Teen Drug and Alcohol Use

Underage drinking and illegal drug use can be very dangerous but many of the effects and unhealthy patterns can be reversed if dealt with early. Dr. Randy Cale of Clifton Park recommends that parents be straight forward with their children. Dr. Cale says if there is suspicion of drug or alcohol use the child needs to be held accountable for their actions. Immediate action such as restricting resources, changing patterns and instruction on making better choices needs to be taken to prevent the issues from growing, says Dr. Cale.

According to a 2005 Drug Statistics survey, in the United States every 30 minutes someone is killed in an alcohol related traffic accident -amounting to 50 percent of all driving fatalities. Over 15 million Americans are dependent on alcohol, 500,000 of which are between the age of nine and twelve. That survey says marijuana alone is the second most common drug, after alcohol. Among teens 12 to 17, the average age of first trying marijuana was 14 years old and by the tenth grade 21 percent of students have become “users.”

How to Recognize if your Children are Using Drugs and Alcohol:

-Cutting or missing class, along with a drop in grades

-Behavior problems in school

-Losing interest in activities the child once enjoyed

-Dropping old friends and a sudden influence of a new crowd

-Personality changes -- a child who was once outgoing is now withdrawn, or someone who is usually relaxed is now fidgety

-Sudden mood changes

-Appearing listless or hung over, with red eyes, hazy complexion, slowed reaction time

-Increased forgetfulness

-Increased secretiveness

-Withdrawal from the family and/or family activities

-More combativeness at home

-Sudden weight loss or drastic change in eating habits

-Loss of sleep along with fatigue or hyperactivity

*If you still have suspicion of substance abuse Dr. Cale recommends that parents complete either a home drug test kits can be purchased in the pharmaceutical isle or take a hair sample and have it tested.

Here are some helpful links and the numbers of local assistance organizations:

Dr. Randy Cale: www.terrificparenting.com 1-800-743-2134 or 518-383-0600.

Drug Treatment 24 Hour Helpline (518) 446-1971

Capital District Psychiatric Center (Drugs) (518) 447-9611

Parents the Anti-Drug:

The Partnership for a Drug Free America:

NYS Alcohol Free Children Agency/Programs