Alcohol Prevention

by coyenator

Integrated Community Approach to Addictions


Image by City of Edmonton
An updated resource toolkit with helpful tips on talking to young people about drugs and alcohol is now available in twelve languages.

“This resource provides useful information for parents, caregivers, and adults that work with youth so they can intervene early and prevent the long-term devastating effects of alcohol and drug abuse,” said Edmonton Mayor Stephen Mandel. “I encourage every parent to become familiar with this resource because even if we can prevent even one of our young people from choosing a life of substance abuse, the benefits to the community are significant.”

The toolkit was developed with the input of front-line community and youth workers as well as parents and includes:

- Information sheets with pictures of what drugs look like, their street names and effects

- Handouts full with suggestions on what to do if you find drugs, how to initiate conversations with youth and links to further resources and supports

Read city blogger Holly Miller’s post on the toolkit here

More info on the Drug and Alcohol Parent Resource Toolkit can be found on the main City webiste here

1,440 teens die each year from overuse and addiction of drugs and alcohol.  3,000 teens die every year from driving under the influence of drugs of alcohol. That is over 4,000 teen deaths combined that could have been avoided.

Prevention/Solution

You can prevent your child from becoming another sad story in your local newspaper. Communication plays a big role in parent and teen lives. Parents are able to prevent deaths in their teenagers by keeping them drug free.

Identification

Identify how many deaths could have been avoided when drugs and alcohol come into play. Make sure your child is well aware of what could have been prevented. Comb through articles with your child and point out various deaths pertaining to this terrible addiction.

Considerations

If you suspect your child is using drugs or alcohol, talk to him about it. If he becomes defensive during the talk, try to investigate the facts. Consider searching through your child’s backpack or room if you suspect any drug or alcohol play.

Misconceptions

Many teens believe that if they try drugs just one time they are able to quit. This is a major misconception that is thought out by teens. Many teens who have witnessed death of friends related to alcohol use want to quit, but they find it almost impossible to do so.

Warning

Drugs and alcohol can cause slurred speech, blurred vision, inability to walk straight, slowed reaction, mental confusion, blackouts, memory problems, liver disease and even death. It is important to live your life to the fullest and stay away from drugs and alcohol.

More Alcohol Prevention Articles