Crack is a form of cocaine that has been chemically changed so that it can be smoked.
Both drugs are classified as stimulants and are highly addictive. The physical risks of crack and cocaine use are, very scary. Because the drugs increase your blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and body temperature, the effects can be heart attacks, strokes, and respiratory failure. By sharing needles, cocaine users are at further risk for hepatitis or AIDS. It's a fact: Even one hit of crack or cocaine can be fatal.
It is sometimes hard to pinpoint why people behave the way that they do. But the Indiana Prevention Resource Center took a survey to find out WHY young people were using alcohol and illegal drugs and smoking tobacco. The five reasons listed below were the answers young people gave for using alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drugs:
(Source: Indiana Prevention Resource Center, Feb. 1996)
For more information on teen attitudes and what the statistics are showing, refer to pages16 through 21 in The Parents' Guide to The Drug Free Home.
6) I've recently heard of "gateway drugs." What are they?
A gateway drug is any kind of drug that "opens the gate" and leads to the use of other drugs.
Here's an example: Lifestyle drugs such as nicotine, alcohol, and caffeine can all be habit-forming. We all know someone who has to have that morning cigarette, glass of wine, or cup of coffee. Hard drug users often report that these lifestyle drugs (even though they are legal substances) were the first types of drugs that they became addicted to.
7) I would never buy my child drugs or alcohol. So how could I be considered an "enabler"?
You wouldn't have to actually purchase pot or wine to enable your child to use drugs or alcohol. An enabler is a person who (through their actions or their inactions) allows or makes it possible for someone to continue using drugs/alcohol. There are a number of ways that parents can be enablers: Parents who refuse to believe that their child is suffering from a drug problem; Parents who make excuses for a child who is using/abusing drugs or alcohol; Parents who lend their child excessive amounts of money but convince themselves that their child is using the money for something other than drugs ie. clothes, CDs, or car expenses; and Parents who take over a child's family responsibilities, thus making it easy for the child to evade responsibilities.
8) My child is only in middle school. He can't possible be old enough to be exposed to drugs, let alone, try drugs himself…Can he?
The answer to this question is, unfortunately, YES. According to data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the average age for the first use of marijuana is 13 and _ years old. Statistics also show that nearly 40 percent of teenagers will try smoking pot before they graduate from high school.
9) How available are drugs in the schools?
According to a survey of students from both public and private schools, some drugs were considered to be very available in schools. From a total of over 2 million students surveyed by the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics, 31% said that alcohol was easy to get. Thirty percent of students said that marijuana was easy to get, and 20 percent said that uppers/downers were easy to get.
When asked about other drugs such as crack and cocaine, only 11 percent of students said cocaine was easy to get; nine percent said crack was easy to get. On the other hand, 33 percent of students said cocaine was hard to get; 31 percent said they didn't know. (For a full account of the survey, turn to page 20 of The Parents' Guide to The Drug Free Home.)
10) I want to know what my children think and feel about drugs, but I don't know how to get the conversations started. Any ideas?
Talking to your children about drug abuse is just about the most important factor in creating a drug free home. But it isn't easy. Some families are so busy that talking takes a back seat to hobbies and activities. For some families, it is hard just to sit down at the end of the day for a family dinner.
One creative way to foster communication within a busy family, or simply to begin sensitive conversations with your children, can be the Family Mailbox. A family mailbox can be created out of an old shoebox and placed in a high-traffic spot in your home such as a kitchen counter or the kitchen table. Children and teens who might be shy about beginning face-to-face discussions with their parents can feel less intimidated by writing a "note."
How to become better communicators is the focus of Section 8 in The Parents' Guide to The Drug Free Home. Refer to pages 26, 27, and 28 for ideas and suggestions on The Family Mailbox.
11) What are some of the common signs of drug use?
Because drugs include a wide range of products and substances, there is a corresponding range in the warning signs. Some common signs of a drug/alcohol problem include:
Unexpected or uncharacteristic changes in behavior and mood
Irritable, aggressive behavior
Loss or change of appetite
Loss of interest in regular hobbies/sports
Increase in family conflicts
Secretive behavior
Red, bloodshot eyes
Unexplained need for cash
Unusual smells or stains on clothes
Marks on arms, legs, or lips
Unusual restlessness or sleepiness
Questionable phone calls and hang-ups
Sudden, unexplained changes in friendships
(For a complete listing of drugs, including descriptions, street names, and warning signs of use/abuse, refer to pages 103-107 in The Parents' Guide to The Drug Free Home.)
12) What is the difference between drug use and drug abuse?
None. According to the Office for Substance Abuse Prevention of the Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Administration, there is NO DIFFERENCE between alcohol and drug use and abuse for youth under age 21. Alcohol and other drug use by young adults puts their physiological, intellectual, and social functioning at risk.
*In a report to the United States Congress on Alcohol and Health, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism came up with some scary figures: More than 4.6 million teenagers&emdash;one-third&emdash;of all American teens, have serious health, school, legal, or social problems that are directly related to their use of alcohol and other drugs.
(*See page 102&emdash;"Drugs Outside the Law" in The Parents' Guide to The Drug Free Home)
13) I saw my friend using drugs. What should I do?
This is one of the toughest situations you will ever find yourself in. Some friends would think it is a cop out if you "finked" on them. Other friends would be scared and could end the friendship. But you are the one who has to decide what being a "friend" means. Maybe in this situation, being a friend means having to take a difficult step. Here are some options for you to consider. You can:
Whatever you decide, this is not a problem for you alone. You are only one person and it would be extremely difficult for you to process this information all by yourself. Your parents, and older brother or sister or other family adult, a teacher or school guidance counselor, or your parish priest or rabbi, are good people to discuss this problem with.
14) How can peer pressure be a positive thing? I've heard that peer pressure can force a teen to experiment with drug use.
It's unfortunate but true; one teen can pressure another teen into trying drugs and alcohol by using verbal insults, sometimes even physical pressure. But there is a flip side to peer pressure. Positive peer pressure occurs when one teen encourages another NOT to use drugs and alcohol. Positive peer pressure works when one teen is the leader in remaining drug free and persuades others to live a drug free life.
15) What if saying No to drugs just isn't enough? Give me some ideas on how to take a tougher stand.
You're right; sometimes saying no is tough and sometimes saying no isn't enough. Here are some other suggestions to help you enforce saying No to drugs:
You can also use humor to diffuse a pressure-filled situation. For example, if someone is encouraging you to drink or use drugs, you can say that you don't use drugs cause you'll probably "barf" all over the place!
Keep your strength in numbers. Hang out with a group of friends who don't use and abuse.
Leave. If it's just too pressure-packed, leave the situation immediately. Walk away by going home, going to class, heading for another group of friends, or talking to someone else.
A complete list of suggestions for saying No with conviction are discussed in Section 15&emdash;Drug Free Power for Children&emdash;of The Parents' Guide to The Drug Free Home.
16) My husband and I both drink alcohol in our home, as well as in social situations. Are we setting a bad example for our kids?
As parents, we know that we must act as mentors and positive role models for our children. As adults, you are legally able to drink. It is illegal for anyone under age 21 to purchase or consume alcohol. So as adults, we don't have to reiterate that you have the power&emdash;and the responsibility&emdash;to drink in a responsible manner.
Think about how and when you choose to drink. Irresponsible behavior such as drinking and driving under the influence, drinking to the point of inebriation, relying on alcohol to de-stress, and/or involving your children in your drinking by asking them to pour or mix your drinks, will set a bad example for your children.
17) How can I be an informed parent?
As discussed in Section 14 of The Parents' Guide to The Drug Free Home&emdash;Drug Free Power for Parents--parents can arm themselves with information. To consider yourself well-informed against drug use you should (at a minimum):
18)What is the most commonly used drug in the United States&emdash;alcohol, cocaine, heroin, or marijuana?
According to the U.S. Department of Education, the answer is alcohol. Because it is a legal drug for adults over age 21 and is widely accepted in our culture, alcohol is the drug most often used in the United States.
A quiz for parents, prepared by the U.S. Department of Education, appears on page 84 of The Parents' Guide to The Drug Free Home.
19) I'm only 17, but between school, my friends, and a part-time job, I'm under a lot of stress. How can I cope without giving in to drugs and alcohol?
Good question. But first of all, you have to understand and believe that using drugs and alcohol isn't the way to kick the stress out of your life. Drugs and alcohol will only further complicate your life and start a new set of problems for you.
We've all had bad days, and yes, some are truly worse than others. But there are a number of positive life skills that you can learn and include in your life to bring about physical and mental well-being.
20) My husband and I both work and our three children are busy with school, friends, and activities. Our home life is sometimes chaotic. How can we find the time to make a Drug Free Home?
It is sometimes difficult to find the time, but we strongly believe that making the commitment to a drug free life begins by making your house a Drug Free Home.
Today's lifestyles are hectic and fast-paced. It sounds like yours is no exception. So if you want to create and maintain a Drug Free Home, it is up to you to get creative in finding family time together.
In Section 11 of The Parents' Guide to The Drug Free Home&emdash;"It's a Family Affair" we offer a wide range of activities for your family. Use your family's thoughts to write your own definition of "family values," give your home a sense of unity by reinventing the family dinner, or remember the laughter with a night of home movies are just some suggestions we offer.
21) My daughter Brianna is just a toddler. Is it too early to start drug education and a Drug Free Home?
In reality, it is never too early&emdash;or too late&emdash;to begin drug education. Just as your daughter has been able to learn to walk and talk, she can learn a basic foundation for the more intense drug education that will come later on. You have to be patient and teach her information that is appropriate for her age.
Help your child by setting boundaries. Toddlers are affectionately known as "the terrible twos." At this stage, your daughter might be testing a wide range of behavior, including temper tantrums when frustrated or reprimanded. It is up to you to set loving, consistent, and firm boundaries for her physical and emotional well-being. This is a job that will continue throughout your life as a parent. *Setting limits to acceptable behavior will be especially crucial during the teen years when teenagers are most likely to rebel.
Set aside time with your toddler. By sharing time with your child, you can build strong bonds of trust that will serve you well into your future together.
Take the first steps to drug-proofing your home. Move medicines to an adult-only shelf. Place laundry detergents, sprays and bleaches on a high shelf. Do the same to household cleaners and solvents that children might be curious about. (Refer to page 8 of The Parents' Guide to The Drug Free Home for more suggestions.)
Teach your child that only food can go in their mouth. Although toddlers love to learn about things by "tasting" them, this can be dangerous. Set the stage for safe behavior by telling your toddler that she can't eat anything that she might discover around the house. Toddlers as young as 18 months can understand when you say "not in your mouth!" Don't be afraid to use a firm tone of voice.
**To learn what to teach your child about drugs&emdash;from toddlers to young adults&emdash;refer to pages 44-63 in The Parents' Guide to The Drug Free Home.
22) My son has a drinking problem. Despite all our love and hard efforts, we can't manage it alone. How can we find a reputable clinician to help him?
To find the best professional for your son's needs&emdash;as well as your entire family's needs&emdash;get a consensus of opinions. Ask your pediatrician or family physician, school guidance counselor, or insurance provider for a reference. If you are privately insured, call your insurance provider and find out if there is a specific person who handles substance abuse cases.
When a teen moves from experimenting with drugs or alcohol to the next stage of use/abuse, family counseling sessions are strongly recommended. In your search for alcohol treatment options for your daughter, you must act as a sensible consumer. The more you know about treatments&emdash;what works and why it works&emdash;the better you can judge the value of the advice you are given. When you are fully informed, you can then decide the best course of treatment for your child&emdash;yourself&emdash;and your entire family.
(For more information on specific treatment options, refer to A Parent's Guide to Drug Counseling brochure in the Drug Free Home kit.)
23) Somewhere down the line, I expect that my child will ask me whether or not I used drugs. What should I say?
"Mom, did you ever smoke pot?" "Dad, when you were my age, didn't you drink a few beers with the guys?" "If you tried drugs and nothing happened to you, why can't I at least try too?"
According to experts in the field of drug and alcohol counseling, there are three ways to answer your child's big questions; A YES Answer; A NO Answer, and A NONCOMMITAL Answer. When you are asking your child to be up-front with you about his or her experiences with drugs and alcohol, it is difficult for you to offer them anything less.
Do you truly understand your child's reason for asking you this question: Is your child merely curious? Will your child use your answer as a springboard for his or her own actions? Will your child use your answer to justify his or her current behavior with drugs and alcohol?
As a general rule of thought, the experts seem to advocate a Noncommittal answer. Instead of telling a child an outright lie (which will only undermine a positive parent/child relationship) many parents will opt to table this question until they are certain that their child will fully comprehend their answer. Each parent/child relationship is individual and each situation is different. While we can't advocate one answer over another; but we do hope that the bottom line of your communication plan be based on honesty.
(For a full discussion on How to Answer and What to Say, refer to pages 30 - 43 in The Parents' Guide to The Drug Free Home.)
24) How can I be a better communicator?
No matter what style of communicator you are&emdash;direct, subtle, aggressive, confrontational&emdash;your communication plan should always be based on honesty. William Shakespeare said it quite succinctly: "No legacy is so rich as honesty." And we happen to agree.
The Parents' Guide to The Drug Free Home includes a well-balanced section on Tips for Positive Family Communication&emdash;*We call it "How to Put Your Best Parenting Foot Forward…and Not Have It Land In Your Mouth!" Some basic communication techniques for making the most of your words include:
*Refer to Section 9 of The Parents' Guide to The Drug Free Home.
25) What the factors that could lead to drug abuse?
There are a range of factors and situations that could lead to drug use. Here are a few:
26) What, exactly, is The Drug Free Home?
The Drug Free Home (DFH) was designed by a team of educators, medical professionals, and parents to help your family combat the war on drugs by winning the initial battle in your own home. The Drug Free Home is not a preachy approach to educating families about drug and alcohol abuse&emdash;but a practical one. The Drug Free Home incorporates a thorough education plan about drug use and merges it with strong communication techniques and a solid grounding in values and moral behavior.