Kee

Office of 

www.TheAntiDrug.com

(800) 788-2800

Other publications in this series:

Keeping Your Teens Drug-Free: A Guide for African American Parents and Caregivers

Keeping Your Teens Drug-Free: A Guide for Hispanic Families

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Calling on Your Community

You and your family are not alone. Yojoin forces with you. Many parents hain their neighborhoods for talking aboOther parents organize alcohol- and dand parties. Your teen’s school has peocounselors, teachers, coaches and othefind help in their faith communities, acommunity groups. When parents and each other, their lives can be healthier the process, you’ll be doing your part up drug-free.

You MatterThis booklet provides ideas and examples of the skills busy parents can use to keep their teens away from marijuana and otherillicit drugs. There are opportunities every day to turn ordinary times like driving your child to school or to the mall, or watchingTV together into teachable moments to let your teen know what’s important to you. Many parents put off talking to their kidsabout drugs or alcohol because of time constraints, but just a little of your time once in a while can make a lifetime of difference.Teens who learn about the risks of drug use from their parents or caregivers are less likely to use drugs than those who don’t.Parents are the most important influence in their kids’ lives. Many parents don’t realize that they play a crucial role in their teen’sdecision not to use drugs. Two-thirds of youth ages 13 to 17 say losing their parents’ respect and pride is one of the main reasonsthey don’t smoke marijuana or use other drugs. Teens, Marijuana and Other Drugs While no one wants to think negatively about their children, it’s likely your teen will be exposed to illicit drugs. Nearly a third of12- to 17-year-olds in the U.S. have used an illicit drug in their lifetime. Teens today are using drugs at younger and youngerages, when their brains and bodies are still developing. Of all of the illicit drugs, marijuana is the most widely used. If your childis exposed to drugs, he or she will most likely be offered marijuana.Marijuana Causes Problems

• Some frequent, long-term marijuana users show signs of a lack of motivation 

(amotivational syndrome). Their problems include not caring about what happens intheir lives and a lack of concern about how they look. As a result of these symptoms,some users tend to perform poorly in school or at work.

• Heavy or daily use of marijuana affects the parts of the brain that control memory,

attention and learning, and can make it more difficult to learn and perform tasksthat call for more than one or two steps.

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Your Child Says, “Everyone Is Doing It.”

You say, “I’m not interested in what other kids are doing. I know I don’t want youusing marijuana or other drugs.”Your Teen’s Friend or Parent Tried DrugsYou can say, “I don’t want you hanging out with kids who smoke marijuana ordrink alcohol. You know that when you’re around people who use drugs, I’m afraidthey’ll try to pressure you to use drugs.”If Your Teen Asks, “Did You Ever Do Drugs?”It’s important to be honest, but you don’t need to include too many details. If youdid use drugs, you can say, “When I was young I smoked marijuana because someof my friends did. I thought I needed to in order to fit in. If I’d known then aboutthe consequences, I never would have tried marijuana, and I’ll do everything I can to help keep you away from it.”If you suspect your teen is using drugs, take action. Ask your child directly. Let your teen know you want him or her to be honestwith you. If you need help, contact your child’s school counselor, pediatrician or family physician or call the National Clearinghousefor Alcohol and Drug Information at 1-800-788-2800 for drug abuse prevention information and a listing of the treatment centersclosest to you. You may also visit the Web site at www.findtreament.samhsa.gov. For more parenting information, go to

www.TheAntiDrug.com.

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• Smoking marijuana causes some 

still learning about the many way

• One joint can deliver four times • In a study conducted by the Nat

shown to impair driving performthan for either substance alone.

• While not everyone who uses ma

that person is said to be dependetreatment programs reported maSome heavy users of marijuana shrestlessness, loss of appetite, trou

• The marijuana that teens use tod

than the marijuana of 20 years ag

• Young people who use marijuana 

weekly are three times more likelincreased risk for schizophrenia i

Other Substances

• Underage drinking can cause ma

with important developmental pr

• MDMA (ecstasy, XTC, X, Adam

stimulation, enhanced sensory peon rare occasions, lethal. People w

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Catching Your Child With Drugs

If you’ve caught your child using drugteen it’s okay to be honest with you, t

I 

Your Child Admits to Having TrieThe idea is to reinforce the rules aboukeeping the lines of communication o

“I’m glad you told me, but let m

of your being healthy and happy. Y

kicked off the tea

If your child has admitted to using drdoctor or counselor for help.

symptoms such as muscle tension, involuntary teeth-clenching, nausea,blurred vision, faintness and chills or sweating. In high doses, MDMA caninterfere with the body’s ability to regulate temperature. This can lead to asharp increase in body temperature (hyperthermia), resulting in liver, kidney and cardiovascular system failure.

• Methamphetamine (meth, speed, chalk, ice, crystal, glass) is a very toxic

stimulant associated with serious health conditions, including potentialheart and neurological damage, psychotic behavior, memory loss andaggression. It also contributes to increased transmission of infectiousdiseases, especially hepatitis and HIV/AIDS.

• Dangerous substances abused by children and teens may be found in

the home. These toxic substances are collectively referred to as inhalants — breathablechemical vapors that produce mind-altering effects. A variety of common products contain substances that can beinhaled. Many people do not know or understand that products such as spray paints, nail polish remover, hair spray, gluesand cleaning fluids present any risk of abuse, because their intoxicating effects are so totally unconnected to their intendeduses. Yet, young children and adolescents are among those most likely to abuse them, and do seek them out for this purpose.Chronic use can lead to brain or nerve damage, damage to the heart, lungs, liver and kidneys. Inhalants can cause death, even the very first time they are used.

• Prescription and over-the-counter drugs misused by teens today include pain killers and cold medicines with 

dextromethorphan (DXM). Misusing these medications can cause respiratory distress, cardiac stress, seizures, dependence andserious withdrawal symptoms. Misuse of DXM can cause nausea, vomiting, seizures, hallucinations and even death.

• Anabolic (muscle-building) steroid abuse is associated with increased risk for heart attacks, strokes and severe liver problems.

People who inject anabolic steroids put themselves at risk for contracting dangerous infections, such as HIV/AIDS, hepatitisB and C and bacterial endocarditis. Anabolic steroids can also cause undesirable body changes. Men may develop enlargedbreasts, and women's bodies may become masculinized. Both sexes can develop acne and hair loss. 3

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Stay Involved in Your Teen’s Life

Experts say that to create an environment that helps keep your kids away from marijuana and other drugs, you should:

• Get involved in your kids’ lives.• Know what your children are doing — their activities and how they spend their time.• Know who your teen’s friends are.• Check in with the parents who are hosting the party your teen will be attending.• Praise and reward good behavior.

Research shows that kids who are not regularly monitored by their parents are four times more likely to use drugs. Before going out,have them tell you WHO they are going to be spending time with, WHAT they will be doing, WHEN or what time they will be attheir expected destination and finally, exactly WHERE they are going to be. Every once in a while, check on your teens to see ifthey’re where they said they would be. It’s not pestering, it’s parenting.Lots of teens get in trouble with marijuana, other illicit drugs, or alcohol right after school, from 3 to 6 p.m. Try to be with yourteens then, but if you can’t, make sure your child is doing something positive with a trusted adult around: sports, jobs, clubs, after-school programs or faith-based groups. If your teens have to be at home, make sure they are doing homework or chores and not hanging out unsupervised with friends. Remember how important you are in keeping your teens away from marijuana and other drugs.

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Signs and Symptoms of Drug UsIt’s not always easy to tell when teens While there is no single warning sign 

• Skipping classes or not doing wel• Unusual odors on their clothes or • Hostility or lack of cooperation • Physical changes (red eyes, runny • Borrowing money often, or sudde• Lack of interest in activities • Significant mood changes• Loss of interest in personal appea• Change in friends• Heightened secrecy about actions 

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Tell Your Teen What You Expect

It’s important that your teen knows what you expect. Make it clear that you do not want any marijuana or any illicit drug use in yourhouse. Tell your teen that there will be consequences for using drugs. As your teen enters middle school and then high school, yourchild will be at greater risk of using marijuana and alcohol if you have not made your expectations clear. Teens need to know whereyou stand. Here are some clear ways you can tell your teens what you expect:

“I’ve been thinking lately that I’ve never actually told you this: 

I don’t want you using marijuana, alcohol, tobacco or any drug.”

“The rule in our house is that nobody uses drugs.”

Set RulesEven though your teens are getting older and spending more time without you, it’s more important than ever to set rules and expectations. Setting a firm rule of no marijuana or other drug use will help your teen resist pressures to use drugs.When Your Teen Breaks the RulesParents need to enforce rules consistently and fairly. When rules are broken, some possible consequences could include: restrictingInternet use and television, suspending outside activities, such as going to the mall or movies, or disallowing telephone calls.

Risky SituationsLet your teens know that you do not w

“I don’t want you riding in a car with 

“It’s my job as a parent to 

about who yo

Giving Advice on Avoiding Risky Here are some lines you can give your 

“I like you

“My dad (or mom, grandm

knew I w

“No, th

“I don’t do drugs. I could ge

Beware of Messages That EncouMany parents are concerned about mefail to show the harm of using drugs. Ythe songs they listen to. If you have a you are in charge of their time online. the Internet.

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