YOU are the first line of defense when it comes to helping

your child stay free of drug and alcohol use.

So how can you make a difference?

Talk to your child… Let them know the dangers of substance abuse and make it clear that you expect them to stay away from alcohol and drugs. Set the rules regarding substance abuse and enforce stated consequences. However, be sure to let them know that they can always talk to you if they have questions or are faced with a situation that they need help with.

Teach your child… You can teach your child to politely tell someone no to alcohol and drugs. Reassure them that it is okay to say that they are not allowed to use those substances and prepare them to handle peer pressure. Be sure to stress that if your child is faced with a situation that involves peer pressure, drugs, or alcohol, that they should leave and tell a trusted adult.

Know your child… Ask how things are going at school, with friends, and about plans for the future. Know where your child is and what they will be doing during unsupervised time.  Get to know your child’s friends and their parents and make sure you know their rules and standards.

Keep your child busy… Involve your child in healthy activities, especially between 3p.m. and 6p.m. and into evening hours, when children and teens are more likely to experiment with substance abuse. Kids who are involved in constructive, adult supervised activities are less likely to use drugs.

Be a good role model… Your kids look up to you and want to be like you. If you drink or abuse drugs, your children are likely to do so as well.

Accept the role of a parent as your major responsibility.

Children do not need you to be their friend, let others be their friend. You be the parent!

Although mood and attitude changes are common in teens, some things to watch for include:

1. Changes in friends.

2. Negative changes in schoolwork, missing school, discipline problems, or activity changes.

3. Increased secrecy about possessions or activities.

4. Use of incense, room deodorant, or perfume to hide smoke or chemical odors.

5. Subtle changes in conversations with friends such as using secretive coded language.

6. Change in clothing choices, such as a new fascination with clothes that highlight drug use.

7. Evidence of drug paraphernalia, such as pipes or rolling papers.

8. Bottles of eye drops, used to mask blood shot eyes or dilated pupils.

9. Missing prescription drugs—especially narcotics and stabilizers.

Be a parent, be a friend, and seek professional help in dealing with this problem. You could save a life!

Did You Know?

The damage from underage drinking may affect teens’ memory, cognitive abilities and their decision-making skills for

the rest of their life.

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT!

If you would like to join the fight against substance abuse in our community, your donation would be greatly appreciated! Please make checks payable to the Rutland Area Prevention Coalition and mail to:

RAP Coalition

78 South Main Street

Rutland, VT 05701

Please indicate if you would like a donation receipt sent to you for tax purposes.