ISSAQUAH HIGH PTSA

 

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Drug and Alcohol Awareness

 

Drug & Alcohol Awareness Program- IHS students met Washington State Attorney General Rob McKenna on February 8 who spoke on Washington State teen risk trends.  He addressed alcohol use, teen credit abuse and teen identity theft as well as the ramifications of methamphetamine use in our state with its associated crime increases. The presentation can be viewed at http://ihsptsa.blip.tv/.

 

Parents, Teens & the Law Booklet

The Parents, Teens & the Law booklet is now on our school website under Parent Information.  This is a resource guide to help you and your teens understand the risks, laws and consequences of driving, drinking and drugs.  It also contains great information for communicating with your teens and signs to watch out for, along with a list of local area resources for counseling and advice.

 

The teen years can be a trying time for your child.  The stress of school and expectations can mount and depression, anxiety or substance abuse can result.  Sometimes the signs between normal adolescent behavior and signs indicating substance abuse or use can be a matter of degrees.  As a parent, you have to rely on your knowledge of normal behavior and act on it.  Ignoring these behaviors will not make them go away and may harm your teen.  If you suspect problems, contact a counselor or advisor.  List of names of help agencies are at the back of the Parents, Teens and the Law booklet.

 

Here are some tips to help you and your teen make it through:

 

LEARN!!!!!

·         Learn as much as you can about substance abuse and use

·         Learn about the signs for anxiety, depression and suicide

·         Learn to communicate and teach your teen how to communicate

o        Don’t ask 2 questions in a row, without getting an answer to the first one

o        Don’t ask “why” questions - they lead to defensiveness

·         Learn about your computer

o        What websites are your teens visiting?

o        Review IM away messages and find out if they have a “My Space” website

·         Ask your teen to tell you about “My Space” and teach your teen about problems with posting information on a website.  It’s open to EVERYONE.

 

BE THE ENFORCER!!!

·         Use tough love.  Surveys of teens show it works. 

·         Don’t be a friend….be a parent.  Provide structure and guidelines

·         Ask tough questions:  “Where are you going?  Are the parents home?  Will there be alcohol or drugs there?  Are you thinking of suicide?”

 

BE THERE FOR YOUR KIDS!!!!!

·         Listen!!!!  Be there for your kids when they fall (and they will) and help them know that they can learn from their mistakes

·         Tell your teen that their effort is important …. that they don’t have to be perfect.

·         Praise your teen and give them hugs.  And then more hugs!!!  They need your approval.

 

 

 

For more information about Drug and Alcohol Awareness programs, please contact Nancy Campi, PTSA Drug and Alcohol Awareness committee chairperson.