FACE is a national non-profit organization that supports sensible alcohol policies and practices through the development of messages, strategies and training designed to create public awareness and action on alcohol issues. FACE envisions a nation where public policy, community organizations and individuals come together to reduce the negative effects of underage drinking and the misuse and abuse of alcohol by adults.
What You can Do
I. ASSESS THE PROBLEM
The 'Parents: The Anti-Drug' website has a questionnaire you can complete to get a sense of your child's involvement with alcohol and/or drugs. It's called "How Well Do You Know Your Teenager?" and includes items about behaviors (change in friends, secretiveness, lying, school or legal problems) and paraphernalia/cover-up products such as pipes, eye drops and mouthwash.
II. TALK WITH YOUR CHILDREN ABOUT ALCOHOL AND DRUGS
Here are some suggested things to keep in mind when you talk to your child:
- Tell your son or daughter that you LOVE him/her, and you are worried that he/she might be using drugs or alcohol;
- You KNOW that drugs may seem like the thing to do, but doing drugs can have serious consequences;
- It makes you FEEL worried and concerned about them when they do drugs;
- You are there to LISTEN to them;
- You WANT them to be a part of the solution;
- You tell him or her what you WILL do to help them.
- KNOW that you will have this discussion many, many times. Talking to your kid about drugs and alcohol is not a one-time event.
What to Watch For: Signs and symptoms, drug paraphernalia, code words used by teens
The National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) has a set of "lessons" that parents and teachers can use at home or in the classroom to explain the science behind drug abuse. The most general of these - The Brain and Addiction - discusses how the brain normally functions, how drugs interfere, and how addiction is a brain disease.
Communicate effectively with your children about the dangers of drugs
“Courage To Speak Foundation ” Founder Launches New Book Aimed at Parents and Children with Information to Prevent Drug Use Among Young People
SUNNY’S STORY RELEASED
‘Sunny’s Story” Released at the Courage To Speak
Family Night March 6, 2007 at West Rocks Middle School
(Norwalk, CT) Sunny's Story is a compelling story for children, teenagers, parents, grandparents, and teachers written by Norwalk resident, Virginia “Ginger” Katz. Sunny’s Story tells of joyful times and sad times, and of how a dog’s best friend was needlessly lost. It is narrated through the eyes, ears and mind of Sunny, the family beagle. It is the ups and downs of life with his young master, beginning with their meeting at an animal shelter, and ending with a futile effort to ward off disaster.
Ginger Katz has brought new life to her message of empowering youth to be drug free. The family dog and narrator, Sunny, is a keen and intelligent observer of damage done by alcohol and other drug use to his master, Ian. He tells a heart warming, but tragic story that will make readers, young and old, think twice about choices being made every day. The book is for both young and old and the story of love, compassion, caring and understanding is universal.
Ginger has transformed a personal tragedy into a beacon of hope. Parents and their children need to talk openly and honestly about all of life’s challenges, but particularly about the dangers of alcohol and other drug use. Communication between them must be clear and consistent. The Courage to Speak Foundation has told the story of how to save young lives in over 800 presentations given across the country to hundreds of thousands of people across the country.
Dr. Deborah Prothrow-Stith, Professor of Practice and Associate Dean, Harvard School of Public Health, commented on the Sunny’s Story: “This book is an important and unique addition to the list of preventive tools so necessary for children in today’s world. Sunny’s Story masterfully opens a dialogue and introduces complex issues to a young audience. Teachers, parents and children will benefit from the dialogue.”
Robert. B. Charles, former Assistant Secretary of State, under Colin Powell, for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement, said: "Through the voice of the family dog and in a tender and thoughtful way, Sunny's Story brings to light one of the most challenging issues facing children, parents and educators today.”
David Hay, Brookside Elementary School Principal, said: “Educators and parents need to be as strong in voice as Sunny is in the story. This story has to be told and it will save lives."
Dr. Lynn Moore, West Rocks Middle School Principal, added: “The book about Sunny will be an asset to our language arts and health curriculum. It will be required reading for my school.”
Calvina Fay, Executive Director of Drug Free America Foundation, Inc., said: "Sunny's Story begins as any child's storybook. Tragically, its ending reflects real life as it is experienced by far too many families. It's unique approach in helping children consider the consequences of their actions and impacts upon their families is very powerful. Sunny's Story would be a valuable read for all youngsters and their parents!"
Kileen Doyle, grandmother of three grandchildren, said: “I've decided to give Sunny’s Story as a special gift to my grandchildren and all of my friend's children.”
Pat Vigilo, Ponus Ridge Middle School Health Class Teacher comments on the Sunny’s Story: “A heartfelt story on how one’s decisions effects family and relationships”
Salvatore J. Corda, Ph.D Superintendent of Schools, Norwalk Public Schools said: "Ian's story, told through the eyes of his dog, Sunny, will help children understand how even "good kids" can fall prey to the lure of drugs. Ian's tragically lost life is still doing good by the commitment of his parents to help young people and their parents understand that the danger never stops and having the courage to face the hard issues is the only way to keep our children safe."
For more information on purchasing Sunny’s Story, visit the website The Courage to Speak Foundation www.couragetospeak.org and call 1-877-432-3295 or e-mail gkcourage@aol.com
III. BE AN ADVOCATE FOR CHANGE
NATIONALLY: FACE is a national non-profit organization that supports sensible alcohol policies and practices through the development of messages, strategies and training designed to create public awareness and action on alcohol issues. FACE envisions a nation where public policy, community organizations and individuals come together to reduce the negative effects of underage drinking and the misuse and abuse of alcohol by adults.
STATEWIDE: Connecticut Communities for Drug-Free Youth is a non-profit statewide alliance of task forces, parent groups, agencies, and concerned individuals. CCDFY believes in the value of healthy choices and proactive support for prevention within families and communities. CCDFY offers a lending library and networking for prevention, and it provides referrals for treatment. In particular, CCDFY parenting guides offer helpful and informative resources for parents on a variety of topics and issues.
LOCALLY: The Connecticut Prevention Network (CPN) is a network of the state's 14 community partnership Regional Action Councils (RACs) that work to provide communities with education, training, and advocacy for substance abuse prevention. Recognizing that alcohol and other drug abuse leads to a host of other social problems like violence, teen pregnancy, drunk driving, sexually transmitted diseases, HIV/AIDS infection and suicide, the RAC's promote broad based prevention programming that addresses all of these issues. Becuase RACs are led by local educators, PARENTS, business persons, social service providers, law enforcement officials, clergy, government leaders, and youth, these organizations are responsive, focused, and tailored to meet the local community specific needs. Get involved in your area RAC!
IV. BE AN INFORMED CONSUMER
Question Your Child's Substance Abuse Treatment Provider
1. What type of treatment will be provided? Is it an evidence-based practice? Ask for materials that describe your child's treatment and its "track record" of effectiveness. Use the glossary available on this site for any terms with which you may not be familiar.
2. How is my child being assessed to determine the level of care he/she needs both initially and in an ongoing manner? Ask whether a standardized assessment (such as the Global Appraisal of Individual Needs) is used at the agency and how often your child's information will be updated.
3.What are the overall resources for youth available through the provider? What are the types of referrals to other agencies that are commonly done for youth in treatment or following treatment? What other agencies do they actively collaborate with locally and statewide? How will the agency help your child transition to a successful post-treatment stage?
4. What types of information may be shared with you/your family? Confidentiality is necessary for your child to trust the treatment provider and share all information so that the provider can assist in their recovery.