PREVENTION

Drug prevention education plays an important role for our youth.  When kids are taught from an early age the dangers and addiction of alcohol, tobacco, illegal and prescription drugs, it can affect future decisions they will make if exposed to drugs.  When drug prevention goes down, drug use goes up. 


Youth Drug Prevention Websites

Parents, The Anti-Drug
http://www.theantidrug.com/

Signs & Symptoms of Drug Use 

Physical
*  Stuffy nose, sniffles, nose bleeds, and cough
*  Bloodshot eyes, pupils dilated or constricted
*  Disrupted sleep patterns such as an inability to sleep, extreme wakefulness, sleeping or “crashing” for extended periods of time
*  Unusual appetite changes such as having the “munchies” or lack of appetite, causing extreme weight loss and anorexia
*  Moodiness, depression, anxiety, irritability, over sensitivity, or hostility
*  Personal appearance and hygiene decline; body odor similar to cat urine, teeth become dark and erosive, gums become bright red and swollen
*  Tobacco or marijuana smell on person or clothes

At Home
*  Lying, overreaction to mild criticism or simple requests, verbal or physical outbursts
*  Withdrawal from family and family activities
*  Change in or loss of interest in hobbies, sports, or other activities previously enjoyed
*  Lack of motivation, enthusiasm, and energy OR the opposite, which includes hyperactivity, agitation, and compulsive obsessive behavior
*  Prior responsibilities or chores not being addressed
*  Change in values, ideals, beliefs
*  No longer maintains old friendships, change in social group of friends, and unwillingness to new introduce friends
*  Isolates self to his or her bedroom or private area of the house
*  Callers refuse to identify themselves or hang up when an adult answers
*  Unexplained absences from home
*  Money, CDs, I Pods, gaming systems, or other valuable items disappear from the home  

At School
*  Noticeably poor concentration, attention space and decreased short-term memory
*  Decreased motivation, lack of interest, and no longer participates in school activities
*  Increased tardiness and decreased school attendance
*  Lacking in class participation
*  Falling asleep in class
*  Declining personal hygiene
*  Slow to respond, forgetful, slurs words
*  Motor skills slow and sluggish OR hypervigilant/extreme wakefulness
*  Increased behavior problems
*  Grade average decreases dramatically
*  Change in friends and social group


Drugs and Drug Paraphernalia
*  Capsules, pills or tablets, powder substance, crystal/rock substance
*  Cotton swabs, caps*  Cigarette rolling papers or Zig-Zag brand tobacco rolling papers
*  Pipes, pipe fittings, small screens, razor blades, light bulbs, needles, rubber tunicate bands, lighters
*  Roach clips *  Odor of tobacco, marijuana, ammonia, or cat urine in room, on person, or on clothing
*  Incense or room deodorizers
*  Eye drops (Visine), mouthwash, and/or gum always on hand