AN INFORMATIVE GUIDE TO KEEPING KIDS SAFE PROTECTING OUR ... · Protecting Our Children, The Nashville Graphic, February 28, 2019, Page 5 Dean Ayers PO BOx 476 • SPring HOPe, nC

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AN INFORMATIVE GUIDE TO KEEPING KIDS SAFE

PROTECTING OUR CHILDREN

BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE NASHVILLE GRAPHIC • 2019

Page 2, Protecting Our Children, The Nashville Graphic, February 28, 2019

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Protecting Our Children, The Nashville Graphic, February 28, 2019, Page 3

BY AMANDA CLARK GRAPHIC STAFF WRITER

Times have changed for youth today and with those changes come changes in parenting.

Nashville Police Interim Chief Joey Corbett said communication will always be important in parenting but it’s crucial in today’s times.

“That’ll never change, talking to your kids, not being afraid to parent,” Corbett said.

Corbett said television and phone time used to be limited for most youth but in today’s times, electronics are more read-ily available and used more to entertain youth. That’s why it’s important for par-ents to be aware of what kids are watch-

ing and doing with those electronics. “You cannot get nosey enough early

enough with guidelines and structure,” Corbett said.

Social media has presented more chal-lenges for both youth and parents so it’s especially important for parents to talk to kids about the dangers social media can present.

“The bullying and the social media, that definitely goes hand in hand,” he said. “You can relate the two.”

Corbett said communication should start as early as when youth are elemen-tary aged.

“They’re sweet and genuine with every-thing they do,” Corbett said. “They’re not crossing those bridges yet. That’s prob-ably the best time to get them.”

The Nashville Police Department and the Town of Nashville offer a “Medicine Drop Box.”

The drop box is located in the lobby of the Nashville Police Department (501 S. Barnes St) and is accessible to the public Monday through Friday from 8 am until 5 pm each day. Citizens are encouraged to drop off their unwanted or unused prescription medicine and over-the-counter medicine in the drop box to avoid the medicine falling into the wrong hands. Please keep pills in original containers and do not combine pills.

The only restrictions are NO liquids or Syringes will be ac-cepted. The Medicine drop box is emptied each day.

GET DRUGS OUT OF THE HOUSE!

Never be afraid to parent your children

Joey CorbettInterim Police Chief

Nashville PD

You can never be too nosey. Set guidelines and structure

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My name is Peter, and in eight years I’ll be an alcoholic.

I’ll start drinking in middle school, just at parties.

But my parents won’t start talking to me about it until

high school. And by then, I’ll already be in some trouble.

The thing is, my parents won’t even see it coming.

START TALKING BEFORE THEY START DRINKINGKids who drink before age15 are 5 times more likely

to have alcohol problems when they’re adults.To learn more, go to www.stopalcoholabuse.gov or call 1.800.729.6686

Courtesy of Partnership for Drug-Free Kids

www.drugfree.org

How to Find Out if Your Child is Using Drugs or Alcohol

Use Your Nose. Have a real, face-to-face conversation when your son or daughter comes home after socializing with friends. If there has been drinking or smoking, the smell will be on their breath, on clothing and in their hair.

Look Them in the Eyes. When your child gets home after going out with her friends, take a close look. Pay attention to his or her eyes. Eyes will be red and heavy-lidded, with constricted pupils if they’ve used marijuana. Pupils will be dilated, and he or she may have difficulty focusing if they’ve been drinking. In addition, red, flushed color to the face and cheeks can also be a sign of drinking.

Watch for Mood Changes. How does your teen act after a night out with friends? Are they loud and obnoxious, or laughing hysterically at nothing? Unusually clumsy to the point of stumbling into furniture and walls, tripping over their own feet and knocking things over? Sullen, withdrawn, and unusually tired and slack-eyed for the hour of night? Do they look queasy and stumble into the bathroom? These are all signs that they could have been drinking, using marijuana or other drugs.

Monitor Driving and the Car. Your teen’s car and driving habits can offer clues as well. Is driving more reckless when he or she’s coming home after being with friends? Are there new, unexplained dents? If you’re suspicious, examine the inside of the car too. Does it smell like smoke or alcohol fumes? Are there any bottles, pipes, bongs, or other drug para-phernalia rolling around on the floor or hidden in the glove box? If you find evi-dence of drug use, be sure to prepare for the conversation ahead.

Keep an eye out for deceit or secre-tiveness. Are their weekend plans start-ing to sound fishy? Are they being vague about where they’re going? Can they describe the movie they supposedly just saw? They say parents will be at the party they’re attending, but can’t give you a phone number and come home acting intoxicated? They get in way past curfew

or estimated time with an endless string of excuses? When excuses fail, do they respond to your inquiries and concern by telling you that it’s none of your business? If these ring true, something is wrong and it’s time to take action.

Should You Search Their Room?The limits you set with your child do not

stop at their bedroom door. If you notice concerning changes in behavior, unusual odors wafting from their room (like mari-juana or cigarette smoke), smells to mask other smells like incense or air freshen-ers, or other warning signs, it’s important to find out what’s going on behind that “KEEP OUT” sign.

One note of caution, however. Be pre-pared to explain your reasons for a search, whether or not you decide to tell them about it beforehand. You can let them know it’s out of concern for their health and safety. If you discover that your kid is not drinking or doing drugs, this could be a good time to find out if there’s some-thing else that may need to addressed.

Kids come up with some crafty places to conceal alcohol, drugs, and drug para-phernalia. Some possible hiding spots include:

-Dresser drawers beneath or between clothes-Desk drawers-CD/DVD/Tape/Video cases- Small boxes – jewelry, pencil, etc.- Backpacks/duffle bags- Under a bed-In a plant, buried in the dirt- In between books on a bookshelf- Inside books with pages cut out- Makeup cases – inside fake lipstick tubes or compacts- Under a loose plank in floor boards- Inside over-the-counter medicine con-tainers (Tylenol, Advil, etc.)-Inside empty candy bags such as M&Ms or Skittles

Don’t overlook your teen’s cell phone or other digital devices. Do you recognize their frequent contacts? Do recent mes-sages or social media posts hint at drug use or contradict what they’ve told you?

If your search turns up evidence of drug use, prepare for the conversation ahead and do not be deterred by the argument of invaded privacy. Stand by your decision to search and the limits you’ve set.

Look for warning signs of drugs or alcohol


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BY AMANDA CLARK GRAPHIC STAFF WRITER

Social media plays a significant role in the lives of youth today and it’s importance can sometimes be a problem.

Sergeant Anna Hernandez, Senior Depu-ty Danny Dupree and Deputy Tommy Allen are a part of a new Special Victims Unit with the Nash County Sheriff’s Office. The three said as the popularity of social media grows, so do crimes associated with it. That’s why it’s important for parents to be vigilant about how youth use their phones. It’s even more important for parents to check their chil-dren’s phones.

Hernandez said some parents feel they are violating their child’s privacy by going through and checking their phones.

“But I would say, have their passcode, check it once a week,” she said. “Check their history often.”

Allen added that random checks are the best.

“If you give them time, they’ll delete it,” he added.

Social media is generally the catalyst for a lot of criminal acts, such as assaults and

bullying. It generally starts online. “The internet is a cruel place,” Dupree

said. “Once it’s on the internet, it don’t go away.”

“Ninety-five percent of everything starts on social media,” he added.

Youth also need to understand the conse-quences of their actions on social media. In addition, Hernandez said youth should also be aware of the photos and videos they take with their phones and how they distribute them. If content is questionable, such as nude photos, Hernandez said those things are tracked by the State Bureau of Investi-gation.

“They are able to get charged,” she added. As for smaller kids, Dupree said it’s im-

portant for parents to talk to their children about right and wrong, especially when it comes to physical touch.

“Go over good touches, bad touches,” he said.

Talking to your kids is important at any age and can help youth understand the dan-gers in the world.

“You can’t shield them forever,” Allen said. “But you can monitor them.”

Sheriff’s Office adds special victims unit

Deputy Tommy Allen, Sergeant Anna Hernandez and Senior Deputy Danny Dupree are a part of a new Special Victims Unit with the Nash County Sheriff’s Office.

Monitor your child’s phones, Internet activity and social media


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Protecting WhatMatters Most.Your Kids.

Visit makesafehappen.com for moreinformation and important safety tips.

The internet is a valuable tool that can benefit kids in the classroom and beyond. But as parents know, the in-ternet also can be a danger to young-sters.

As hard as parents may try to gov-ern their childrens’ internet usage, kids’ curiosity often compels them to go online when parents aren’t keeping watch. Parental controls are a great way to protect youngsters while they’re online. Setting up such controls may vary depending on the type of devices kids use, and the fol-lowing guide can help parents whose children use popular Android, Ama-zon Fire and iOS devices.

AndroidThe parental controls on Android

devices allow moms and dads to re-strict access to various types of con-tent, including television shows and movies, games and apps. The Family Link app, which can be downloaded through the Google Play store, en-ables parents to track their kids’ on-line usage and even set up limits on

how much time they can spend on-line each day, as well as monitor the location of the device and when it is on. When using the Family Link app, parents will need to create a separate Google account for their children.

Amazon FireAmazon Fire is another popular,

user-friendly tablet that many chil-dren use. Each Fire device comes with FreeTime built-in. FreeTime bans advertisements and restricts purchases so kids cannot spend mom and dad’s money without permis-sion. In addition, FreeTime allows parents to restrict content, ensuring kids will only be able to see content approved by their parents. Adults also can set up time restrictions to limit the amount of time their kids spend online, and they can even pre-vent access to certain activities, in-cluding video games.

iOSThe iOS is an operating system

for mobile devices manufactured by

Apple. The Screen Time function on iOS devices allows parents to restrict the use of and downloading of cer-tain apps, including those built-in on iOS devices. Parents can specify which websites their children are al-lowed to visit, preventing them from visiting sites that kids should not see. Screen Time also allows parents

to block purchases made through iTunes, ensuring kids won’t run ram-pant spending money on music, tele-vision shows and music.

Parental controls can help parents’ monitor their youngsters’ tablet us-age and protect them from visiting websites designed for adults.

Set up parental controls on children’s tablets

Setting up such controls may vary depending on the type of devices kids use, and the following guide can help parents whose children use popular Android, Amazon Fire and iOS devices.


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There’s a reason that teenagers act the way they do. Understanding the brain science behind teenage behav-ior can help parents better prepare their kids to avoid drugs and alcohol.

Why Do Teens Act The Way They Do?

Have you ever looked at your teen-ager child and wondered: “Why do you do that?”

From mood swings to risk taking, “normal teenage behavior” can appear to be anything but normal to parents and other adults. How-ever, research reveals that patterns of brain development during these for-mative years play a significant role in shaping your teen’s personality and actions. In other words, there’s a bio-logical reason teens act the way they do.

Scientists have learned that it takes a brain about 25 years to fully develop. To some degree, you can consider the teen brain still on “train-ing wheels” – it’s not yet able to perform at optimal adult levels. A huge burst of development happens during adolescence, and that burst can explain a lot of unpredictable – and sometimes risky – teen behavior.

The Adolescent Brain and the Behavior it Causes

From early adolescence through the mid-20s, the brain develops somewhat unevenly, from back to front. This may help explain teens’ endearingly quirky behavior, but it also makes them prone to risk-taking.

The parts of the adolescent brain that develop first are those that con-trol physical activity, emotion and motivation, in the back of the brain in the cerebellum, amygdala, and nucleus accumbens respectively.

However, the part of the brain that controls reasoning and impulses – known as the prefrontal cortex – is near the front of the brain and, there-fore, develops last. This part of the brain does not fully mature until the age of 25.

The staggered development of cer-tain parts of the brain can have notice-able effects on adolescent behavior. You may have noticed some of these in your teen:

Difficulty holding back or con-trolling emotions

A preference for high-excitement and low-effort activities (this is where the classic mantra of “sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll” comes from)

Poor planning and judgment (such as rarely thinking of negative conse-quences)

More risky, impulsive behaviors (including experimenting with drugs and alcohol)

The development of the adolescent brain and behavior are closely linked. The prefrontal cortex, which could be called the ‘voice of reason’ in the teen brain, isn’t as influential as those parts that place a higher emphasis on emotion, excitement and short-term reward. In an instant, hormones can shift your teen’s emotions into over-drive, leading to unpredictable – and sometimes risky – actions. Unfortu-nately, developing brains are gen-erally more prone to damage. This means that experimentation with drugs and alcohol can have lasting, harmful effects on your teen’s health.

The Effects of Drugs on the Teen Brain

Finding ways to satisfy needs and desires is part of life. It’s one of the many skills being fine-tuned during the teen years. When a teen takes drugs in order to feel good, it inter-feres with the body’s natural ability to do so. Here’s how drugs affect the brain:

The brain is made up of billions of nerve cells. Nerves control every-thing from when the heart beats to what your teen feels, thinks and does. They do this by sending elec-trical signals throughout the body. The signals get passed from nerve to nerve by chemical messengers called neurotransmitters.

For example, some of the signals that neurotransmitters send cause a feeling of satisfaction or pleasure. These natural rewards are the body’s way of making sure we look for more of what makes us feel good.

(For instance, when we eat some-thing tasty, neurotransmitters tell us we feel good. Seeking more of this pleasure helps to ensure we don’t starve.) The main neurotransmitter of the “feel-good” message is called dopamine.

Drugs overload the body with dopamine — in other words, they cause the reward system to send too many “feel-good” signals. In response, the body’s brain systems try to right the balance by letting fewer of the “feel-good” signals through. As time goes on, the body needs more of the drug to feel the same high as before. This effect is known as tolerance, and it can be especially dangerous in the cases of drugs like heroin and cocaine.

The effects of drugs on the brain don’t just end when the drug wears off. When a person stops taking a

drug, dopamine levels remain low for some time. He or she may feel down, or flat, and unable to feel regular pleasures in life. The brain will eventually restore the dopamine balance by itself, but it takes time — anywhere from hours, to days, or even months, depending on the drug, the length and amount of use, and the person.

Because teenagers have an over-active impulse to seek pleasure and less ability to consider the conse-quences, they are especially vulnera-ble when it comes to the temptations of drugs and alcohol. And because the internal reward systems are still being developed, a teen’s ability to bounce back to normal after using drugs may be compromised due to how drugs affect the brain.

Brain development and teen behavior


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There is no single reason why teenagers use drugs or alcohol. But here are some of the core issues and influences behind the behavior of teenage drug and alcohol use.

It’s important that you, as a parent, un-derstand these reasons and talk to your kids about the dangers of drinking and do-ing drugs.

1. Other People. Teenagers see lots of people consuming various substances. They see their parents and other adults drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes and, sometimes, trying other substances. Also, a teenager’s social scene often revolves around drinking and smoking marijuana. Sometimes friends urge one another to have a drink or smoke pot, but it’s just as common for teens to start trying a sub-stance because it’s readily available and they see all their friends enjoying it. In their minds, they see drug use as a part of the normal teenage experience.

2. Popular Media. Forty-five percent of teens agree with the statement: “The music that teens listen to makes mari-juana seem cool.” And 45 percent of teens agree with the statement “Movies and TV shows make drugs seem like an ok thing

to do.” (PATS 2012) So be aware of the media that your son or daughter is con-suming and talk to them about it.

3. Escape and Self-Medication. When teens are unhappy and can’t find a healthy outlet for their frustration or a trusted con-fidant, they may turn to chemicals for sol-ace. Depending on what substance they’re trying, they may feel blissfully oblivious, wonderfully happy or energized and con-fident. The often rough teenage years can take an emotional toll on children, some-times even causing depression, so when teens are given a chance to take something to make them feel better, many can’t re-sist. For example, some teens abuse pre-scription medicine to manage stress or regulate their lives. Sometimes they abuse prescription stimulants (used to treat at-tention deficit hyperactivity disorder) to provide additional energy and the ability to focus when they’re studying or taking tests. Others are abusing prescription pain relievers and tranquilizers to cope with academic, social or emotional stress.

4. Boredom. Teens who can’t tolerate being alone, have trouble keeping them-selves occupied or crave excitement are prime candidates for substance use. Not only do alcohol and marijuana give them something to do, but those substances

help fill the internal void they feel. Fur-ther, they provide a common ground for interacting with like-minded teens, a way to instantly bond with a group of kids.

5. Rebellion. Different rebellious teens choose different substances to use based on their personalities. Alcohol is the drug of choice for the angry teenager because it frees him to behave aggressively. Meth-amphetamine, or meth, also encourages aggressive, violent behavior, and can be far more dangerous and potent than alco-hol. Marijuana, on the other hand, often seems to reduce aggression and is more of an avoidance drug. Some teens abuse prescription medicine to party and get high. LSD and hallucinogens are also es-cape drugs, often used by young people who feel misunderstood and may long to escape to a more idealistic, kind world. Smoking cigarettes can be a form of re-bellion to flaunt their independence and make their parents angry. The reasons for teenage drug-use are as complex as teen-agers themselves.

6. Instant Gratification. Drugs and alco-hol work quickly. The initial effects feel really good. Teenagers turn to drug use because they see it as a short-term short-cut to happiness.

7. Lack of Confidence. Many shy

teenagers who lack confidence report that they’ll do things under the influence of alcohol or drugs that they might not otherwise. This is part of the appeal of drugs and alcohol even for relatively self-confident teens; you have the courage to dance if you’re a bad dancer, or sing at the top of your lungs even if you have a terrible voice, or kiss the girl you’re at-tracted to. And alcohol and other drugs tend not only to loosen your inhibitions but to alleviate social anxiety. Not only do you have something in common with the other people around you, but there’s the mentality that if you do anything or say anything stupid, everyone will just think you had too many drinks or smoked too much weed.

8. Misinformation. Perhaps the most avoidable cause of substance use is inac-curate information about drugs and al-cohol. Nearly every teenager has friends who claim to be experts on various rec-reational substances, and they’re happy to assure her that the risks are minimal. Educate your teenagers about drug use, so they get the real facts about the dangers of drug use.

Top 8 reasons why teens try alcohol and drugs


Most commomly abused drugs among teensTeenagers are in a stage in their lives when

they are testing boundaries, gaining some in-dependence and learning more about the world around them beyond the watchful eyes of their parents. Social circles may have expanded out-side of immediate neighborhoods, and teens could be influenced by new factors.

The teenage years also may be a time of experimentation. While changes in dress, enter-tainment and appearance may be normal, teens also may experiment with different substances and risky behaviors.

A 2015 study conducted by the National Insti-tute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) indicated that more than 58 percent of 12th graders had consumed alcohol and nearly 24 percent had used illicit drugs in the past year. Teens may be drawn to alcohol and drugs for reasons like thrill-seeking, peer pressure, curiosity, and even acceptance from others. Still, defiance or boredom may be other motivating factors.

While some teenagers who experiment with drugs may try them a few times and move on, others may become addicted. Certain drugs can chemically overwhelm developing bodies, caus-ing brain cells to shut down or perish. Physi-ological effects may result.

Parents can be more aware of teen’s activi-ties and the propensity for use of both legal and illegal substances. By educating oneself about the drugs teens most often try, parents may be in better position to recognize and/or discourage

drug use in their children.• Marijuana: The drug rehabilitation program

Treatment Solutions says that marijuana is the most commonly used drug today. Teens may justify use because they’ve heard about parents’ past experiences with pot. Legalization of mari-juana in some areas may have made the drug seem less harmful. However, today’s marijuana is much more potent than the pot of the past.

• Alcohol: Studies repeatedly show that teen-agers have high rates of alcohol use. The group Best Drug Rehabilitation says research shows kids who started drinking early are four times as likely to grow up to be alcoholics than those who started drinking at legal age. Alcohol can get teens in trouble with the law and lead to un-intentional injuries. Data from the National Re-search Council and Institute of Medicine Com-mittee on Developing a Strategy to Reduce and Prevent Underage Drinking found approximately 70 percent of television programming has ref-erences to alcohol use. This may make alcohol seem acceptable to teens.

• Prescription drugs: Many teens have easy access to prescription drugs in their own homes or the homes of their friends. Some teens even hold “pharming parties,” where they bring pre-scriptions they can find to share with the group.

• Heroin: Highly addictive, heroin may be a go-to drug for people who can no longer get ac-cess to prescription opioid pain relievers. Heroin abuse among first-time users continues to rise,

offers the Teen Addiction Center, and many her-oin batches are mixed with fentanyl, a substance that is more potent than heroin and extremely toxic. With such a low price point, heroin is rela-tively easy for teens to acquire and it’s very ad-dictive as well.

Parents who educate themselves about teens and drug use can be in better position to help their children should kids begin experimenting with drugs.

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“What do I do if my kid is using drugs?” If you’ve just discovered or have reason to believe your child is using drugs, the first thing to do is sit down and take a deep breath. We know it’s a scary time, but you’re in the right place. Before you intervene, take time to pre-pare yourself for the important conversation ahead, and to lay the foundation for more posi-tive outcomes.

Talk With Your Spouse or PartnerWe’re all familiar with the trick of turning to

one parent when the other says no. It’s best if you and your spouse come to a common stance on drug and alcohol use before raising the subject with your child.

Remind each other that nobody is to blame.

Come to an agreement on the position you’ll take. Even if you disagree, commit to present-ing a united front. Pledge not to undermine or bad-talk each other. Remind each other to come from a place of love when talking to your son or daughter.

Prepare to be Called a HypocriteYou’re likely to be asked whether or not

you’ve done drugs, and there are ways to answer honestly that keep the emphasis less on you, and more on what you want for your son or daughter. You could explain that you tried drugs in order to fit in, only to discover that’s never a good reason to do anything. Or you can focus on the fact that drugs affect everyone differently, and just because your life wasn’t harmed by drug use, you’ve seen it happen to too many others.

Don’t let your response become a justifi-cation for your child’s drug use. Focus on the issue at hand – that you don’t want your son or daughter drinking or using drugs.

Be honest – but be sure they know you don’t want them using.

If you use tobacco and your child calls you on this, mention that you are an adult, and yes, you can do this since it’s legal – but you under-stand that you shouldn’t and it’s not healthy. Underscore how hard it is to stop as an adult and that you want to help your child to avoid making the same mistakes.

If you’re in recovery, think of your past experiences as a gift you can use to impact your child. Tell your child, “I did these things but I made wrong choices, and I want you to learn the lessons from my mistakes.”

Gather Any EvidenceIt’s understandable to have some reserva-

tions about snooping in your child’s room or through their belongings, but remember, your primary responsibility is to their well-being. As you gather evidence, try to anticipate different ways they might deny using, like the excuse “I’m holding it for someone else.” Even if you don’t have an airtight case, you’ll be better pre-pared for the important conversation to come.

Expect anger, and resolve to remain calmIf you think the conversation will be uncom-

fortable for you, imagine how uncomfortable it will make your son or daughter. Be prepared for them to say things to shock you, deny even the most convincing evidence, accuse you of distrust, and worse. Think about how you’ll handle an angry or resentful reaction from your child.

Resolve to remain calm, no matter what your child says. Try not to be baited into responding with anger of your own. If the conversation gets heated, end it and bring it up later.

If you find the discussion is too emotional and not productive, figure out what you need to do to keep things calm before restarting the conversation. If you’re struggling, talk to a counselor to help you find de-escalation tech-niques that are effective and work naturally for you.

Don’t forget to tell your child that you love him or her, and this is why you’re concerned.

Set a Realistic GoalThings will go more smoothly if you have a

desired outcome in mind. It’s OK – and prob-ably for the best – to keep expectations low. It may be unrealistic to expect your child to admit to use and pledge to stop. A more reasonable objective, like simply expressing that you don’t want him or her to use, can be a win.

Try not to have unrealistic expectation, especially if this is your first conversation. Keep in mind that your child will probably not admit to using drugs or alcohol right off the bat. Set a small goal and move toward it, one step at a time.

Spell Out Rules and ConsequencesBefore the conversation starts, think through

which rules you would like to put in place, and what the consequences of breaking them will be. This can help clarify the goal of your con-versation, and help you set a clear next step.

Have an idea of the rules and consequences you’d like to set going in. Listen to your teen’s feedback and let him help negotiate rules and consequences. Be sure your spouse knows about and is prepared to enforce these rules. Don’t set rules you will have no way of enforc-ing.

Recognize Any Addiction in the FamilyDon’t deny addiction in your family. Use it as

a way to talk to your child and regularly remind him or her of their elevated risk. Drug and alcohol dependence can happen to anyone. But if there is a history of addiction – cocaine, alcohol, nicotine, etc. – in your family, your

child has a much greater risk of developing an addiction.

Explain that while they may be tempted to try drugs, the odds aren’t in their favor. Their genes make them more vulnerable to develop-ing a dependence or addiction.

Prepare to take action if you suspect drug use

Dinner1_Ladies_4.25x7News_ADV.indd 1 4/23/13 3:29 PM


The following information was provided by the

American Lung Assocationwww.lung.org

Why Kids StartAlmost 70% of adult smokers began

smoking before they turned 18. Most smok-ers try their first cigarette around the age of 11, and many are addicted by the time they turn 14. So why do kids start smoking in the first place?

Their parents are smokers.Peer pressure – their friends encourage

them to try cigarettes, and to keep smoking.They see smoking as a way of rebelling

and showing independence.They think that everyone else is smoking,

and that they should, too.Tobacco advertising targets teenagers.The majority of children in elementary

school and the early part of middle school have never tried a cigarette. Most will tell you that they will never smoke cigarettes. But as they get older, some will become more open to the idea of smoking.

Cigarette companies shape their advertis-ing campaigns to portray smokers as cool, sexy, independent, fun, attractive, and living on the edge – images that are appealing to many teens. As a result, they try smok-ing and many get hooked. Only 5% of high-school-age smokers believe they’ll still be smoking 5 years after graduation but they don’t understand how difficult quitting can be. Research shows that after 8 years, 75% of those smokers will still be using some form of tobacco.

The Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, signed into law by Pres-ident Barack Obama on June 22, 2009, con-tains several provisions aimed at preventing young people from starting to smoke.

Tips For ParentsEven though smoking is glamorized in

movies and television, remember that par-ents are the most important influence in their children’s lives.

Tell your children honestly and directly

that you don’t want them to smoke ciga-rettes. Give them clear, consistent messages about the risks of smoking.

Start talking to your kids about smoking when they are five or six years old and con-tinue through their high school years. Many kids start smoking at age 11 and some are addicted by age 14. Explain the health dangers, as well as the unpleasant physi-cal aspects (such as bad breath, discolored teeth and nails), of smoking.

Set a good example for your kids by not smoking. Parents who smoke are more likely to have children who smoke.

If you’re a parent who smokes, the best thing you can do is to quit. Talk to your kids about how difficult it is to quit smoking and how much easier it would have been if you’d never started smoking in the first place. In the meantime, don’t smoke around your children and don’t ever let them have any of your cigarettes.

Establish a smoke-free policy in your home. Don’t allow anyone to smoke indoors at any time.

Make sure that the events that your chil-dren attend are smoke-free.

Support tobacco-free schools and insist that school health programs include tobacco-use prevention education.

Know if your children have any friends that smoke. Talk with your kids about ways to refuse a cigarette.

If you caught your teen smoking, try to avoid threats and ultimatums. Ask a few questions and find out why your child is smoking; he or she may want to be accepted by a peer group, or want your attention. Talk about what changes can be made in his or her life to help your child stop smoking.

As you talk to your child about their smok-ing, point out that he or she is probably already addicted to nicotine. The tobacco industry spends billions of dollars each year to make sure their products are as appealing and as addictive as possible. Ask your child to think about how they’ve been manipu-lated and used by tobacco companies. This realization makes many teen smokers angry and can help their motivation to quit.

Talk to kids about the dangers of smoking

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The following is provided by www.drugfree.org

There’s no easy way to figure out if your teen is using drugs or alcohol. As you’ll see, many of the signs and symptoms of teen substance abuse listed below are also, at times, typical adolescent behavior. Many are also symptoms of mental health issues, in-cluding depression or anxiety disorders.

If you’ve noticed any of the changes re-lated to substance abuse listed below, don’t be afraid to come right out and ask your teen direct questions like “Have you been offered drugs?” If yes, “What did you do?” or “Have you been drinking or using drugs?” While no parent wants to hear a “yes” response to these questions, be prepared for it. Decide, in advance, how you’ll respond to a “yes”. Make sure you reassure your child that you’re looking out for him or her, and that you only want the best for his or her future.

Of course, not all teens are going to fess up to drug or alcohol use, and a “no” could also mean your child is in need of help for mental health issues. That’s why experts strongly recommend that you consider get-ting a professional assessment of your child with a pediatrician or child psychologist to find out what’s going on. In the case of teen substance abuse, don’t be afraid to err on the side of caution. Teaming up with profes-sionals to help your teen is the best way to make sure he or she has a healthy future.

Personal Appearance•Messy, shows lack of caring for appear-ance• Poor hygiene• Red, flushed cheeks or face• Track marks on arms or legs (or long sleeves in warm weather to hide marks)

• Burns or soot on fingers or lips (from “joints” or “roaches” burning down)

Personal Habits or Actions• Clenching teeth• Smell of smoke or other unusual smells on breath or on clothes• Chewing gum or mints to cover up breath• Heavy use of over-the-counter prepara-tions to reduce eye reddening, nasal irrita-tion, or bad breath• Frequently breaks curfew• Cash flow problems• Reckless driving, car accidents, or unex-plained dents in the car• Avoiding eye contact• Locked doors• Going out every night• Secretive phone calls• “Munchies” or sudden appetite

Behavioral Issues Associated with Teen Substance Abuse• Change in relationships with family mem-bers or friends• Loss of inhibitions•Mood changes or emotional instability• Loud, obnoxious behavior• Laughing at nothing• Unusually clumsy, stumbling, lack of coor-dination, poor balance• Sullen, withdrawn, depressed• Unusually tired• Silent, uncommunicative• Hostility, anger, uncooperative behavior• Deceitful or secretive•Makes endless excuses• Decreased motivation• Lethargic movement• Unable to speak intelligibly, slurred speech, or rapid-fire speech• Inability to focus

• Hyperactivity• Unusually elated• Periods of sleeplessness or high energy, followed by long periods of “catch up” sleep• Disappearances for long periods of time

School- or Work-Related Issues• Truancy or loss of interest in schoolwork• Loss of interest in extracurricular activi-ties, hobbies, or sports• Failure to fulfill responsibilities at school or work• Complaints from teachers or co-workers• Reports of intoxication at school or work

Health Issues Related to Teen Substance Abuse• Nosebleeds• Runny nose, not caused by allergies or a cold• Frequent sickness• Sores, spots around mouth• Queasy, nauseous• Seizures• Vomiting•Wetting lips or excessive thirst (known as “cotton mouth”)• Sudden or dramatic weight loss or gain

• Skin abrasions/bruises• Accidents or injuries• Depression• Headaches• Sweatiness

Home- or Car-Related• Disappearance of prescription of over-the-counter pills•Missing alcohol or cigarettes• Disappearance of money or valuables• Smell in the car or bottles, pipes, or bongs on floor or in glove box• Appearance of unusual containers or wrappers, or seeds left on surfaces used to clean marijuana, like Frisbees,• Appearance of unusual drug apparatuses, including pipes, rolling papers, small medi-cine bottles, eye drops, butane lighters, or makeshift smoking devices, like bongs made out of toilet paper rolls and aluminum foil• Hidden stashes of alcohol

Are you feeling overwhelmed, stressed or

have a specific question about your child’s drug or alcohol use? Call our Toll-Free Helpline at 1-855-DRUGFREE (1-855-378-4373) to speak with a trained specialist.

IS YOUR TEEN USING? Symptoms of substance abuse

Last year, millionsofparentslearned they weretheir teen’s drug dealer.

44 PERCENT OF TEENS have at least one friendwho abuses prescription drugs. But this epidemic isn’tunfolding on our streets. Our kids are accessing thesedrugs -- absolutely free -- right in our own homes. Howbig is the problem? Unintentional drug overdoses in theU.S. now outnumber traffic fatalities, and prescriptiondrug abuse is the sad reason why.

FREE DRUGS FROM PARENTS? Nearly fourbillion prescriptions are filled in America every year.Some experts estimate 1/3 of these prescriptions arenever used. (How many pills were unused from yourlast Rx?) But for many of us, it seems wrong to throwaway extra pills and not-quite-empty bottles. And that’stoo much for millions of curious teenagers to resist.

HOW KIDS ABUSE Rx DRUGS: It’s no secretthat many prescription drugs have unintended alternateuses. Many teens know which painkillers can get youhigh, especially when mixed with alcohol. Many stu-dents cram for exams by misusing drugs that treatADHD or sleeplessness. Sedatives, anti-depressants,amphetamines, barbiturates, OTC cough medicineswith dextromethorphan...you may not know how to mis-use them, but others do.

IS YOUR KID MISUSING? By their senior yearof high school, one in five teenagers will have abusedprescription painkillers. Nine percent will have abusedsedatives and tranquilizers; another ten percent willmisuse prescriptions for treating ADHD. More teensmisuse painkillers every year than use cocaine. Many

kids think prescription drugs are ‘safer’ than illegaldrugs. And it’s so much easier to avoid suspicion withprescription drugs.

IS YOUR HOME SAFE? The short brutal answer?No. Pharmacists keep drugs locked away, but the restof us certainly don’t. One industry group estimates thatour nation’s medicine cabinets contain more than200,000,000 pounds of leftover prescriptions.

THIS IS THE NEW DRUG EPIDEMIC. In themid-1970s, an international heroin epidemic pushedoverdose deaths to 1.5 per 100,000 US population.The cocaine epidemic of 1989-1993 doubled drug

deaths to almost 3 in 100,000. Today’s prescriptiondrug epidemic is three times deadlier than that: over 10deaths per 100,000 population in 2009.

THE MEDICINE ABUSE PROJECT aims toraise awareness among kids, parents, law enforcementand government officials, health care professionals, andeducators. Our goal: cut teen medicine abuse in half infive years, but two things have to happen: First, safe-guard your meds. Second, talk to your kids.

SAFEGUARD YOUR MEDS NOW. Our firststep, as parents, is to change our behaviors. Please re-move any current prescriptions from the ‘public’ spacesin your home. Clear out your medicine cabinets andclosets of unfinished prescriptions, especially in bath-rooms that visitors use. It’s hard to change the patternsof a lifetime, but we must start throwing away prescrip-tions when we’re finished with them. Every pharmacisttells us that, and it’s time to heed their words.

TALK WITH YOUR KIDS. When you safeguardyour house, tell your kids what you’re doing and why.Ask what they’re seeing at school, and how it affectstheir friends and classmates. Next time you pick up aprescription for someone in the family, raise the subjectagain. When you give your kids cold medicine or apainkiller, that’s another perfect teaching moment.Make sure you say the most important thing a parentcan say to their child: “I don’t want you to do drugs.”And be sure to point out that misusing legal drugs canbe just as deadly as using illegal drugs. Because it is.

A new kind of drug abuse is killing our kids. What every parent needs to know.

Safeguard your medications and talk with your kids. Visit drugfree.org to learn more.

Saturday errands.A perfect moment to talk about alcohol.

An alarming number of pre-teens are drinking alcohol – which makes it urgent to find every opportunity to talk to your kids about the dangers of underage drinking. For tips on how – and when – to begin the conversation, visit:

www.underagedrinking.samhsa.gov

Errands_8.625x5_News_ADV.indd 1 4/22/13 4:01 PM


Courtesy of Partnership for Drug-Free Kids

www.drugfree.org

It’s been around for over a decade, but vaping’s popularity exploded in 2017, taking many families, schools and healthcare pro-viders by surprise. Vaping, or Juuling (named after a popular vape device called JUUL), is the inhalaing and exhaling of an aerosol pro-duced using a vape device.

Nearly one in three high school seniors tried vaping in the past year. With advertis-ing geared toward teens and young adults, devices designed to attract attention and thousands of flavors to choose from, the expectation is that growth will continue.

For every story touting the benefits of vaping, there is an equal number raising con-cerns about its risks. The information here is meant to help you understand vaping, its appeal to youth and what research has to say about the known and unknown risks.

What is Vaping?Vape devices, known as e-cigs, e-hookahs,

mods, vape pens, vapes, tank systems and Juuls, contain four basic components: a car-tridge or tank to hold e-liquid (or e-juice/vape sauce), a heating element known as an atom-izer, a battery and a mouthpiece to inhale. A sensor detects when a person is trying to inhale. This triggers the battery to supply electricity to the atomizer. The heat given off vaporizes the e-liquid. The resulting vapor is what is inhaled.

What do vape devices look like?Some vape devices mimic cigarettes,

cigars or pipes while others resemble USB sticks and other everyday objects like a guitar pick. Larger devices like tank systems, or “mods,” look more like a small cell phone. Some devices are disposable while others can be recharged and refilled.

What is being vaped?Many substances can be vaped, but the

most common are variations of flavored e-liq-uids which come in small bottles or pre-filled pods or cartridges.

Flavored e-liquids come in thousands of flavors ranging from cotton candy and grape to king crab legs and hot dog.

Flavored e-liquids with differing levels of nicotine. One of the more popular devices, Juul, contains 59 mg/ml of nicotine in each pod, the equivalent of a pack of cigarettes.

Flavored e-liquids with marijuana. Mari-

juana can be vaped in a variety of forms including its dried leaves or using THC and/or CBD oil (THC is the psychoactive compound that creates a sense of being high). (See below for more on vaping and marijuana)

Why is vaping so popular?Vaping was intended to be a less harmful

option for adult smokers, but enticing flavors combined with the power of social media to set off trends like “cloud competitions” (think smoke rings and other exhaling tricks) have made it attractive to many teens and young adults.

Is Vaping Safe?The short answer is no, vaping is not con-

sidered safe for teens and young adults, espe-cially since their brains are still in a period of active development.

Vaping is a relatively new phenomenon so long-term studies of its impact on young adult health and behavior have yet to be conducted. The most comprehensive research to date is a report commissioned by Congress from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineer-ing and Medicine. Released in January 2018, the report looked at exposure to nicotine and other toxic substances, dependence, harm reduction, smoking risks, cancer and more. Below are some key findings:

Exposure to nicotine is worrisome in teens and young adults because nicotine can be highly addictive. Due to the fact that the brain is undergoing massive changes during the teen years, nicotine use may rewire the brain, making it easier to get hooked on other substances and contribute to problems with

concentration, learning and impulse control.Most vape devices release a number of

potentially toxic substances, although expo-sure is considerably lower than those found in regular cigarettes.

Dependence develops when the body adapts to repeated exposure to vaping. When a person stops vaping, he or she can experi-ence withdrawal symptoms, although likely not as intense as with conventional cigarettes.

Vaping may be increasing risks of smoking. Teens and young adults who vape are almost four times as likely as their non-vaping peers to begin smoking cigarettes.

Injuries and poisonings have resulted from devices exploding and direct exposure to e-liquids.

Long-term studies are needed to evaluate the risks of cancer and respiratory illness, though there is some concern that vaping can cause coughing and wheezing and may exac-erbate asthma.

Marijuana and VapingDevices and accessories designed for

vaping marijuana are a booming business. Any marijuana use, whether vaped or other-wise, is a concern for adolescents and young adults. According to the CDC, marijuana use may have long-lasting permanent effects on developing adolescent brains. Negative effects include:

Difficulty with critical thinking skills like attention, problem-solving and memory

Impaired reaction time and coordination, especially as it relates to driving

Declines in school performanceIncreased risk of mental health issues

including depression or anxiety, and in some cases, psychosis where there is a family his-tory

What Can Parents Do to Prevent Vaping?Be equipped with facts. Download the

vaping guide for parents and read it over. Remain familiar with vape devices, what’s being vaped and the risks associates.

Have conversations. Opportunities to dis-cuss vaping can present themselves in many ways: letters from the school, advertisements, seeing it on TV, walking by someone vaping or passing a vape shop. Be ready to listen rather than lecture. Try using an open-ended ques-tion like “What do you think about vaping?” to get the conversation going.

Convey your expectations. Express your understanding of the risks along with why you don’t want your child vaping. If you choose to set consequences, be sure to follow through while reinforcing healthier choices.

Be a good role model. Set a positive exam-ple by being vape and tobacco-free. If you do vape, keep your equipment and supplies secured.

What to Say When Your Teen Asks

Q: Isn’t vaping safer than smoking ciga-rettes?

Exposure to toxic substances may be reduced, but there are still significant con-cerns when replacing smoking cigarettes with vaping. One’s lungs are exposed to fine par-ticles, metals, other toxins and nicotine which are all harmful. You may use the example that “Driving 90 miles an hour with a seat belt on is safer than without one, but neither is safe.” The same goes for vaping. And as with all substance use, ask your child why they’re interested in vaping in the first place.

Q: Everyone is doing it, why do you care?You can say, “I know you might think this

because of what you see in school or on social media, but the fact is that the majority of teens are choosing not to vape. It might be popular among some kids, but that doesn’t mean it’s safe.”

Q: You smoke, so why shouldn’t I?If you’ve tried to quit, respond by saying

something like, “You’re right, smoking is unhealthy and I’ve tried to quit and wish I had never started. I don’t want you to start an unhealthy habit and struggle the way I have.”

Visit www.drugfree.org for additional infor-mation and a free guide for parents.

How to talk with your kids about vaping


Courtesy of stopbullying.gov

There are many warning signs that may indicate that someone is affected by bullying—either being bullied or bullying others. Recognizing the warn-ing signs is an important first step in taking action against bullying. Not all children who are bullied or are bullying others ask for help.

It is important to talk with children who show signs of being bullied or bul-lying others. These warning signs can also point to other issues or problems, such as depression or substance abuse. Talking to the child can help identify the root of the problem.

Signs a Child Is Being BulliedLook for changes in the child. However,

be aware that not all children who are bul-lied exhibit warning signs.

Some signs that may point to a bullying problem are:

Unexplainable injuriesLost or destroyed clothing, books, elec-

tronics, or jewelryFrequent headaches or stomach aches,

feeling sick or faking illnessChanges in eating habits, like suddenly

skipping meals or binge eating. Kids may come home from school hungry because they did not eat lunch.

Difficulty sleeping or frequent nightmaresDeclining grades, loss of interest in

schoolwork, or not wanting to go to schoolSudden loss of friends or avoidance of

social situationsFeelings of helplessness or decreased

self esteemSelf-destructive behaviors such as run-

ning away from home, harming themselves, or talking about suicide

If you know someone in serious distress or danger, don’t ignore the problem. Get help right away.

Signs a Child is Bullying OthersKids may be bullying others if they:

Get into physical or verbal fightsHave friends who bully othersAre increasingly aggressiveGet sent to the principal’s office or to

detention frequentlyHave unexplained extra money or new

belongings

Blame others for their problemsDon’t accept responsibility for their

actionsAre competitive and worry about their

reputation or popularityWhy don’t kids ask for help?Statistics from the 2012 Indicators of

School Crime and Safety - PDFexit dis-claimer icon show that an adult was notified in less than half (40%) of bullying incidents. Kids don’t tell adults for many reasons:

Bullying can make a child feel helpless. Kids may want to handle it on their own to feel in control again. They may fear being seen as weak or a tattletale.

Kids may fear backlash from the kid who bullied them.

Bullying can be a humiliating experience. Kids may not want adults to know what is being said about them, whether true or false. They may also fear that adults will judge them or punish them for being weak.

Kids who are bullied may already feel socially isolated. They may feel like no one cares or could understand.

Kids may fear being rejected by their peers. Friends can help protect kids from bullying, and kids can fear losing this sup-port.

Effects of BullyingBullying can affect everyone—those who

are bullied, those who bully, and those who witness bullying. Bullying is linked to many negative outcomes including impacts on mental health, substance use, and suicide. It is important to talk to kids to determine whether bullying—or something else—is a concern.

Kids Who are BulliedKids who are bullied can experience neg-

ative physical, school, and mental health issues. Kids who are bullied are more likely to experience:

Depression and anxiety, increased feel-ings of sadness and loneliness, changes in sleep and eating patterns, and loss of inter-est in activities they used to enjoy. These issues may persist into adulthood.

Health complaintsDecreased academic achievement—GPA

and standardized test scores—and school participation. They are more likely to miss, skip, or drop out of school.

A very small number of bullied children might retaliate through extremely violent

measures. In 12 of 15 school shooting cases in the 1990s, the shooters had a his-tory of being bullied.

Kids Who Bully OthersKids who bully others can also engage in

violent and other risky behaviors into adult-hood. Kids who bully are more likely to:

Abuse alcohol and other drugs in adoles-cence and as adults

Get into fights, vandalize property, and drop out of school

Engage in early sexual activityHave criminal convictions and traffic

citations as adults Be abusive toward their romantic part-

ners, spouses, or children as adultsBystandersKids who witness bullying are more likely

to:Have increased use of tobacco, alcohol,

or other drugsHave increased mental health problems,

including depression and anxietyMiss or skip school

The Relationship between Bullying and Suicide

Media reports often link bullying with sui-cide. However, most youth who are bullied do not have thoughts of suicide or engage in suicidal behaviors.

Although kids who are bullied are at risk of suicide, bullying alone is not the cause. Many issues contribute to suicide risk, including depression, problems at home, and trauma history. Additionally, specific groups have an increased risk of suicide, including American Indian and Alaskan Native, Asian American, lesbian, gay, bisex-ual, and transgender youth. This risk can be increased further when these kids are not supported by parents, peers, and schools. Bullying can make an unsupportive situa-tion worse.

Warning signs of bullying


Warning signs of dating violenceThis article is provided by safeyouth.org

National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center

Teenagers generally do not tell people when they are involved in a violent rela-tionship, so it is important for adults to be alert for signs that a teen may be involved in relationship that is, or has the potential to become, abusive. Some of the following signs are just part of being a teenager. But, when these changes happen suddenly, or without an explanation, there may be cause for concern.

-Does the individual have unexplained bruises, scratches, or injuries?

-Do you see signs that the individual is

afraid of his/her boyfriend or girlfriend?-Does the boyfriend or girlfriend seem

to try to control the individual’s behavior, making all of the decisions, checking up on his/her behavior, demanding to know who the individual has been with, and acting jealous and possessive?

-Does the boyfriend or girlfriend lash out, criticize, or insult the individual?

-Does the individual apologize for the boyfriend or girlfriend’s behavior to you and others? Has the individual casually mentioned the boyfriend or girlfriend’s temper or violent behavior, but then laughed it off as a joke?

-Have you seen the boyfriend or girl-friend be abusive towards other people or

things?-Does the individual seem to have lost

interest or to be giving up things that were once important? Has he/she lost interest in school or other activities?

-Has the individual’s appearance or behavior suddenly changed?

-Has the individual stopped spending time with friends and family?

-Have you seen sudden changes in the individual’s mood or personality. Is the individual becoming anxious or depressed, acting out, or being secretive? Is the indi-vidual avoiding eye contact, having ‘crying jags’ or getting ‘hysterical?’

-Has the individual recently started using alcohol or drugs?

Know the signs of inhalant abuseAimies Amphetamine; amyl nitriteAir blast InhalantsAmes Amyl nitriteAmys Amyl nitriteAroma of men Isobutyl nitriteBagging Using inhalantsBang Inhalants; to inject a drugBolt Amphetamine; isobutyl nitriteBoppers Amyl nitriteBullet Isobutyl nitrite; inhalantsBullet bolt InhalantsBuzz Bomb Nitrous oxideChroming InhalantClimax Crack; heroin, isobutyl nitrite; Discorama InhalantsGlading Using inhalantsGluey One who sniffs or inhales glueHardware Isobutyl nitrite; inhalantsHeart-on InhalantsHighball InhalantsHippie crack InhalantsHoney oil Ketamine; inhalantsHuff InhalantsLaughing gas Nitrous oxideMedusa InhalantsMoon gas InhalantsOz InhalantsPearls Amyl nitritePoor man’s pot InhalantsPoppers Isobutyl nitrite; amyl nitriteQuicksilver Isobutyl nitrite; inhalantsRush Cocaine; isobutyl nitrite; inhalantsRush Snappers Isobutyl nitriteSatan’s secret InhalantsShoot the breeze Nitrous oxideSnappers Isobutyl nitriteSnotballs Rubber cement rolled into balls, burned, and the fumes are inhaledSpray InhalantsTexas shoe shine InhalantsThrust Isobutyl intrite; inhalantsToilet water InhalantsTolly TolueneToncho Octane booster that is inhaledWhippets Nitrous oxideWhiteout Inhalants; isobutyl nitrite

The following information is provided by www.inhalant.org

Different inhalants yield different ef-fects. Generally speaking, because in-haled chemicals are absorbed through the lungs into the bloodstream and dis-tributed quickly to the brain and other organs, the effects of inhaling can be severe. Within minutes, the user experi-ences feelings of intoxication and may become dizzy, have headaches, abdomi-nal pain, limb spasms, lack of coordina-tion, loss of control, hallucinations, and impaired judgment. Worse, he or she may even die from a condition known as Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome, which can even occur with first time us-ers.

Long-term inhalant users generally suffer from muscle weakness, inatten-tiveness, lack of coordination, irritabil-ity, depression, liver or kidney damage, and central nervous system (including brain) damage. The dangers are real, the side effects are severe, and the high is not worth risking your life.Behavioral Signs of Inhalant Abuse

Painting fingernails with magic mark-ers or correction fluid

Sitting with a pen or marker by the nose

Constantly smelling clothing sleeves

Showing paint or stain marks on face, fingers, or clothing

Having numerous butane lighters and refills in room, backpack, or locker (when the child does not smoke)

Hiding rags, clothes, or empty con-

tainers of the potentially abused prod-ucts in closets, under the bed, in garage, etc.

Symptoms of Inhalant Abuse

Drunk, dazed, or dizzy appear-ance

Slurred or disoriented speechUncoordinated physical symptomsRed or runny eyes and noseSpots and/or sores around the mouthUnusual breath odor or chemical odor

on clothingSigns of paint or other products where

they wouldn’t normally be, such as on face, lips, nose, or fingers

Nausea and/or loss of appetiteChronic inhalant abusers may exhibit

symptoms such as hallucinations, anxi-

ety, excitability, irritability, restlessness or anger.

In Case of an Emergency

First, stay calm. Do not excite or ar-gue with the abuser while they are un-der the influence. This may trigger the heart rate to increase, causing cardiac arrest.

If the person is unconscious or not breathing - call for help immediately. CPR should be administered until help arrives.

If the person is conscious, keep them calm and in a well-ventilated area.

Do not leave the person alone.Activity, excitement, or stress may

cause heart problems or lead to Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome (when an in-dividual dies the first time they abuse an inhalant)

Check for clue. Try to find out what was used as the inhalant. Tell the proper authorities.

Seek professional help for the abuser through a counselor, school nurse, phy-sician, teacher, clergy, or coach.

Be a good listener.A helpful way to remember the

warning signs of inhalant abuse:Hidden, chemical-soaked rags or

clothesEyes and nose red and runnyLoss of appetite or nauseaPaint or chemical stains on face or

fingers

SLANG TERMS


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46 Years and Still Sizzlin! Thanks so much to ourmany friends & customers.Come by and help us celebrate . . . with

OUR DAILY SPECIALS!

Highway 301 North, Rocky MountHighway 301 North, Rocky Mount

Western Sizzlin gift cards are the perfect gift

for any occasion.

Documents

AN INFORMATIVE GUIDE TO KEEPING KIDS SAFE PROTECTING OUR ... · Protecting Our Children, The Nashville Graphic, February 28, 2019, Page 5 Dean Ayers PO BOx 476 • SPring HOPe, nC