sleeping habits
Lack of interest in hanging out with friends
Loss of interest in activities
Social isolation, poor communication, difficulty with
relationships
Recurring thoughts of death or suicide
(Adapted from U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
publication)
