DRUG WATCH
Contrary to popular belief, alcohol is the number one drug of choice for teenagers, and alcohol is the number one drug problem in America.
WHY PEOPLE USE DRUGS AND ALCOHOL
* To do what their friends are doing
* To escape pain in their lives
* To fit in
* Boredom
* For fun
* Curiosity
* To take risks
HOW DO YOU KNOW A PERSON IS USING ALCOHOL OR DRUGS (what to look for)
* Person may be moody, short-tempered, and hostile
* Increased interest in alcohol or other drugs, talking about them or talking about buying them
* Owning drug paraphernalia such as pipes, hypodermic needles or cigarette rolling papers
* Having large amount of money or always low on cash
* Drastic increase or decrease in weight
* Slurred or incoherent speech
* Withdrawal from others, frequent lying, depression, paranoia
* Dropping out of school activities
* Suddenly failing courses and “hanging out” with kids you don’t trust
These types of behavior are not guarantees that a drug or alcohol problem exists. You need to compare behavior now to behavior in the past. However, it’s better to say something and be wrong than to say nothing, and find out later that you were right to be worried.
(CONTINUED NEXT WEEK) 